Do you want to study abroad? Start your educational journey in UK with Tier 4 student Visa. The UK has been a top preference for international students due to its renowned education, culture, and economy. However, for overseas students, obtaining permission to live and study in the UK can be a challenging process. Luckily, the UK offers the Tier 4 Student Visa as a gateway for overseas students to come, stay and study in the UK.
If you are also dreaming of studying in a foreign country UK,, It is important to know about Tier 4 Students visa in detail. This is a study visa that helps international students to turn their dreams into reality. Studying in a foreign country can be intimidating, but it can also be an amazing experience if you are well-prepared. Therefore, In this blog, we will discuss all of the important information about student visa tier 4 that you may need to know.
What Is Tier 4 Student Visa?
Tier 4 Student Visa is one of the UK visa categories available for international students who want to obtain their qualification in the UK. Through this visa, you can study at accredited institutions in the UK at the undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral level with this visa.
This visa has some benefits and obligations; therefore, it is crucial to comprehend all of its details. This visa allows students to reside and study in the United Kingdom, as well as work for a maximum of twenty hours weekly during the academic year. With an excellent chance, it’s no surprise that so many students apply for this visa every year.
Eligibility Requirements for the Tier 4 Student Visa
To be qualified for a Tier 4 General Student Visa, you have to fulfil the following UK study visa requirements:
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Offered Place at a UK Institution
You must have received an offer of admission to a UK-accredited college or university. Ensure that the educational institute has a sponsor for a Tier 4 visa.
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CAS Number
Your UK educational institution must provide you with a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). This is a unique number granted to each student and confirms that the institution has offered you a place on a course of study. Before applying for Tier 4 Student Visa, make sure that you have CAS number.
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Financial Funds:
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial assistance to sustain yourself, pay educational expenses, and cover other living expenses during your stay in the United Kingdom. You will be required to show proof of funds, such as bank statements or other financial documents.
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Proof of English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate a specific degree of English proficiency to apply for Tier 4 Student Visa. This proficiency level ensures that you have the ability to understand the course that you will be studying. This can be achieved in the following ways:
- A recognised degree in the English language
- By successfully taking an authorised English language test
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Course Eligibility
Your course must meet the criteria set by the UK government. You can attend the following types of courses on a Tier 4 Student Visa:
- On a Tier 4 General Student Visa, you can take the following courses: A full-time programme resulting in a minimum of a Level 6 qualification on the Ofqual register A part-time course resulting in at least a Level 7 qualification on the Ofqual register
- A foreign degree-level course that is equivalent to a UK higher education course and is offered by an overseas higher education institution.
- A full-time course that includes a minimum of fifteen hours each week, scheduled during the day. It should lead to a certificate that is at least Level 3 on the Ofqual register.
- A validated foundation programme, such as a postgraduate doctor or dentist
Document Checklist for Tier 4 Student Visa
You must submit the following documents if applying for a Tier 4 General Student Visa: –
- A Passport
- Bank statements or other financial documentation demonstrating your ability to pay your course costs and maintain yourself throughout your stay
- If necessary, provide proof of tuberculosis test results.
- Confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)
- A certificate that proves your English proficiency
- Evidence of your relationship with the parent or protector, as well as their permission to allow you to come to the UK if you are under the age of 18,
Advantages of the Tier 4 Student Visa
The Tier 4 General Student Visa offers several benefits for international students, such as:
- One of the significant advantages of having a Tier 4 General Student Visa is being permitted to live and study in the UK for the duration of your course. You will be able to explore the beauty of British culture and lifestyle while attending a top-quality academic institution. This experience opens you up to better job opportunities and a more global perspective, something you cannot find back home
- Work Permit is another crucial advantage of this tier 4 student visa. You are allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during off-term periods. This is great news for those who need to earn extra money to cover their living expenses or gain work experience in the UK. Working alongside your studies also allows you to make connections, acquire fresh expertise, and meet new people.
- Another plus point of the Tier 4 General Student Visa is the option of bringing your immediate family members with you during course of study. Spouses and children can benefit from the same medical care and education system and can live with you in the UK while you pursue your academic goals.
