Student Visa
Overview
Tier 4 student visas are designed for international students (not from the UK, EEA [European Economic Area] or Switzerland) to study in the UK. There are two student categories under Tier 4 of the points-based system:
- Tier 4 (General) student – This category is for students coming to the UK for post-16 education and therefore a Tier 4 (General) student must be at least 16 years old.
- Tier 4 (Child) student – This category is for children between 4 and 17 years old coming to the UK for their education. Tier 4 (Child) students can only study at independent schools.
How do I apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa?
A Tier 4 (General) student visa provides an opportunity to those overseas students who want to achieve a higher academic goal in the UK. When you receive an unconditional offer of a Higher Educational Institution (HEI) they will issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which has a unique reference number and contains information about the course of study for which it has been issued and the student’s personal details. You need the CAS to apply your Tier 4 (General) student visa. Interviewing may be a part of the application to check that you are a genuine student.
What are the requirements?
- Route for people over 16 to study
- Must have an unconditional offer of a place to study
- Must have sufficient means to pay the course fees
- Maintenance and English language requirements apply
- Can bring family
- Visa valid for duration of course plus 4 months in general
- No fixed path to settlement but settlement is possible
- Tuberculosis test results
What are the course requirements?
Must meet genuineness test
Must show academic progression
Must be either:
- Full time at NQF level 6 or above
- Full time at NQF level 3 or above with at least 15 hours per week organised daytime study
- A recognised doctor or dentist foundation program
- Overseas course of degree level equal to a UK degree being run by an overseas establishment
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How do I apply for a Tier 4 (Child) visa?
The Tier 4 (Child) student category is for children between 4 and 17 years old who wish to come to the UK to be educated at an independent school. Your Tier 4 sponsor will provide a CAS and the course start date is the date on your CAS.
What are the requirements?
- Route for those aged 4 – 17 to study in the UK
- Must have unconditional offer and parental/guardian consent
- Must have sufficient means to pay the course fees
- Maintenance conditions apply
- The student can be accompanied by one parent/guardian
- Visa valid for duration of course plus 4 months in general
- No fixed path but settlement is possible if certain conditions are met
- Tuberculosis test results are required if you are from a country where you have to take a test
What are the course requirements?
- Restricted to studies at a private fee paying school – cannot attend a State funded school
- Course must follow the national curriculum
If over 16, there is a possibility for work placement
Path to Settlement
Please contact us for further information
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To give your case the best chance of success, get in touch
To give your visa the best chance of success, and to reduce your stress, please contact our immigration experts.
If you wish to speak directly with one of our immigration specialists to get advice about business and personal immigration, or education in the UK and other visa issues, then please contact our Glasgow Head Office on Phone T: +44 (0)141 212 3355 or request a call back by completing the Online Form. You can also email us at enquiries@lattainternational.com. More information can be found from Contact Us.