Can you qualify as a worker while studying?

[mpdimitrova]

Hi all,

I am in the process of applying for PR and need some advice.

I am an EU national and arrived in the UK in 2009 to study at university. I had no CSI, so applying for PR as a student is not an option.

However, I have been in employment since 2011. First, I did a "placement year" - a year working full-time, which was a required part of my university course. Then, during my final year at university, I worked part-time (14.5 hours a week). During both of those years, the income from my jobs was my main income and I hardly had any additional support. Based on this, I am applying for PR as a worker.

However, there is a section in the online PR form asking "Were you a student or self-sufficient person?" Upon answering with a "yes", I am required to provide information on CSI and evidence of being self-sufficient (bank statements, etc.). Is there a way to avoid this? Can I explain in my cover letter that I am applying as a worker, even though I was both a worker and a student at the same time?

(Over the past 3 1/2 years I have been out of education and working full time, so no issues there)

Thank you in advance for your help!

Margarita