Changes to Tier One: Am I Screwed?

Hello.

I am a postgraduate student in the UK literally one day away from finishing a certificate program. I have just read the published changes to the post-study work visa and see that only holders of a diploma/certificate in education will be eligible to switch after April 1.

To make a long story short, I'm not doing a certificate in education and want to be considered under the rules as they currently stand. Based on the work I have done so far, I know I will pass the course and I know I will get my certificate during the first week of April. I can get a letter from my department head saying all this.

If I send in my application now, with all required materials except the actual certificate, will the Home Office consider my application received AND wait for my certificate before making a decision? Or will they take my money, deny the the visa because of my incomplete application, and leave me up sh*t creek?

Thank you.

They will refuse you if you don't qualify at the time of application.

Vicky

You don't have to wait for your certificate. See here for what you can send instead if you want to apply before you graduate. In-country applications must be sent complete or they will just take your payment and reject you; you can't send more documents later.

Thank you, Superl99.

I applied for the predecessor of PSW with that original letter from my university that superl99 linked to (didn't get my actual certificate till months later)...the crucial bit is that you have to have been awarded your qualification when you apply.  If your results won't be confirmed before the end of March, then it looks like you'd be out of luck.

There is a big difference between not having finished the programme and having finished but just not having the certificate.

Vicky

I was under the assumption that the original certificate was an absolutely essential part of the application, but if it isn't I may be ok. Like I said, I will be completely finished with all coursework as of tomorrow. The first week of April is just the soonest the certificate can be printed. I'll have to find out when the results are actually finalized. Thanks all.