[USER=2672]@Jessica Booker[/USER] Many thanks for the response! This was really helpful.
Do you happen to know any resources I could refer Grad Rec to when explaining the specific change in visa rules that now allows for a gap between visas? I was asked to research this and I will probably have to provide evidence if I'd like to make the case that Option 1 is possible.
I found a guide to the new Skilled Worker visa requirements here (https://www.davidsonmorris.com/student-to-skilled-worker-visa/). Are these the changes that you were referring to?
"In some cases, if the applicant’s period of leave is due to expire and there is little time to make a compelling application, it may require the individual to return to their home country to avoid overstaying, to allow time for the application to be built. Restrictions that previously applied to the Tier 2 visa have been removed under the new Skilled Worker route, meaning it is possible to apply for the Skilled Worker visa from overseas after a period of leave as a student. The applicant may also still qualify as a new entrant.
New entrants who are under 26 years of age when applying, or if applying in their home country and their last UK permission was a Tier 4 or Student visa issued for a degree, PGCE or PGDip, and are applying less than 2 years after their last visa expired."
Under Option 1, I was thinking of spending the 5 - 6 months before the start of my TC working outside of the UK, so the concern is whether I would be able to make the Skilled Worker visa application overseas. Thank you so much for your help, this really means a lot to me.
