TIER 4 Student Visa - Your Path to Global Education

Contents

1 What is a TIER 4 Student Visa?
- 1.1 Who can apply for a TIER 4 Student Visa?
- 1.2 What are the requirements for a TIER 4 Student Visa?
2 How to apply for a TIER 4 Student Visa?
3 What can you do and not do with a TIER 4 Student Visa?
4 How to extend or switch your TIER 4 Student Visa?
5 How to stay and work in the UK after your studies?
6 Conclusion
7 FAQs

If you are an international student who wants to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a TIER 4 Student Visa. This visa allows you to enter and stay in the UK for the duration of your course, and also gives you some rights to work and bring your family members with you. However, applying for a TIER 4 Student Visa can be a complex and challenging process, as you need to meet certain eligibility criteria, provide various documents, and pay certain fees. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the TIER 4 Student Visa, including what it is, who can apply for it, what are the requirements, how to apply, what you can do and not do with it, how to extend or switch it, and how to stay and work in the UK after your studies. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the TIER 4 Student Visa and how to make the most of it.

What is a TIER 4 Student Visa?

A TIER 4 Student Visa is a type of visa that allows you to study in the UK for more than six months. It is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system, which means that you need to score a certain number of points to qualify for the visa. The points are based on your sponsorship, your funds, and your English language ability. A TIER 4 Student Visa is also known as a General Student Visa, and it has replaced the previous Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. A TIER 4 Student Visa is different from a Short-term Study Visa, which is for students who want to study in the UK for up to six months. A Short-term Study Visa does not allow you to work or bring your family members to the UK, and it cannot be extended or switched to another visa category.

Who can apply for a TIER 4 Student Visa?

You can apply for a TIER 4 Student Visa if you are 16 years old or over and you have been offered a place on a full-time course at a UK educational institution that is a licensed student sponsor. You can check if your institution is a licensed sponsor on the UK government website. You can also apply for a TIER 4 Student Visa if you are a part of an overseas higher education institution and you want to study a part of your course in the UK, or if you are an overseas student who wants to do a short-term study abroad programme in the UK. However, you cannot apply for a TIER 4 Student Visa if you are a European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss national, as you do not need a visa to study in the UK. You also cannot apply for a TIER 4 Student Visa if you are already in the UK with another type of visa, unless you are eligible to switch to a TIER 4 Student Visa.

What are the requirements for a TIER 4 Student Visa?

To apply for a TIER 4 Student Visa, you need to meet the following requirements:

A valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Enough money to support yourself and pay for your course
A good level of English language proficiency
Other documents depending on your circumstances

A valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a document that confirms that you have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. It contains information about your course, your sponsor, and your personal details. You need to obtain a CAS from your sponsor before you apply for a TIER 4 Student Visa, and you need to include the CAS reference number in your visa application. You can only use a CAS once, and it is valid for six months from the date it is issued. You also need to apply for your visa within six months of receiving your CAS, or three months before your course starts, whichever is later.

Enough money to support yourself and pay for your course

You need to show that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees and living costs for the duration of your course. The amount of money you need depends on your course length, your location, and your personal circumstances. You can find out the exact amount you need on the UK government website. You need to have the money in your bank account or your parents’ bank account for at least 28 days before you apply for your visa, and you need to provide evidence of your funds, such as bank statements or a letter from your bank. You also need to show that the money is available to you, and that it is not from an unacceptable source, such as a loan or a scholarship that you have not received yet.

A good level of English language proficiency

You need to prove that you can speak, read, write, and understand English at a level that is suitable for your course. The level of English you need depends on the type and level of your course, and it is usually measured by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You can find out the level of English you need on the UK government website. You can prove your English language proficiency by taking a secure English language test (SELT) that is approved by the UK government, such as IELTS or TOEFL. You need to include your test results in your visa application, and you need to take the test within two years of applying for your visa. Alternatively, you can prove your English language proficiency by having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher. You can also prove your English language proficiency by being a national of a majority English speaking country, such as the USA, Canada, or Australia.

How to apply for a TIER 4 Student Visa?

To apply for a TIER 4 Student Visa, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Check if you need a visa and when to apply. You can check if you need a visa and when to apply on the [UK government website]. You should apply for your visa as soon as possible, but no earlier than three months before your course starts. You also need to make sure that you have all the required documents and funds ready before you apply.
Step 2: Fill in the online application form. You need to fill in the online application form on the [UK government website]. You need to provide your personal details, your CAS reference number, your English language test results or qualification, your financial evidence, and any other relevant information. You also need to pay the visa application fee, which is £348 for a standard service or £439 for a priority service. You can also pay an extra £220 for a super priority service, which means that you can get a decision on your visa within one working day. You can find out more about the visa fees on the [UK government website].
Step 3: Book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre. You need to book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre in your country of residence, where you will submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) and your supporting documents. You can find your nearest visa application centre on the [UK government website]. You may also need to attend an interview, where you will be asked questions about your course, your sponsor, your finances, and your intentions in the UK. You should prepare well for the interview and answer honestly and confidently.
Step 4: Wait for a decision on your visa. You will receive a decision on your visa within three weeks for a standard service, five working days for a priority service, or one working day for a super priority service. You will be notified by email or SMS when your visa is ready to be collected or delivered. You will receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport, which will allow you to enter the UK for 30 days. You will also receive a decision letter, which will explain the conditions and duration of your visa. You should check your vignette and decision letter carefully and report any errors or problems to the visa application centre.

