UK Tier 4 Visa for Students – Eligibility, Documents, Fee, Application

The UK Tier 4 visa is an essential requirement for international students who wish to pursue their field of study in the UK. This visa allows students to pursue their desired course at an accredited university and grants them the legal authority to stay and study in the UK. Moreover, the UK visa system is a points-based category system, meaning that applicants must score a minimum number of points to be eligible. But how does that work out for students? In this blog, you will find all about the UK Tier 4 visa, eligibility, documents required, checklist, and more. Let’s begin. 

What is Tier 4 Visa in the UK?

The UK Tier 4 visa is for adult overseas students who wish to study in the UK. The country demands students to meet some tough requirements in order to access top-quality education in its leading universities. Most importantly, the Student Visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.

Also Read: UK Universities that Give an Offer Letter in 2 Days

A Guide to the UK Education System

The UK offers a world-class education system, with a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degree options. Let’s break down the basics:

Undergraduate Degrees

• Duration: Typically 3 years for full-time study.
• Common Degrees:
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc)
  • Bachelor of Education (BEd)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB)

Postgraduate Degrees

• Master’s Degrees:
  • Duration: Usually 1-2 years.
  • Common Degrees: MA, MSc, MEd, MRes, MPhil, MBA, LLM

Choosing the Right Institution:

The UK boasts a diverse range of higher education institutions, from prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge to specialized colleges and universities. When selecting a university, consider factors such as:

• Academic Reputation: Research the university’s ranking and its specific department’s strengths.
• Course Offerings: Ensure the university offers the specific programs you’re interested in.
• Campus Facilities: Consider the quality of libraries, laboratories, and student housing.
• Location: Decide if you prefer a bustling city or a quieter campus environment.
• Student Support: Assess the university’s support services for international students, including academic advising, career counseling, and accommodation assistance.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about your study abroad experience in the UK.

Understanding the UK Credit System

The UK education system employs a credit-based system to measure academic achievement. This system, known as the Credit and Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS), allows students to accumulate credits by completing modules or courses.

Here’s a breakdown of the credit requirements for different degrees:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Typically requires 300-360 credits.
• Master’s Degree: Usually demands 180 credits.
• Integrated Master’s Degree: Requires 480 credits, combining undergraduate and postgraduate study.
• Doctoral Degree: Requires a significant number of credits, often 540 or more, depending on the specific program and institution.

By understanding this credit system, students can better plan their academic journey and ensure they meet the necessary requirements for graduation.

What is the Eligibility Criteria for a UK Tier 4 Visa?

You can apply for a UK Tier 4 student visa in the UK if:

• You are 16 or over.
• You have been offered a place by a licensed student sponsor.
• You have sufficient funds to finance the cost of studying and living in the UK. 
• You have proof of English language proficiency. 

Requirements to apply for the UK Tier 4 Visa

Here is a list of documents you need to apply for a Tier 4 student visa. 

• A valid passport or other travel documentation
• Proof of sufficient finances to cover your living expenses during your program.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number
• Documents required to receive a CAS
• Passport-size colour pictures
• Tuberculosis test results
• If there are any additional criteria, your university will notify you before you submit your application.

These are the additional documents: 

• A valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it.
• If you’re under the age of 18, you’ll need documentation of parental or other legal guardian consent.
• If you’re under the age of 18, evidence of your relationship with your parent or guardian is required.
• If you’ve received financial support for your course fees and living expenses in the last 12 months, you’ll need formal permission from your financial sponsor to submit your application.

Also Read: A Comprehensive Guide – UK Visas and Immigration Process

UK Tier 4 Visa Fees 

UK tier 4 visa (general) and UK tier 4 visa (children) along with the visa duration, who is eligible, and the application fees:

Visa Type	Visa Duration	Eligibility	UK Tier 4 Fees
UK Tier 4 visa (general)	The total duration of the course + 1 month	Age: 16 years and above enrolled in the course of 6 months	£348 (INR 32,340, as per the current exchange rate)
UK Tier 4 visa (children)	Below 16: 6 yrs + 4 months16 – 17 yrs: 3 yrs + 4 months	Applicants between 4 – 17 years of age	£348 (INR 32,340, as per the current exchange rate)

Processing Time and Priority Service

When you submit your biometrics, your application begins to be processed, and it concludes when you pick up your passport. The complete process takes around three weeks, with one week equaling five working days. However, If you apply for a visa or settlement from within the UK, you may be able to pay for a quicker decision.

