Tier 4 Student Visa
As of March 2009 adults who desire to study in the UK must apply via the Tier 4 Student Visa.
The Tier 4 student visa is directly replacing the UK Study Visa and allows an adult who meets the requirements to study in the UK with one of many licensed sponsors on the Tier 4 register of sponsors.
Benefits
The Tier 4 Student Visa service grants a UK study permit enabling the applicant to study in the UK with a vision to attaining a recognized qualification via studying with a government approved university or college. The Tier 4 Student Visa service in itself does not constitute a route to settlement; it does not confer Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR) often known as permanent dwelling or residence and it will not lead to the prospect of becoming a UK citizen through British Naturalization. However, a Tier 4 Student visa may permit you to change to another UK immigration facility without leaving the country (upon successful completion of your course).
If your course lasts less than 6 months, you may possibly be entitled to enter the country under a UK Visit Visa (Travel Visa or Tourist Visa). Studying in the UK under a Tier 4 Student Visa will permit you to embark on limited employment.
Duration
There are no set boundaries for a Tier 4 Student Visa for immigration to the UK, nevertheless, visas for students are generally granted for an initial period of 1 year and are determined by the length of course to be studied. In some cases, a study visa extension might be granted by applying for Further Leave to Remain (FLR) where applicants intend to pursue completion of their course with another course of study.
You may be able to stay in UK after your student visa expires by switching to a Tier 2 work permit. Tier 2 work permits depend on many factors such as a specific offer of employment from a British corporation. You may qualify for the Tier 1 Visa - a points based immigration visa for migrants with desirable expert skills.
Eligibility
The Tier 4 Student Visa route is under a points based system (PBS). Any adults who are applying to study abroad within the United Kingdom must meet the following requirements:
1) Have a proven track record in studying before coming to the UK.
2) Have recognised qualifications equivalent to National Qualification Framework (NQF) in the UK education system.
3) Produce documents used to obtain an offer from the university or college sponsoring, such as qualification certificates.
4) Produce evidence of sufficient funds to pass a maintenance test.
To be eligible to travel to the UK as a student, candidates must score 40 points. This is achieved via supplying a
» Visa letter from education provider: 30 points
» Maintenance fees to cover course fees and living expenses: 10 points
A visa letter is provided from the applicants university or college they intend to enrol in as they will be the immigration sponsor, there should be information included about the applicant, the course, their finances as well as their licensed sponsor. The licensed sponsor is the college or university that the applicant has chosen to enrol with.
Employment
Unlike a UK Visit Visa, or travel visa application, applicants for study permits may take part-time or holiday work but must not engage in the following.
» Work more than 20 hours a week during term time, excluding holiday periods, unless it is a work placement or part of a study program and the educational establishment agrees.
» carry out business, be self-employed, or provide services as a professional.
» Work full-time in a permanent job.
Also upon completion of the course being studied and dependent on what qualification has been gained, the candidate may be eligible to switch to the Tier 1 Post Study Work Visa.
Spouse and Dependent Immigration
Spouse immigration is only legitimate for married partners and unlike a Fiancé Visa or De Facto Visa, often known as an unmarried partner visa, your common-law or conjugal partner is not authorized to join you.
Married partners will be granted leave to remain for a period equal to that granted to the student. During this period, they must be able to support themselves either independently or with the assistance of the applicant. Your partner will be permitted to work only if your permit was issued for 12 months or more.
Capital Visas can assist you
We have assisted many individuals in moving to the UK on a variety of visas. Our immigration consultants and caseworkers have a wide range of immigration expertise and experience to assist you to find not only the right route into the UK but the best option for yourself.
Capital Visas being a leading specialist in UK immigration we can assist you in every aspect of your relocation to the UK, from advice on the initial application process to a range of services to assist you once you have arrived in the UK. Fill out our free online enquiry form or call and speak to one of our immigration specialists on 0207 100 1919