Tier
4 UK Student Visa
The Tier 4 student visa is
designed for overseas students who wish to enter the UK to study for a period longer
than 6 months. This visa is often granted for 1 year but the duration is
determined by the length of the course the student is set to enrol. This visa
also provides the student with the opportunity of switching to another
immigration category in the UK without leaving the country after completion of
the course. Adult students who are married are able to bring their spouse or
legal partner to the UK for the entire duration of their course.
Eligibility
Criteria
To successfully obtain the
Student Visa, applicants are required to fulfil the following eligibility
criteria:
·
Students must have a proven academic track record before coming
to the UK.
·
Students should have recognised qualifications that should be
equivalent to National Qualification Framework (NQF) in the UK education
system.
·
Students must produce evidence of sufficient funds to pass a
maintenance test.
·
Students must provide qualification certificates in order to
obtain an offer from a sponsoring university or college.
Adult students who wish to
travel to the UK as a general student need to secure 40 points. Students can
secure the required points in the following ways:
·
Students will obtain 30 points if they have an acceptance letter
from the education provider.
·
Students can obtain 10 points if they have maintenance fees to
cover their course fees and living expenses.
·
Students should have enough money to pay for their programme and
support themselves and any dependants without going into business, obtaining employment
or seeking help from public funds.
·
Students coming to the UK should intend to follow their chosen
programme.
Why
The Need For Requirements At All?
These requirements are in place
to enable the UK government to ensure there are no candidates staying in the
country illegally. It also ensures that students staying in the UK will be
better integrated within society. This is done by UK immigration making it
mandatory for all applicants to pass an English language test such as a TOEFL
or IELTS certification.
Work
Limitations
Students are permitted to work
part time to gain work experience to further their career. Applicants of a Tier
4 Student Visa are permitted to work for a limited 20 hours per week. They are
not permitted to establish a business. If students should violate the terms of
their visa, their visa may be revoked before the completion of their studies.