Switching from Short Term Student Visa to Tier 4

[Qpcubixn1092]

Hi! I’m an American student and I’ll be studying at a UK university for the upcoming fall semester and since this is less than 6 months I’ll be coming over with a Short Term Student Visa. My initial plan was just Fall Semester but now I’m thinking if I like it enough I may apply for spring semester as well. I know you can not apply to extend a short term visa or apply for a new one while in the UK. But could I go home during Christmas break and expedite a tier 4 visa application to come back in the Spring if I get approval from the UK university before that break and get a CAS number, etc.? Or would I immediately be rejected for trying to apply for a tier 4 visa?

[sah10406]

But could I go home during Christmas break and expedite a tier 4 visa application to come back in the Spring if I get approval from the UK university before that break and get a CAS number, etc.?

Yes, although it would need to be a very quick turnaround on the US side. In theory you could also re-enter as a Short Term Student, but that could be tricky. I advise asking the international student adviser at your UK university about this.

Or would I immediately be rejected for trying to apply for a tier 4 visa?

Rejected? What is your concern exactly?

[Qpcubixn1092]

But could I go home during Christmas break and expedite a tier 4 visa application to come back in the Spring if I get approval from the UK university before that break and get a CAS number, etc.?

Yes, although it would need to be a very quick turnaround on the US side. In theory you could also re-enter as a Short Term Student, but that could be tricky. I advise asking the international student adviser at your UK university about this.

Or would I immediately be rejected for trying to apply for a tier 4 visa?

Rejected? What is your concern exactly?

My concern is that would they find it fishy that I went on a short term student visa. And then tried coming back on a tier 4 visa? Or would it not matter?

[sah10406]

My concern is that would they find it fishy that I went on a short term student visa. And then tried coming back on a tier 4 visa? Or would it not matter?

It would not matter.