Studying in the UK is a common dream for millions of students around the world. The United Kingdom is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. The best colleges and universities in the UK are often considered as the incubators for some of the most promising careers. Plus, there are various courses and subjects that make the UK an ideal destination for studying. In this blog, we are going to talk about the process to get a student visa in the UK.
In order to pursue education from the UK, the person is required to have a student visa or Tier 4 Visa with him/ her. A tier 4 visa is of two types:-
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa: Students who wish to come and pursue higher education in the UK and their age is above 17 years.
Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa: for students aged between 4 to 16 years who wish to pursue an education in the UK.
There is another student visa known as Short- Term Study Visa. It is for students who are accepted for short term courses or short period courses lasting from 6 months to 11 months.
Eligibility criteria to apply for Tier 4 Visa:
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for studies (CAS) letter from an educational institution in the UK. The educational institution must also possess a license to accept international students, i.e. a Tier 4 sponsor license.
- Financial proofs to show that the student will be able to finance their education and their living in the UK.
- English Language requirements: A proof of proficiency in the English language is required from IELTS for UKVI to get the Visa.
- Other documents required:
- Passport
- Passport-sized photograph: for UK Home Office.
- A Tuberculosis test certificate: Evidence for proving that you do not have Tuberculosis.
- Advanced Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate, if required.
- All documents listed under CAS.
How to apply for a Tier 4 Student visa?
The student is required to send in their online application for the Tier 4 student visa on the British government’s official website. Once submitted, you will receive your CAS number from the university, making you eligible for the student visa.
When to Apply for Tier 4 Student Visa?
That depends whether the student is in the UK or outside.
When the student is outside the UK: the student can apply for the Visa only 6 months before the course starts at the earliest. The decision will be intimated within 3 weeks.
When the student is in the UK: the student can apply for the Visa earliest by 3 months. The course of the student must start at least 28 days before his/ her current Visa expires.
How long can you stay in the UK with a Tier 4 student visa?
The length of the duration of a student’s stay in the UK depends entirely upon the length of his/ her course. If the course is a degree level course, then up to a 5-year long stay is permitted. If the course is below degree level then in that case, up to 2-year long stay is allowed.
Further reading: Everything You Should Learn About the UK Student Visa
When can you travel to the UK?
The student can come to the UK within a week before the commencement of the course if it is of 6 months or less. If the course has a duration of 6 months or more, the student can travel to the UK a week before starting their course.
Post Study Work Visa:
It will benefit international students who would like to find work in the UK after they finish their studies. This new Graduate Immigration Route will help the students who are graduating in the summer of 2021 or after that. The Post-study work visa will provide international students with an opportunity to stay in the UK for 2 years and look for employment upon the completion of their studies.
How Can Osbourne Pinner Help you in the Student Visa Process?
Aspiring student visa applicants might face several issues in the process. There is a lot of documentation and deadlines to meet before the course starts in your desired college or university. Osbourne Pinner, an immigration law expert, has helped hundreds of students with the UK student visa. They provide step by step guidance to ensure that the entire visa process is being followed technically & details are filled in time for the student visa application. Their years of experience in immigration law can help you maximize your chances of a successful UK student visa application.
Osbourne Pinner is known for providing highly personalized services to meet the unique requirements of the clients when it comes to legal services. Our services are known for providing client satisfaction, professionalism, transparency, faster response and confidentiality. Students applying for the UK student visa ease their pain by trusting us.
