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Sat, 4/7/2009

Tier 4 (General) Students - Studying in the UK

The UK has always been keen to attract the most talented individuals from all over the world. One of the main advantages of studying here is that students can take advantage of the high quality courses available and experience the great culture and infamous weather.

The Tier 4 (General) student category launched on the 31st of March 2009 has been designed to bring about greater transparency to students coming to study abroad. The new Tier under the Points-based System puts the onus on colleges/universities to govern and manage their own students, and to report any students who fail to reach certain bench-mark standards. Such duties include reporting student’s class attendance, updating student records and issuing compliant student visa letters. Under the new system, colleges/universities are now required to obtain a licence before being allowed to sponsor overseas nationals to come into the UK to study.

Students who are able to achieve a highly recognized and skilled qualification can apply for certain Highly Skilled Workers visa schemes, or increase their employability to obtain a Work Permit, both of which can eventually result in permanent residency in the UK.

How do I qualify for the Student visa?

As per the new immigration rules that came into effect on the 31st of March 2009, all student visas on and after this date will have to submit applications that are compliant under the new Tier 4 Points-Based System.  

In order to be compliant, you will need a total of 40 points to obtain a student visa.  

  • For a letter of enrolment (visa letter) from a licenced education provider, you will obtain 30 points 

  • To show you have sufficient funds and maintenance in your bank account, you will obtain 10 points 

The format of the student visa letter varies depending on the educational institution you apply to and one of our immigration advisors will need to examine the document before being able to advise you whether or not it is sufficient.  

Furthermore, “sufficient funds and maintenance” depends on the location of the educational institution as there is a set amount of monies needed for different parts of the UK.

Student Extension

To qualify for extending your current student visa, you will once again need to obtain 40 points.

  • A visa letter from a licenced education provider will obtain you 30 points.

  • Demonstrating sufficient funds and maintenance will obtain you 10 points. 

Student extension applications differ from initial student applications as the demonstration of “sufficient” funds and maintenance differs.

Can I switch in to the student category?

The UK allows you to switch in to the general student category if you have, or were last give, permission to stay in the following categories:

Post-study worker (Tier 1)
Skilled Worker (Tier 2)
Intra-company transfer (Tier 2)
Minister of Religion (Tier 2)
Child Student (Tier 4)
Prospective Student
Student
Student re-sitting an examination
Student nurses
Students writing up a thesis
Student Union sabbatical officer
Work Permit holder
A postgraduate doctor or dentist
Participant in the International Graduates Scheme
Participant in the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme.

Some Rules and Restrictions on the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa Holder

  • You are limited to working 20 hours a week during term time
  • You are however allowed to work as much as you like during holiday time, up to a maximum of 3 (three) months
  • You do not have recourse to public funds
  • You must register with the police, if required by the immigration rules, at the earliest
  • Students are also restricted to studying a certain “level” for a specific amount of time. This is to prevent students from abusing the system by studying a basic level for many years and not actually progressing at all.

What can you do after your course is completed? 

This is another area where changes have occurred. If you have a UK Masters degree you can switch to full time work without having to leave the UK, although listed is two other possibilities for working in the UK without having to leave the country.

  • Obtaining a sponsored work permit
  • Obtaining a Highly Skilled Migrant Program (HSMP) visa
  • Obtaining a Post-Study Workers (PSW) visa.

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