I have a question regarding new rules which will be in place from 2012.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... s/sop4.pdf
At Page 16 of this document (I gave link) it says:
"Students undertaking a PhD will not be subject
to the time limit, but if they have eight or more
years leave as a student or in Tier 4 (General) on
completion of their PhD they will not be able to
apply for further leave in Tier 4 (General).
Students who have already eight or more years leave
as a student or in Tier 4 (General) from April 2012
will be able to complete their course, but not apply
for further leave in Tier 4 (General) when
that expires."
My question - the person studied 1 year on short courses, 3 years on BA, 2 years on MA. This is 6 years in total. He wants to apply from UK to study PHD in summer 2012 to start course in September 2012. (Now in UK on Post-Study). It looks like there should be no problems applying from inside UK. But my concern is if I understand it correctly. I am worried that Home Office may decide that application is not valid because overall time on student visa including this new PHD course would be more than 8 year. Or if I miss anything else.
So, to summarise, my question is: Will it be no problem to apply for PHD from inside the UK in summer 2012 in this particular case?
Thank you very much!
