3 replies to this topic

[dchanturia]

Hello,

I am a final year law student in Edinburgh on Tier 4 visa. I would like to convert English law, which means that I need to extend the visa and undertake a course in England - Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). Strictly speaking, GDL is not a progression as it is not a higher-level course. However, I do need GDL to actually progress onto the Legal Practice Course (LPC) the following year. I will be applying in the summer and I am worried about the progression issue.

The fact is that there are students on Tier 4 who are doing GDL, which means that this progression hurdle is surmountable. Also, the guidance meantions that "an example of academic progress would be where a student...will study at the same academic level that complements or enhances previous study at the same level" - and probably the GDL situation falls within this category.


HOWEVER, while students usually go on to do the GDL having obtained a degree another discipline, I will be a law graduate applying for a law course at the same level. One way I could support my case of academic progression is to include a letter that this Scots law degree is not a qualifying law degree in England.
Presumably, this will be also provided as an explanation by the sponsor as to why they believe this course constitutes an progression.

But as ultimately the decision lies with the UKBA, do you think this explanation will be adequate and sufficient for whoever reviews the application?
What else could I do to increase my chances of getting the visa?


Thank you in advance, I appreciate your help.

[Andrew_]

You are over-thinking this.  Your sponsor simply confirms in your CAS that the new course shows Academic Progression on your previous studies.

Andrew_, on 03 November 2012 - 07:40 PM, said:

You are over-thinking this.  Your sponsor ascertains whether the new course shows Academic Progression on your previous studies, and confirms this in your CAS.  That is all.

[dchanturia]

Thanks Andrew.

So you are saying that as long as the sponsor provides CAS, I tick the box for the academic progression criteria - right?

[Victoria]

It is a good idea for the sponsor to explain why they think this is progress.