Is it mandatory to be in UK for Tier 1 visa extension?

[prakashm]

Hi,

My Tier 1 visa is expiring in Jan 15 2012. I went to UK twice for short visits of 2-3 weeks, did get couple of offers but not to my liking. Hence, was not keen to relocate at that time.

Now, I am in Hongkong in a contract position. I will have enough points by Oct 2011 to qualify for a Tier 1 visa extension.

Earnings - 45
Qualification - 30
UK earnings - 0 (will this be a concern??)
Maintenance Funds - 10
English Language - 10

So, I do have the points required for extension.

However, unfortunately I am not in UK right now. If I resign from HongKong firm and go to UK in Oct 2011 (possibly without an offer) before my visa expiry and plan for extension, will I have any problems at the immigration?

Will my extension be approved considering the fact that I didnt have any UK experience and I didnt work in UK?

Regards,
Prakash M

[geriatrix]

Is it mandatory to be in UK for Tier 1 visa extension?

Yes.

[prakashm]

Hi,

Can you please answer the following questions as well? I will definitely be in UK 2-3 months before the extension.

However, unfortunately I am not in UK right now. If I resign from HongKong firm and go to UK in Oct 2011 (possibly without an offer) before my visa expiry and plan for extension, will I have any problems at the immigration?

Will my extension be approved considering the fact that I didnt have any UK experience and I didnt work in UK?

Regards,
Prakash

[vinny]

Eligibility

[rizwan567]

My two cents:

Keep working in Hong Kong if you want to continue your career there.
Take 1-3 months holiday from your job in Honk Kong at the time of your HSMP visa renewal.
Make in person application at UKBA as soon as you land back
You should get the visa extension without much problem. Then you can decide wheter to live in UK or go back to HK

Regards

[prakashm]

Thanks a lot, Rizwan. You really hit the bull's eye in terms of answering my query.

[aliq09]

Thanks a lot, Rizwan. You really hit the bull's eye in terms of answering my query.

Hi ,

Well! , IMO dont take it as easy as mentioned by one of my friend and there must be some difference in people paying 20% VAT and huge taxes and you living out side. UKBA has set out rules and you have to meet them in getting extension .

Good luck!

[prakashm]

Ali, Your point is well taken. However, as long as I intend to move to UK permanently and also have the required points for extension, will there be any chances for rejection just on the grounds that I didnt have any UK experience?

To be honest, due to recession and various other factors, I was not able to secure a good offer in UK and it was too risky to just resign and move to UK.

My plan is to leave for UK in Sep or Oct this year when I have enough points to qualify and then apply in person for the extension.

I had couple of queries here for the experts in this forum:

1. Can I apply before the actual expiry date (which is Jan 2012)? So, if I apply in Nov 2011 for an extension, will they ask me to wait till Jan or go ahead with the process?

2. Also, If I apply in person, how much time does it take for the approval and getting my passport back with the visa stamped? Is there any premium processing that can be done by paying some additional fees?

Thanks for your help in advance. Your advice would help me in taking an informed decision.

Regards,
Prakash

[abusidd]

1. Can I apply before the actual expiry date (which is Jan 2012)? So, if I apply in Nov 2011 for an extension, will they ask me to wait till Jan or go ahead with the process?

YES . You can apply prior to 3 months from ur extension date so you are eligible to apply from November 2011.

2. Also, If I apply in person, how much time does it take for the approval and getting my passport back with the visa stamped? Is there any premium processing that can be done by paying some additional fees?

I think the decision will be made in less than 2 hours and to get the passport back it will take atleast a week. I don't think they have a premium processing policy