Immigrationboards.com

Hi,

I have a Tier I visa valid up to Dec 2012, but I don't currently live in UK. I am a student in the US. I want to visit UK during the Christmas holidays. Can I use my Tier I visa for this visit or do I need to get a tourist visa?

thanks!

You should really get a visit visa if you only intend to visit, but can enter on your Tier 1 if you can keep a straight face on arrival and say that are there (in the UK) to investigate work opportunities. This way you won't have to cancel your Tier 1 (which is now closed and would therefore be irreplaceable) in the event that you actually decide that you want to use it for the original intended purpose sometime in the future.

An example of what can happen. Not suggesting that it will ... but just that it can and you should be aware of the risk.