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Studying in the UK

On 31 March 2009, the immigration rules for students changed and became Tier 4 of the Points Based Immigration System. If you want to bring your child to the UK to study, you will have to make an immigration application to the UK immigration authorities in your home country for permission to come to the UK as a ‘student’ under Tier 4 of the Points Based System (PBS).   

Immigration permission is given to students either as a Tier 4 General student or a Tier 4 Child student. You will need to apply for a Tier 4 Child student visa (see the Tier 4 policy guidance, paragraphs 162-168).

All visa applications must now be supported by a CAS (confirmation of acceptance for studies) which is completed online by the school and sent directly to the UK Border Agency. 

The number of points which must be gained to qualify for a study visa is 40.  We, as the educational establishment, provide 30 of those points by issuing a CAS, and the remaining 10 points are awarded by a funds and maintenance test.  The information for the funds and maintenance test will be gathered from evidence which you will be required to show.

Permission to come to the UK is called ‘entry clearance’. You should wait until you have obtained entry clearance before you book any non-refundable travel tickets.

If you want to make a successful entry clearance application, it is extremely important that:

  • before you make your application, you read and understand the UKBA Tier 4 policy guidance, which is available to download from [www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk] - references in this information sheet are to version 07/10 of the Tier 4 policy guidance, issued on 23/07/10
  • you check that you meet all the requirements before you apply
  • you provide evidence in exactly the format required by the UKBA, as explained in the policy guidance and on the application form
  • you complete all sections of the form fully and accurately
  • you allow plenty of time to start gathering documents and to make your application.

If you do not meet all the requirements fully, or if you provide evidence which is not exactly what the UKBA asks for, it is very likely that your application will be refused.   

We will apply for the CAS online, and this will generate a reference number from the Border Agency.   Details of our Sponsor Licence number, your CAS number and all other relevant details will be provided in a letter to you to assist you with your application.  You must quote your CAS number on your visa application, so that the visa office will be able to match the CAS to your application, otherwise it will be classed as incomplete and will be refused.

It is very important that correct documentation is presented to the visa issuing body well in advance of date the visa is required, so that there is sufficient time for the application process to be completed. 

Accuracy with regard to information and spelling is crucial and errors on the application will mean that there is the likelihood that the visa will be refused, but the fee you have paid will not be refunded. If this happens, then you will have to start the process again which will require the payment of another fee.

If you have existing immigration permission for the UK

The UK Border Agency have now confirmed that if you still have immigration permission for the UK in your passport, you can make a new application for a entry clearance from outside the UK. This may be to continue studying at the same institution or to start a new course at a different institution.

The Tier 4 policy guidance currently states that if you want to study with a new Tier 4 sponsor before your existing visa has either expired or been curtailed, you must make your new application in the UK and if you make a new application from outside the United Kingdom it will be refused. However, it is now the case that you will able to make a new application from outside the UK even if you still have existing immigration permission. The UKBA have indicated that the Tier 4 policy guidance will soon be amended to reflect this. 

If you need any further help or guidance, then please contact me and I will be happy to help you navigate your way through the process. My contact details are acornell@stfaiths.co.ukor +44 1 223 229421.

Please note that it is a government requirement that all visas are checked by the school on the first day of term and anyone arriving without the correct visa will not be permitted to continue with their course of study until the correct visa is in place.