This visa is for individuals aged 16 and over who wish to study in the UK. The Tier 4 (Child) Visa; student visitor visa; student nurse; student re-sitting an examination; student writing up a thesis; postgraduate doctors and dentists are other types of student visas and they have their own specific requirements.
What are the Requirements for the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa?
The core requirements for a Tier 4 (General) Student visa are that you are aged 16 or over and wish to study in the UK; your application will not be refused under the General Grounds for Refusal; you have 30 points for your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS); and you have 10 points for maintenance. The CAS is available from the institution where you wish to study, which should be a licensed Tier 4 sponsor.
However, although the core requirements seem straight forward, the documentary evidence that you must present in order to meet these requirements are not necessarily straight forward. The documentary evidence required in one student’s application may vary from the documents required in another student’s application. Additionally, the immigration rules and policies on student visas are frequently amended and this adds to the complexities of these applications.
It is important to ensure that your application meets all of the requirements of the immigration laws to avoid refusal. This is because you will not be permitted to submit new evidence to support a request administrative review by the UK Embassy. Changes to the immigration laws also mean that you will not be permitted to submit new evidence on appeal if it is evidence that should have been submitted at the time of the application.
How can we help?
The immigration rules are amended regularly therefore it is important to receive up-to-date advice on the requirements for Tier 4 (General) visas before you make your application. We are able to advise you on the documents that are required based on the specific circumstances of your case.
We can represent you in the preparation and submission of your application to the UK Border Agency or UK Embassy. If you have an appeal before the Tribunal Service (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) we can advise and represent you on your appeal. We specialise in dealing with particularly complex immigration cases.