- By studying in the UK, you will encounter different cultures and people from all walks of life. You will be able to learn different languages, traditions, and morals.This experience fosters open-mindedness, tolerance of others, and cultural awareness. It’s a life-changing experience that boosts your confidence and equips you to navigate future challenges.
Visa fees and processing time:
With so many advantages, you may ask a question to yourself: what is the cost of acquiring a Tier 4 Student Visa? Shockingly, It does not cost you an arm and leg and you can avail yourself of all these benefits at an affordable price. The cost of this visa:
- If you are not currently in the UK, OR you do not belong to UK the cost of applying for this visa is £363.
- if you are from the United Kingdom, you will be required to pay £490 for an extension or transition to a student visa
A Tier 4 student visa typically takes three weeks to process. It is crucial to remember, that processing times may vary based on the volume of applications received and the complicated nature of your particular instance.
If you need to get your visa processed more quickly, you can pay for priority service. The priority service costs £575.00. If you pay for the expedited service, they will process your visa within 5 working days.
What Is Biometric Residency Permit And Why It Is Important?
A biometric residency permit (BRP) is a biometric residency permit granted to non-UK nationals who were allowed to reside in the UK for a period exceeding six months. BRP is also crucial for international students coming to UK to pursue their education.
It is a plastic card that stores personal and biometric information about you, including your name, birth date, fingerprints, and face picture. It also displays the status of your immigration as well as privileges in the UK, such as your right to seek employment, pursue education, or use public services.
How To Recieve Biometric Residency Permit?
If you filed for a visa from outside the UK, you must receive your BRP from a nominated post office station or from your sponsor’s office (if you have one) within ten days of reaching the UK. The Home Office will send you a letter informing you of where and when you may pick up your BRP. When you pick up your BRP, you must bring the aforementioned letter as well as a valid passport or travel document.
If you submitted an application for a visa from within the UK, you will get your BRP via courier service within 7 to 10 days after you get your Home Office decision letter.
Refusal of Tier 4 Student Visa
Your Tier 4 General Student Visa application can be refused for various reasons:
One of the most common reasons for the refusal of a Tier 4 Student Visa is when the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) is not satisfied that the applicant is a genuine student as per the current paragraphs of the Immigration Rules. In this situation, the ECO will question why you have chosen a particular course or institution and assess whether your academic background is consistent with what you are stating in your application.
Furthermore, if your financial documents do not show a genuine and convincing level of funding or if you do not satisfy the English language requirement, you may expect refusals.
It’s important to note that failing to disclose information that is directly relevant to your student visa application may lead to refusal and subsequent complications in the future.
What To Do If Your Application Is Refused?
Don’t give up if your Tier 4 Student Visa application is denied. You have multiple options after refusal.
Firstly, you can submit a fresh application, correcting any errors or including additional information that may strengthen your claim to being a genuine student. Secondly, you may submit an administrative review to challenge the decision if you believe that the entry clearance officer made an error in the decision.
Lastly, you may need to submit a judicial review where you can challenge the legality of the decision-making process.
All of these options have different requirements, timelines, and consequences. Therefore, it’s wise to seek expert legal advice before attempting to address the refusal.
How StudyWise Can Assist You?
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, and the Tier 4 Student Visa is here to aid that process for those wanting to study in the UK. Do not allow the visa application process to deter you from pursuing your ambition of studying in the United Kingdom.
Our team of educational consultants at Studywise is experienced in successfully obtaining student visas for international students. We engage closely with our customers from the moment they are introduced to us until they receive an outcome on their visa application, making the process as stress-free as possible.
With our assistance, we can ensure that your visa application has the best chance of success and give you peace of mind while you focus on your academic pursuits. We are proud of our excellent success record, even with the most difficult applications.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1:Can students work during the academic year on a Tier 4 Student visa?
Yes, students are permitted to work on their student visa, but not more than 20 hours per week.
Q2: Are overseas students eligible to include their immediate family members in their study visa application?
The criteria will change in 2024. Only postgraduate students pursuing a research programme will be eligible to take their family members with them on the study visa.
Q3: What if my student visa application is refused?
You can submit a new application with corrections, request an administrative review, or consider a judicial review.
Q4: What is the cost of a Tier 4 Student Visa?
If applying from outside the UK, the visa costs £363. For extensions or transitions within the UK, the fee is £490.