Arriving to the UK with 2 Visas (Visitor+Tier 2)

[awni]

I couldn't find a definitive answer to this

I have just received my Tier 2 visa today, and it starts on 16/7/2017. But I also have a General Visitor visa which is valid till 23/7/2017, and the sticker is still on the passport as it is.

Now the question is, my sister's graduation is on 10/7/2017 in the UK and I must attend, will I be able to enter on the visitor visa? and do I need to leave the UK and enter again to activate tier 2 visa? if yes for how long?

The job starts 2/8/2017.

Thanks in advance

[Wanderer]

The latter trumps the former......

[awni]

The latter trumps the former......

May I ask what is your source, thanks.

[CR001]

You cannot hold two visas simultaneously as far as I am aware.

If your visit visa is still valid and you do enter on it, you will have to leave the UK and re-enter on your tier 2 general visa for it to be activated.

You do risk being turned away from the UK by arriving before your tier 2 general is valid from.

[Casa]

My understanding is that an existing visitor visa will be automatically cancelled on the system by the issuing overseas post, when the Tier 2 visa is granted.

[awni]

My understanding is that an existing visitor visa will be automatically cancelled on the system by the issuing overseas post, when the Tier 2 visa is granted.

Thank you, but could you please give me your source?

[Casa]

My understanding is that an existing visitor visa will be automatically cancelled on the system by the issuing overseas post, when the Tier 2 visa is granted.

Thank you, but could you please give me your source?

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... itor-rules
Change of circumstances
V 9.2 Where there has been such a change in the circumstances of the case since the visit visa or leave to enter or remain was granted that the basis of the visitor’s claim to admission or stay has been removed and the visa or leave should be cancelled.
V 9.3 Where the visitor holds a visit visa and their purpose in arriving in the United Kingdom is different from the purpose specified in the visit visa.

The system will flag up for the IO at Border Control that you also hold a Tier 2 visa and are shortly due to take up employment.

[Wanderer]

The latter trumps the former......

May I ask what is your source, thanks.

HP or Daddies, I like them both.

[awni]

**UPDATE**

I have safely arrived at the UK and entered using my Visitor visa while my T2 visa did not start yet. I have checked with UK embassy before doing this, and at the border control I have told the officer that I'm entering now as a visitor only to see my family (which is why I came before my work visa started), the officer was kind and told me that it is obvious since my T2 visa didn't start yet but I need to re enter the country on my T2 visa to be activated and collect my BRP after.

[SAFeire]

Thank you for the update, this is very useful info.

[a1s2s3]

Hello awni, could you please give me some information about who you contacted in UK embassy regarding this? I am in a similar situation as you, only I have a current Tier 5 visa and BRP valid till september and have got a tier 2 vignette valid from 25/07/2017 and I need to travel to UK on 18/07/2017 for my own graduation. I tried calling the helpline for UK Immigration, but didnt get any useful info there.

Thanks!