What can you do and not do with a TIER 4 Student Visa?

With a TIER 4 Student Visa, you can:

Studying in the UK. You can study full-time or part-time at a licensed student sponsor in the UK. You can also study at another institution as long as it is part of your course or it is approved by your sponsor. You can also take part in work placements or internships as long as they are part of your course or they are authorised by your sponsor. You can also take supplementary courses, such as English language courses, as long as they do not interfere with your main course. You should attend all your classes and exams and make satisfactory progress in your course. You should also inform your sponsor if you change your course, your institution, or your personal details.
Working in the UK. You can work in the UK for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, as long as your course is at or above degree level and your sponsor is a higher education institution or an overseas higher education institution. If your course is below degree level or your sponsor is not a higher education institution, you can work for up to 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. You can also do voluntary work or self-employment, as long as it does not affect your studies. However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson, a doctor or dentist in training, or an entertainer, unless it is part of your course or it is authorised by your sponsor. You should also comply with the UK labour laws and pay taxes on your income.
Bringing your family members to the UK. You can bring your spouse, partner, or children under 18 years old to the UK as your dependants, as long as you meet certain conditions. You need to show that you have enough money to support them and pay for their health surcharge, which is £470 per person per year. You also need to show that your relationship is genuine and that you intend to live together in the UK. Your dependants can apply for their visas at the same time as you or separately, but they need to have their own CAS or a copy of your CAS. Your dependants can also work or study in the UK, subject to some restrictions.

However, with a TIER 4 Student Visa, you cannot:

Claim public funds or benefits. You cannot claim any public funds or benefits from the UK government, such as income support, housing benefit, or free health care. You need to pay for your own living expenses and health care, unless you are exempt from the health surcharge. You also need to register with the police if you are from certain countries, and you need to pay the immigration health surcharge, which is £470 per year.
Stay in the UK indefinitely. You cannot stay in the UK indefinitely with a TIER 4 Student Visa. You can only stay for the duration of your course, plus a short period of time before and after your course. The length of your visa depends on the length of your course, and it is usually one month before your course starts and four months after your course ends. You can check the exact length of your visa on your decision letter or on the [UK government website].
Switch to another visa category easily. You cannot switch to another visa category easily with a TIER 4 Student Visa. You can only switch to certain visa categories, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, the Graduate Visa, or the Start-up Visa, and you need to meet the specific requirements for each category. You also need to apply for a new visa before your current visa expires, and you may need to leave the UK and apply from outside the UK for some visa categories. You can find out more about switching to another visa category on the [UK government website].

How to extend or switch your TIER 4 Student Visa?

If you want to extend or switch your TIER 4 Student Visa, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Check if you are eligible to extend or switch your visa. You can check if you are eligible to extend or switch your visa on the [UK government website]. You can only extend or switch your visa if you meet certain conditions, such as having a valid CAS, having enough money, having a good level of English, and having a valid reason for extending or switching your visa. You also need to make sure that you do not exceed the time limit for studying in the UK, which is usually five years for courses at or above degree level and two years for courses below degree level. You can find out more about the time limit on the [UK government website].
Step 2: Fill in the online application form. You need to fill in the online application form on the [UK government website]. You need to provide your personal details, your CAS reference number, your English language test results or qualification, your financial evidence, and any other relevant information. You also need to pay the visa application fee, which is £475 for a standard service or £952 for a priority service. You can also pay an extra £800 for a super priority service, which means that you can get a decision on your visa within one working day. You can find out more about the visa fees on the [UK government website].
Step 3: Book and attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre. You need to book and attend an appointment at a UKVCAS centre in the UK, where you will submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) and your supporting documents. You can find your nearest UKVCAS centre on the [UK government website]. You may also need to attend an interview, where you will be asked questions about your course, your sponsor, your finances, and your intentions in the UK. You should prepare well for the interview and answer honestly and confidently.
Step 4: Wait for a decision on your visa. You will receive a decision on your visa within eight weeks for a standard service, five working days for a priority service, or one working day for a super priority service. You will be notified by email or SMS when your visa is ready to be collected or delivered. You will receive a biometric residence permit (BRP), which is a card that shows your personal details, your visa conditions, and your visa expiry date. You should check your BRP carefully and report any errors or problems to the UKVCAS centre.

How to stay and work in the UK after your studies?

