Tier 4 biometric information in the UK?

[PatrickMMC]

As an American PhD student in the UK for the past seven years who is losing LTR(M) due to the ending of a relationship, I'm curious for advice on the following:

1) Is it possible to switch from a soon to be curtailed LTR(M) to a Tier 4 visa from within the UK (or is it only possible to apply from outside the UK)?

2) Must my LTR(M) and Tier 4 visa application overlap without any gaps to later qualify for the 10-year LTR route, or would a month or two outside the UK between LTR and Tier 4 not invalidate a future 10 year LTR application?

With my thanks for any advice!

[CR001]

1. Outside the UK if you can get a CAS from a university. Only certain visas can switch within the UK, FLR(M) is not one of them. https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/ ... -this-visa

2. No they do not need to overlap. You do however need to leave the UK with a valid visa and return within 180 days on another visa for your continuous residence to remain intact.

[PatrickMMC]

Thank you for the guidance.

One further question: If switching from LTR (M) to a Tier 4, are both full time and the newer part time Tier 4 visas adequate for continuing towards the 10-year ILR?

Appreciating your help!

[CR001]

All visas count for ilr based on long residence, even visitor visas.

[PatrickMMC]

Currently residing in the UK on LTR but switching to Tier 4 this spring, is it possible to collect biometric data for my visa application while in the UK prior to submitting my Tier 4 application from the USA next month? (I don't live near an application support centre in the US.)

Thanks for any insights..

[CR001]

Currently residing in the UK on LTR but switching to Tier 4 this spring, is it possible to collect biometric data for my visa application while in the UK prior to submitting my Tier 4 application from the USA next month? (I don't live near an application support centre in the US.)

Thanks for any insights..

No, you need to apply and do biometrics from the USA. You can only enrol biometrics after you have applied and submitted online.