On 8 October 2020, Tier 4 (General) student visa was renamed as Student Visa, and Tier 4 (Child) as Child Student Visa. All applications are now being processed using the new Student route, including those from the European Economic Area (EEA) who will enter the UK for studies beginning 1 January 2021.
Eligibility
To be eligible, your course must meet the government’s eligibility conditions. If you are 16 years of age or older, you may apply for a student visa.
Additionally, you will require the following:
Course confirmation
You must receive an unconditional offer and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsoring university. You must submit your student visa application within six months of receiving your CAS.
Funding
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient fund to cover both your course tuition fees and your monthly living expenses.
English Language
You must provide evidence of your English linguistic proficiency.
Consent
If you are a minor, you must have consent from your parents or tutors.
UK Student Visa Application
International students must apply online through the United Kingdom’s Visas and Immigration website. Consult the Henleaze Law experts to inquire about visa fees prior to applying.
Make an appointment at a visa application center to get your fingerprints and photograph taken (known as biometric information).
You may apply for a visa only after receiving a Letter of Acceptance for Studies. If you are applying from outside the United Kingdom, you must submit your application three months prior to the commencement of your study.
Health Care Surcharge
Additionally, you will be required to pay the healthcare surcharge. This allows you to apply for access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), but only if you intend to stay in the country for more than six months.
Visa for short-term studies
If you intend to study in the UK for a short period (no more than six months), you should apply for a Short-term study visa. You must be a citizen of a country other than the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
How to apply
To be eligible for a short-term study visa, you must meet the standards of the government. International students must submit an application online. Before applying, consult Henleaze Law to learn more about the cost of this visa.
At a visa application center, you must have your fingerprints and photograph taken (referred to as “biometric information”).
This visa is non-extendable, and you will be unable to change visa categories. Additionally, you cannot work on a Short-term visa, including conducting work experience or placements. Before applying, verify what you are permitted to do and what you are not permitted to do.
Child Student Visa
Students from four to seventeen years old may apply for a Child Student visa if they obtain the approval of their parent or guardian to study in the United Kingdom. The Child Student route enables eligible international children to study in the UK at an eligible educational institution. The Child Student Visa is intended for youngsters who are not citizens of the United Kingdom or Ireland.
Requirements
To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have an unconditional offer from an appropriate independent school for a course.
- Demonstrate that they have sufficient income to cover the cost of the course and their living expenses during the course.
- Have their parent or legal guardian’s written authorization to study in the United Kingdom
You can apply for the visa outside the UK six months before the commencement of your studies and expect a decision within three weeks. If you are applying from within the United Kingdom, you can apply three months prior to the commencement of the program and expect a decision within eight weeks.
Children under the age of 16 can stay in the UK for the duration of their course (up to six years) plus four months. Visa holders aged 16 or 17 years old may stay for the duration of the course (up to three years) plus four months after the program concludes. If you are eligible, you may be able to extend your visa in order to continue studying in the UK.
English language
If you are sixteen years of age or older and wish to learn English for up to eleven months, the short-term study visa is for you. If your stay exceeds 11 months, you must apply for a student visa.
If in doubt, contact our expert advisors at Henleaze Law who can assist you with the visa application procedure once you have been accepted onto a degree.
Work Visa in the United Kingdom
There are numerous career and work experience options available in London for students and graduates. Depending on your course, you may be able to work during your studies.
Visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and the UK Visa and Immigration websites for a detailed guide about working in London while studying.
Students who desire to stay in the UK after graduation must apply for a work visa unless they qualify for a two-year post-study work visa for overseas students.
UK Post Study Visa
Graduate Immigration: A Post-Study Work Visa in UK for International Students
From summer 2021, the UK government will open a new Graduate Immigration Route for international students.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Graduate Immigration Route?
Graduate Immigration is a new type of visa that is accessible to qualified international students. What you need to know is as follows:
- It will apply to people who have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree or who have finished a PhD.
- Successful applicants will be granted permission to stay and work in the UK for a maximum of two years at any skill level.
- PhD graduates will be permitted to remain for a period of three years.
- This option will be offered to overseas students who graduate in the summer of 2021 and meet the eligibility requirements.
What information do I need to submit an application?
A valid student visa and successful completion of an undergraduate degree or higher at a compliant higher education provider will be required at the time of application.
You will need to begin a new visa application; this is in addition to any existing visas. You will be ineligible if your visa expires prior to the introduction of the Graduate Immigration Route.