If you want to stay and work in the UK after your studies, you have several options, such as:

The Graduate Route. The Graduate Route is a new visa category that will be launched in July 2021. It will allow you to stay and work in the UK for up to two years (or three years if you have a PhD) after completing your course, without needing a sponsor or a job offer. You can work at any skill level and switch jobs as you wish. You can also look for a skilled job and switch to a Skilled Worker Visa if you meet the requirements. However, you cannot extend or switch your Graduate Visa, and you cannot bring your dependants with you unless they are already in the UK with you. You also need to pay the visa application fee and the health surcharge. You can find out more about the Graduate Route on the [UK government website].

The Skilled Worker Route. The Skilled Worker Route is a visa category that allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to five years if you have a skilled job offer from a licensed sponsor. You need to meet certain criteria, such as having a minimum salary of £25,600 or the going rate for your job, whichever is higher, and having a good level of English. You can also bring your dependants with you and extend or switch your visa if you meet the requirements. You also need to pay the visa application fee, the health surcharge, and the immigration skills charge. You can find out more about the Skilled Worker Route on the [UK government website].

The Start-up and Innovator Routes. The Start-up and Innovator Routes are visa categories that allow you to stay and work in the UK if you have a business idea that is innovative, viable, and scalable. You need to have an endorsement from an approved organisation, such as a university, a business accelerator, or a government agency, that will support and monitor your business. You also need to have enough money to support yourself and pay for your health surcharge. You can also bring your dependants with you and switch to another visa category if you meet the requirements. The Start-up Visa is for people who are starting a business for the first time, and it allows you to stay for up to two years. The Innovator Visa is for people who have experience in running a business, and it allows you to stay for up to three years. You can find out more about the Start-up and Innovator Routes on the [UK government website].

Other options for staying and working in the UK. There are other options for staying and working in the UK after your studies, such as the Global Talent Visa, the Youth Mobility Scheme, the Ancestry Visa, or the Family Visa. However, these options have different eligibility criteria, application processes, and visa conditions, and they may not be suitable for everyone. You can find out more about these options on the [UK government website].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the TIER 4 Student Visa is a visa that allows you to study in the UK for more than six months, and also gives you some rights to work and bring your family members with you. However, applying for a TIER 4 Student Visa can be a complex and challenging process, as you need to meet certain eligibility criteria, provide various documents, and pay certain fees. You also need to be aware of what you can do and not do with your visa, and how to extend or switch your visa if you want to stay longer in the UK. Moreover, you need to explore your options for staying and working in the UK after your studies, and choose the one that suits your goals and circumstances. By following the information and advice in this article, you will have a clear understanding of the TIER 4 Student Visa and how to make the most of it.

FAQs

How do I get a CAS?

You need to get a CAS from your sponsor, which is the educational institution that has offered you a place on a course. You need to accept the offer and meet any conditions that your sponsor may have, such as paying a deposit or providing academic transcripts. Your sponsor will then issue you a CAS, which is a document that contains information about your course, your sponsor, and your personal details. You need to use your CAS reference number in your visa application, and you need to apply for your visa within six months of receiving your CAS, or three months before your course starts, whichever is later.

How much money do I need to show for a TIER 4 Student Visa?

You need to show that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees and living costs for the duration of your course. The amount of money you need depends on your course length, your location, and your personal circumstances. You can find out the exact amount you need on the [UK government website]. You need to have the money in your bank account or your parents’ bank account for at least 28 days before you apply for your visa, and you need to provide evidence of your funds, such as bank statements or a letter from your bank.

How do I prove my English language proficiency for a TIER 4 Student Visa?

You need to prove that you can speak, read, write, and understand English at a level that is suitable for your course. The level of English you need depends on the type and level of your course, and it is usually measured by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You can find out the level of English you need on the [UK government website]. You can prove your English language proficiency by taking a secure English language test (SELT) that is approved by the UK government, such as IELTS or TOEFL. You need to include your test results in your visa application, and you need to take the test within two years of applying for your visa. Alternatively, you can prove your English language proficiency by having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher. You can also prove your English language proficiency by being a national of a majority English speaking country, such as the USA, Canada, or Australia.

How long does it take to get a TIER 4 Student Visa?

It depends on the service you choose and the country you apply from. You can choose between a standard service, a priority service, or a super priority service, which have different fees and processing times. You can find out more about the visa fees and processing times on the [UK government website]. You will receive a decision on your visa within three weeks for a standard service, five working days for a priority service, or one working day for a super priority service. You will be notified by email or SMS when your visa is ready to be collected or delivered.

Can I extend or switch my TIER 4 Student Visa?

You can extend or switch your TIER 4 Student Visa if you meet certain conditions, such as having a valid CAS, having enough money, having a good level of English, and having a valid reason for extending or switching your visa. You also need to make sure that you do not exceed the time limit for studying in the UK, which is usually five years for courses at or above degree level and two years for courses below degree level. You can find out more about the time limit on the [UK government website]. You can only extend or switch your visa to certain visa categories, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, the Graduate Visa, or the Start-up Visa, and you need to meet the specific requirements for each category. You also need to apply for a new visa before your current visa expires, and you may need to leave the UK and apply from outside the UK for some visa categories. You can find out more about extending or switching your visa on the [UK government website].

TIER 4 Student Visa, Everything You Need to Know