Not 100% sure so type rated people, help us out
If you have the type rating before your ir expires, then i guess you're fine. I a not sure if you need a valid me/ir before you start the rating or on the date that your type rating exam is scheduled.
With the type rating you get vfr/ifr ratings for that particular type. Only thing you'll lose is the piston ratings.
eg a friend of mine is capt 744, he only does the prof checks only, no further ratings for other a/c.
Maybe CAA differs but if you really want a quick solution, call em up
