Switch to Tier-1 from HSMP

[uckocak]

Hi,

My situation is summarized below.

First entry to UK, work permit, April 2006
Switch to HSMP, July 2007
HSMP to expire, July 2009.

I have 3 questions;

1-) After they've changed the name of HSMP to Tier1, Is my visa named as Tier1 now? Or did I have to apply for "switch to Tier1" even my visa hasn't expired yet?

2-) Since the rules going to change at 1st of April, they're going to look for MSc degree on first applicants to Tier 1. Is this going to affect me, or will I be able to safely apply for extension in July 2009? I have BSc btw.

3-) Do you think it is wise to apply for switch to Tier-1 till 1st of April before they change the rules?

Sorry if this was asked and answered before, I'm a new member and couldn't find a straightforward answer to this neither in official government website or in this forum.

Kind regards, Utkan

[nksg]

Please find the answers below..

1-) After they've changed the name of HSMP to Tier1, Is my visa named as Tier1 now? Or did I have to apply for "switch to Tier1" even my visa hasn't expired yet?

You can wait untill your current ltr expiry.

2-) Since the rules going to change at 1st of April, they're going to look for MSc degree on first applicants to Tier 1. Is this going to affect me, or will I be able to safely apply for extension in July 2009? I have BSc btw.

No.. New rules does not affect t&c of existing t1 or HSMP extns (please browse through the forum for more details).

3-) Do you think it is wise to apply for switch to Tier-1 till 1st of April before they change the rules?

No. (but again up to you...)

Sorry if this was asked and answered before, I'm a new member and couldn't find a straightforward answer to this neither in official government website or in this forum.

[T_mahmood]

Hi,

My situation is summarized below.

First entry to UK, work permit, April 2006
Switch to HSMP, July 2007
HSMP to expire, July 2009.

I have 3 questions;

1-) After they've changed the name of HSMP to Tier1, Is my visa named as Tier1 now? Or did I have to apply for "switch to Tier1" even my visa hasn't expired yet?

its basically Extention not swtiching.....(though technically might be)


2-) Since the rules going to change at 1st of April, they're going to look for MSc degree on first applicants to Tier 1. Is this going to affect me, or will I be able to safely apply for extension in July 2009? I have BSc btw.

You are not affected by the new rules, if you already on HSMP.


3-) Do you think it is wise to apply for switch to Tier-1 till 1st of April before they change the rules?

You can apply in April...but you must apply before your visa expires.


Sorry if this was asked and answered before, I'm a new member and couldn't find a straightforward answer to this neither in official government website or in this forum.

Kind regards, Utkan

[uckocak]

Thanks a lot nksg and mahmood.
Great forum, very quick reply.
Total respect...