UK STUDENT VISA

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.