The Tier 4 visa for students in UK or the Tier 4 (General) student visa is for citizens from countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who are at least 16 years of age. In this article, our London immigration lawyer can explain a few aspects related to obtaining this type of visa in the UK.
Our team can handle the application procedures for obtaining this important visa. If you are under 16 years of age, you might qualify for a Tier 4 visa for a child student in the UK.
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Eligibility for a Tier 4 student visa in the UK
You may qualify for the Tier 4 student visa in the UK if you:
- were offered a place on a course;
- have knowledge of spoken and written English;
- have access to enough funds to support yourself and pay for the course (the funds that are requested depending on the candidate’s circumstances);
- fulfill the other requirements – our immigration solicitors in London can provide further details on what these other requirements consist of.
How much time can I stay in the UK with this visa?
Depending on the duration of your course, with the Tier 4 visa for students in the UK you can stay in the country for:
- maximum six months, if the course lasts six months or less, with the possibility of arriving in the UK one week prior to the date the course starts;
- more than six months, with the possibility of arriving in the UK maximum of one month before the course begins.
The duration of stay in the UK with this type of visa depends on the type of course and the already completed studies that the candidate has. Here is a video that explains more:
Requirements for the Tier 4 student visa in the UK
In order to be granted the Tier 4 visa for students in the UK, you also have to be offered a place on course with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor in the UK and you must have access to enough funds to support yourself and be able to sustain the cost of the course. Our UK immigration lawyer can offer further guidance on obtaining the Tier 4 visa for students.
What type of course do I have to undergo?
Candidates for a Tier 4 visa for students in the UK can undertake a course that:
- is leading to a full-time to a qualification that is at least level six on the Ofqual register;
- has a degree level study which equals a UK higher education course and is led by a foreign higher education authority;
- is full-time, with a minimum of 15 hours per week of organized daytime study, resulting in a qualification that is at least level three on the Ofqual register;
- is an accepted foundation programme as a postgraduate doctor or dentist.
Responsibilities and rights with this type of visa
With the Tier 4 visa for students in the UK, you are allowed to study, perform work as a student union sabbatical officer (a full-time officer elected by the members of a students’ union), apply from inside the country or from overseas, extend your stay and work in the majority of jobs available, depending on the level of the course and the type of sponsor. However, with this type of visa, you cannot have access to public funds, work in some types of jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson or a sports coach, or study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (a maintained school).
When can I apply for the Tier 4 visa for students in this country?
The time to apply for this type of visa in the UK is at least three months before beginning the course. A decision will generally be received in a maximum of three weeks’ time.
What is a confirmation of acceptance for studies in the UK?
A confirmation of acceptance for studies is a reference number which is issued by the visa applicant’s education provider. It is obligatory to apply for the visa for maximum of six months after receiving the confirmation of acceptance for studies.
Can I obtain the confirmation of acceptance if I am continuing my studies?
You can obtain the confirmation of acceptance for studies if you:
- are re-taking exams or repeating modules;
- are applying for the first time to a new studying organization to undergo a course you began at an organization that lost its Tier 4 sponsorship;
- are applying to prolong your stay in the country to complete the studies due to the fact that you have done or intend to do a work assignment or to study a program abroad;
- are completing a Ph.D. or other doctorate which you have begun studying during your initial Tier 4 student visa in UK;
- in other conditions – our UK immigration lawyers can provide more details on what these other conditions are.
Parent of a Tier 4 child visa in UK
The parent of a Tier 4 child visa involves the parents of children under 12 who study in the UK. Such children can live with the parents if they acquire such type of visa. The eligibility, in this case, observes a few important conditions like having a child who studies in UK under the Tier 4 visa rules, not having the intention to work in UK during the stay, having sufficient funds to support the living without accessing public funds and having a place to stay in the country of origin in order to leave UK when the courses of the child are finished. The validity of a parent of a Tier 4 child visa in UK is for 12 months or until the child reaches 12. The eligibility is extremely important when it comes to this type of visa, therefore, it is suggested to ask for legal advice from our UK immigration lawyer. We are at your disposal with complete information and assistance if you would like to apply for this type of visa and join your child while he/she studies in UK.
IELTS in UK
The International English Language Testing System or IELTS as it is known is an important language test that needs to be considered by the students who want to apply for a Tier 4 student visa. This significant test proves the level of knowledge of the English language of foreign students who are interested in attending courses and prestigious colleges in UK. The UK Visas and Immigration Office is the institution in charge of supervising the future students taking the IELTS test. The IELTS score is highly important and will weigh much when applying for a Tier 4 student visa for UK. It is good to know that IELTS is also imposed for foreigners who apply for a family visa or a spouse visa for UK. If you want to know more details about IELTS, feel free to talk to our team of advisors at any time.
