Student Visa
Overview
The Tier 4 student visas are designed for international students (not from the UK, EEA [European Economic Area] or Switzerland) to study in the UK. There are two student categories under Tier 4 of the points-based system:
- Tier 4 (General) student – This category is for students coming to the UK for post-16 education and therefore a Tier 4 (General) student must be at least 16 years old.
- Tier 4 (Child) student – This category is for children between 4 and 17 years old coming to the UK for their education. Tier 4 (Child) students can only study at independent schools.
Tier 4 (General) student visa
Tier 4 (General) student visa provides an opportunity to those overseas students who want to achieve a higher academic goal in the UK. When you receive an unconditional offer of a Higher Educational Institution (HEI) they will issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which has a unique reference number and contains information about the course of study for which it has been issued and the student’s personal details. You need the CAS to apply your Tier 4 (General) student visa. Interviewing may be a part of the application to check that you are a genuine student.
Requirements
- Route for people over 16 to study
- Must have an unconditional offer of a place to study
- Must have sufficient means to pay the course fees
- Maintenance and English language requirements apply
- Can bring family
- Visa valid for duration of course plus 4 months in general
- No fixed path to settlement but settlement is possible
- Tuberculosis test results
The course
Must meet genuineness test
Must show academic progression
Must be either:
- Full time at NQF level 6 or above
- Full time at NQF level 3 or above with at least 15 hours per week organised daytime study
- A recognised doctor or dentist foundation program
- Overseas course of degree level equal to a UK degree being run by an overseas establishment
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Tier 4 (Child) visa
The Tier 4 (Child) student category is for children between 4 and 17 years old coming to the UK to be educated at independent schools. Your Tier 4 sponsor will provide a CAS and the course start date is the date on your CAS.
Requirements
- Route for those aged 4 – 17 to study in the UK
- Must have unconditional offer and parental/guardian consent
- Must have sufficient means to pay the course fees
- Maintenance conditions apply
- The student can be accompanied by one parent/guardian
- Visa valid for duration of course plus 4 months in general
- No fixed path but the settlement is possible if certain conditions are met
- Tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take a test
The course
- For studies at a private, fee paying, school – cannot attend a State funded school
- Course must follow the national curriculum
If over 16, there is possibility for work placement
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Path to Settlement
Please contact us for further information
