Student visa Tier 4
If you are an overseas student and you have been offered a place to study in the UK, you will need a student visa, previously known as a student visa Tier 4. This will allow you to live and study in the UK. You may also be able to work while you are in the country, subject to some restrictions.
At Halliday Reeves, we are immigration experts. If you require a student visa, we can work with you to put together a strong application. It is important to make sure your first application is accurate and as comprehensive as possible, to avoid it being rejected. We can advise you of the best documents to include alongside your application to provide evidence of your eligibility.
As visa specialists, we have an in-depth understanding of UK Visas and Immigration’s requirements. We have a strong track record of success in securing visas for our clients and are known for the high level of client service that we provide.
To talk to us about our student visa application service, please feel free to ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form and we will do all we can to help.
“All went well and I got all the special services you could expect from such a professional organisation. I will 100% advise anyone who is in need of the immigration services with pride.”
Eligibility For A UK Student Visa (Formerly A Student Visa Tier 4)
To be eligible for a UK student visa, you need to satisfy the following criteria:
You Have An Offer Of A Place On A Course Made By A Licensed Student Sponsor
The course you are doing needs to be provided by a university, college or other provider that holds a licence allowing them to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number.
The course will generally need to be a full-time course at degree level or above, or a part-time course above degree level. Some full-time courses below degree level are also acceptable as well as some English language courses and recognised foundation programmes for postgraduate doctors or dentists.
You Have Enough Money To Pay For Your Course And Support Yourself
You need to have funds available to pay for the first year of your course. The sum will be included on your CAS.
You will also need to provide evidence that you have money to support yourself for at least one year. The sum of £1,023 per month for a minimum of nine months is required, or £1,334 per month for nine months if your course is in London.
The money should have been in your bank account for at least 28 days, and day 28 must be within 31 days of the date on which your application for a visa is made.
You Have Sufficient Knowledge Of The English Language
You need evidence that you have an acceptable level of English, to include understanding, reading, writing and speaking. This is usually at level B2 on the Common European Framework of
Reference for Languages scale. If your course is below degree level, B1 is acceptable. Your course provider may assess your level of English by providing you with a test, otherwise you will need to take a Secure English Language Test, unless you are from an exempt country.
Applying For A UK Student Visa
You can apply for a student visa from outside of the UK up to six months before your course starts. If you are already in the UK on another visa, you can apply up to three months before your course starts. Your application should be made before your existing visa ends and your course should start within 28 days of the expiry of the existing visa.
You will need to pay the student visa application fee of £363 if you are applying from outside of the UK. If you are already in the UK and you are switching to a student visa or extending a student visa, the fee is £490.
You also need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is generally £470 per year.
Studying In The UK
Once you have your visa, you will be able to live and study in the UK. If you are doing a degree-level course, you can usually stay for up to five years. For courses below degree-level, you can stay for up to two years.
You can generally work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time, although you should check whether your course provider permits this.
Contact Our Student Visa Solicitors
At Halliday Reeves, our immigration solicitors offer a full range of personal immigration services. If you need a UK student visa, we can represent you to make sure your application has the best possible chance of success.
We have offices in Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Nottingham. To speak to one of our expert UK immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
“Can we also take this opportunity to thank you for how you handled our enquiry. We were both feeling anxious about making contact with a solicitor to discuss our circumstances. You were so warm, friendly and understanding when we spoke.”
