Tier 4 General Student

All applications for student visas for over 6 months must be made under Tier 4 of the Points Based System. Any student who applies to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the points-based system must possess a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) from their prospective sponsor (University).

 According to current immigration rules, if you have extant Leave to Remain on a current visa in the Student category, you will be unlikely to be able to extend your visa from outside of the UK through Entry Clearance, either to continue on a course which you have already started or to start a new course. However a news anouncement on 16 September 2010 stated that this will change and it will become possible to extend your visa in the UK. Please refer ro this link for full details: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/aboutus/newsroom/?view=News&id=22872220 If you need advice on this then please contact the Immigration Service for clarification.

There are 2 types of student categories in Tier 4 of the points based system.

  • adult student (also known as general student) - if you are coming to the United Kingdon for your post-16 education;
  • child student - for children between 4 and 17 years old to come to the United Kingdom for their education.

Eligibility

You must meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules. As a general student you must be doing full–time study in the United Kingdom on either:

  • a full-time course of study that leads to a United Kingdom recognised bachelor or postgraduate degree; or
  • an overseas higher education course which is recognised as being equivalent to a United Kingdom higher education qualification at an overseas higher education institution (this can include a work placement); or
  • a course of study below United Kingdom degree level that involves a minimum of 15 hours per week organised daytime study (daytime study is 8am - 6pm, Monday to Friday).

You must score 40 points in total as shown below to be eligible to make an application.

and

  • 10 points for having enough money (also known as maintenance or funds) for your course fees and living costs.

If you are under 18 at the time of submitting your application you will need to have parental support for the application. You will need to get written consent from your parents to the arrangements for your care in the UK. The letter should include all details listed in paragraphs 151 -153 of the Policy Guidance.

You will only get the points if the University has met all the requirements of the Immigration Rules when they issue your visa letter/CAS, and all the documents listed in the visa letter/CAS are sent with your application. You must also provide proof of your availability of moneywhen you apply.