I am looking into switching from my current PhD Tier 4 Student visa to a Tier 2 Dependant visa. My wife (who was previously my Tier 4 Dependant), has just had her Tier 2 visa approved. The reason for switching is mainly to avoid the need to extend my current Tier 4 visa (I am still awaiting my thesis examination/defense date) and to make it easier for me to find a job.
My main concern is regarding the ATAS clearance. The Tier 2 Dependant guidance (link) mentions that I need ATAS clearance if I want to start studying, but does not mention my specific situation, i.e. Being already in the program but switching immigration category. I also understand that my current ATAS clearance covers the period of study + 3 months. So the main question is, do I need to seek a new ATAS clearance before applying for the Tier 2 Dependant visa? If not, do I need to apply for new ATAS clearance anytime in the future if my thesis examination/defense is going to be on or after April 2020?
Some key dates:
- My current Tier 4 visa expires 30-April-2020.
- My current course end date was on the 31-December-2019.
- I have handed in my PhD thesis and I am still awaiting my thesis examination date. The soonest it might be is at some point in April 2020. This means that my course end date might need to be modified.
- I am looking into applying for the Tier 2 Dependant visa as soon as possible.
PS. For some reason my University is not willing to provide advice on this issue. They just told me to "hire a lawyer". I would have thought that they should still need to provide guidance regarding ATAS compliance. This is why I am asking about this here.