I know a leading academic in my field who does that. One time he was invited by a well-known industry (from EU) for possible collaboration. The firm foolishly trusted him and gave him full access to their "secret plans". Collaboration talks reached advanced stages, but the man chickened out at the last minute. He then used the ideas stolen from this industry and sold them to a rival Asia-based industry. Up to now I just can't understand why someone of his standing, who has won multiple awards would sink so low to involve himself in cheap unprofessional conduct.

The Prof must take things serious because relocating requires massive commitment and adequate preparations especially for you with a family. She is taking you as if you are a citizen of EU, who'd just pack the bags the same day they get the job offer. Tier 2 visa process takes a bit of time because the university has to issue you with the "sponsor certificate" which you will need to apply for your visa. She must also bear in mind that you need ample time to mobilise enough funds for visa fees which are quite astronomical. For instance, for a family of 4, applying for a 3-year Tier 2 visa, we are talking about at least £4500 in visa fees including NHS (medical) surcharge.

Imperial is a top university. Personally, overall ranking and reputation of the university is secondary especially at PhD level. I value the reputation of individual research groups.

I'd certainly take up the postdoc for now. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Take it up, see how it goes after 12 months, besides, the postdoc experience will enhance your CV

I do have two supervisors, but I only work with the first supervisor. My second supervisor has no input whatsoever in my research. I have never sat down with him to discuss my PhD but nonetheless, I am quite happy with my 1st supervisor. I take it that's the arrangement that works well for both of them since they're friends.

From my experience, an MSc grade is never an essential requirement, but a desirable requirement. The essential requirement is a good undergraduate degree. Your offer will not be withdrawn based on your MSc grade. The only scenario where it may be withdrawn is, when you fail. Don't even lose sleep over the grade. Remember to update us on your progress, as this may be of great help in future to others that may encounter similar scenarios.

My take on this:
Most likely you will be given a conditional offer. Reasons being you indicated that you were pursuing an MSc. Let's say, 3 of you were shortlisted for the award, if the other two competitors just had bachelor's degree, and assuming you matched each other in other factors, you may have edged them out because of the MSc you're pursuing. In short, if your current status as MSc research student played a part in your award, then it's a conditional offer.

At my university where I'm doing a PhD (full time), I have interacted with colleagues who are doing part-time PhD studies. The regulations at my university is 3 years for full-time and 5-6 years for part-time. I would encourage you to pick up a PhD handbook from your prospective university where such vital information is clearly spelt.

Congratulations Tulip!

Not really a movie enthusiast, but was forced to go to a cinema due to the hype. This is the first episode I have watched and I enjoyed every second if it.

Your situation is quite is quite tricky and I can understand why the university has declined to offer you the CAS number. This is because Madam Theresa May had formulated very strict migration rules. Universities have been urged to be on the look out because in recent past there have been some rogue students who upon getting Tier 4 visa, would go underground and never report for classes. Universities that breach such regulations (by not monitoring their students) have had their sponsorship certificates revoked, i.e they cease to enrol international students. Having two Visa applications of different categories running simultaneously would trigger alarm bells. My take is that even if the university offers you the CAS, you're unlikely to be given the Tier 4 visa by the UKBA once they check your application history. My suggestion is that, it would have been better to see out the Tier 1 appeal process to its logical conclusion before attempting to apply for another visa category. Should you be given CAS by your university and attempt to apply for Tier 4 visa right now, while the Tier 1 appeal is pending, you will jeopardise your Tier 1 appeal process. If you succeed with your Tier 1 visa appeal, you can still enrol for PhD with that visa category. I know a number of people on Tier 1 who are doing part-time PhD studies. But you can still give it a try and engage with staff from your university, but I reckon they're on Christmas break until 4th January 2016

Why do you need to reset the password? As far as I know your ATAS certificate will be sent to the email you used during application. If you have already submitted the application, you just have to wait for a minimum of 10 working days. If you were still filling-in the application and you had not submitted, I advise you just start a new application. ATAS website is NOT user-friendly. They don't even respond to e-mails.

@TreeofLife
ATAS stands for Academic Technology Approval Scheme; it's like a vetting system done by the UK Foreign Office on international students (Non-EU) who wish to pursue science/technology research courses in the UK. The idea behind is to prevent people with questionable backgrounds from pursuing courses and use knowledge gained in UK to commit terrorist activities. For instance if you're from North Korea, you won't be allowed to pursue Nuclear Engineering or related course in the UK. Without an ATAS certificate, you can't apply for student visa as it is a key requirement for many STEM research courses. Those coming to study social science courses are exempt from ATAS

I am an International student (non-EU) and I have done some work in the past as tutor/lab demonstrator. I don't have an NI number but the university has been paying for the work. I guess it all depends on the university and nationality of the PhD student.