Visas for pre-sessional programs for students in UK
A series of universities in UK ask for visas for pre-sessional programs. These are short programs meant to help foreign students before starting the courses in UK. There are special conditions for future students who decide on pre-sessional programs and among these, it is important to verify the requirements for obtaining the Tier 4 visa for students, provide information about their financial situation in order for the authorities to make sure they won’t ask for public funds. This type of visa can be issued at the same time as the Tier 4 visa for students, therefore, it is quite important to verify the conditions for both types of visas and apply in time with the entitled authorities. It is good to know that a visa for pre-sessional programs in UK is helpful for future students who want to prepare for colleges and universities in UK before taking the actual courses. These are important pre-sessions meant to help students accommodate the school requirements and the environment in the UK. Such pre-session programs are also available for students attending master programs or Ph.D. in UK. Feel free to ask for legal assistance from our London immigration lawyer.
Tier 4 sponsor license in UK
The Tier 4 sponsor license in UK is necessary for full-time students in this country, meaning that a contractor or a sponsor can offer the needed financial support during college. The UK Visas and Immigration Office is in charge of the Tier 4 sponsor license and accepts the documents for obtaining sponsorship in UK. On the other hand, the UKVI will make specific verifications to colleges or sponsors who will act as contractors for future students in UK. The eligibility criteria for Tier 4 sponsor license can be explained by our team of immigration solicitors in London at any time.
Ph.D. students in UK
Foreign students interested in postgraduate studies in UK should know that a Tier 4 student visa is necessary. Attending to Ph.D. courses in UK means taking courses for three years in UK and then obtain the most important title in the area chosen for study and knowledge. There are many universities that act as sponsors for graduate students who are interested in Ph.D. courses in UK, and more than that, such colleges present a high interest in sustaining and supporting foreign students in all areas of interest. It is good to know that the requirements imposed for obtaining the Tier 4 visa for students are applicable to graduates who are interested in Ph.D. courses in UK. Feel free to solicit detailed information about the Tier 4 student visa if you are a citizen from countries outside EU or EEA who is interested in taking courses at prestigious colleges in UK.
FAQ about Tier 4 student visa in UK
1. Who can apply for a Tier 4 visa for students in UK?
Citizens from Switzerland or EEA countries interested in attending colleges in UK must apply for a Tier 4 student visa. There are specific conditions imposed that can be explained by one of our London immigration lawyers.
2. How do I qualify for a Tier 4 visa for UK?
If you were offered a place of course in UK, you need to prove the English language skills, have sufficient money for the entire stay and make sure you complete other related formalities required by the immigration authorities. All the details can be explained by one of our UK immigration lawyers.
3. What is the validity of a Tier 4 visa student?
Normally, a Tier 4 visa student is available for the whole period of the courses. In some cases, a visa is issued for a maximum of 6 months, with the possibility of renewing it. It is recommended to enter UK prior to the start of the courses.
4. Do I need to sustain the courses in UK from a financial point of view?
If you do not have a sponsor for your courses, you need to prove you have enough funds for the selected courses and the entire stay in UK. Specific bank statements might be required as part of the visa application.
5. What can you do with a Tier 4 visa for students in UK?
Besides attending courses in UK, you can also apply for the available jobs in this country. However, some restrictions come with this type of visa, like attending state-funded schools or access public funds.
6. When do I need to apply for a Tier 4 student visa in UK?
It is recommended to apply in time for a Tier 4 visa, at least three months before the start of the classes. Even though a response to your visa application is made in no more than 3 weeks, it is best to apply in time and skip any possible errors that might occur.
7. How is the Tier 4 visa application for minors in UK?
In the case of minors attending courses in UK, the parent of a Tier 4 child visa enters the discussion. This means that parents or tutors need to apply for this visa, in order to legally stay in the country while the minor is taking courses. Feel free to discuss to our immigration solicitors in London this type of visa.
8. Do I need to take the IELTS test in UK?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System that must be taken by future students in UK. This is how a foreign student proves the English language skills.
9. Do I need pre-sessional programs in UK?
Many colleges in UK offer pre-sessional courses in order to help future foreign students to get used to the type of education offered in this country. Specific visas for pre-sessional programs might be required, so make sure you discuss with our advisors for legal guidance.
10. Do I need a UK immigration lawyer to apply for a Tier 4 visa for students?
It is quite recommended to have the legal support of a London immigration lawyer who can help you with the visa application from a legal point of view. Some visa applications might be incorrect or some might not contain all the necessary documents. Instead of dealing with such problems, you should consider the support of a UK immigration lawyer who can guide you right from the start.
Choose our UK immigration lawyer
Visa applications and other immigration aspects require complete attention from a legal point of view, especially if you are from non-EU and EEA countries and you do not know all the rules and regulations. Most visa application mistakes refer to the required documents by the immigration authorities in UK, so many candidates face rejections from this point of view. A dedicated team of immigration solicitors in London will provide complete attention to your visa application right from the start and will act in your best interest.
Our clients rely on complete professionalism, competence, confidence, and experience when they work with us because we believe we can be good partners right from the start. If you would like to apply for a Tier 4 visa students, spouse visa, family visa, visa for investors, visa for skilled workers, visa for family reunification, marriage visa, or if you are interested in corporate immigration, you should ask for legal advice and guidance from an experienced immigration solicitor in London. You can simply get in touch with us and send your inquiries to find out more about the immigration services we can offer in UK. The work and residence permits can also be obtained with comprehensive legal assistance offered by one of our specialists.
Please contact our immigration solicitors in London for further information on the Tier 4 visa for students in the UK.