To get a decision within 5 working days or if you are eligible you can choose the ‘priority service’ when you apply. The priority visa UK tier 4 costs you around 500 euros (INR 40,314 approx). 

In addition, international students will be required to pay UK tier 4 visa health insurance fees is 470 euros (INR 37,895) and the additional fee of 235 euros (INR 18,947) if the stay is less than 6 months. We hope that you got the answer for your question How long does UK Tier 4 visa take?

Must Read: How to Get UK Business Visa: A Detailed Guide

Tier 4 Visa UK Duration

If you are 18 or over, the duration of your stay depends on various factors such as your course and the level of study you have completed in the UK. 

Course	Duration
Degree level	Up to 5 years
Belo degree level	Up to 2 years

Extend your UK Tier 4 Visa

Students may be allowed to extend their Tier 4 (General) student visa if they satisfy specific eligibility criteria.

• You must be in the UK on a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
• You have an unconditional offer letter.
• You can show that your studies are at a higher academic level than your current course. 

When to Apply for a UK Tier 4 Visa?

The right time to apply for a UK Tier 4 Visa depends on whether you are applying from inside the UK or outside. Here is what you need to know:

1. Apply from outside the UK

• The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your course begins. 

2. Apply from inside the UK

• The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course begins. 
• You must apply before your current visa expires. 
• Your next course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiry date. 

Also Read: UK Visa Success Rate in Detail

Tier 4 Student Visa UK Working Hours

• A Tier 4 UK visa allows students to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week. 
• It includes paid or unpaid work for one or multiple organisations. 

What is a Dependent Visa?

Your family members, including your spouse or unmarried minor children, will be permitted to join you or stay with you in the UK while you study on a Tier 4 dependent visa.

• A dependent can apply either at the same time as the Tier 4 applicant or after the student has received the outcome of their visa application.
• Children over the age of 21 are not eligible.
• Dependents applying for a visa must have enough money to cover the expense of living in the United Kingdom.
• The visa costs £680 per month (INR 54,848), up to a maximum of nine months.
• If the visa is granted for a term of 9 months or more (9 x £680), the total cost per dependent is £6,120 (INR 4,93,632). 

Also Read: UK Post Study Work Visa

UK Tier 4 Visa Application Process

Below we have mentioned the general overview of the UK Tier 4 visa application process. It is essential to remember that the actual process may differ depending on some factors.

Step 1: Check your CAS statement. Make sure all of the course details are correct!

Step 2: Prepare your financial documents and other supporting documents. 

Step 3: Register and complete the visa application form

Step 4: Pay your Immigration Health surcharge and application fees of £ 348 (INR 30,178, as per the current exchange rate). 

Step 5: Attend your appointment at the nearest embassy or consulate. 

Step 6: Get the result of your application. If your visa application has been granted, appear for the interview later on. 

UK Visa Tiers 

As mentioned earlier, the Tier Visa system in the United Kingdom is a point-based category system. To be able to qualify for a visa, applicants must score a certain number of points on an assessment test. The test takes into account factors including age, English language fluency, and other factors relevant to the Tier under which you apply. Travelling to the UK under a Tier category often validates you for UK settlement or even UK citizenship. Below are the five types of UK visa tiers:

• Tier 1: High-Value Migrants 
• Tier 2: Skilled Workers 
• Tier 3: Unskilled Workers
• Tier 4: Adult Students
• Tier 5: Temporary Workers 

Also Read: Types of UK Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

What is a UK Tier 5 Visa for Indians?

Tier 5 Visa is for workers who are travelling to the UK as part of a government-approved exchange program. This visa allows the worker to participate in an International Government Language Program as well as job experience, training, academic research, or a fellowship.

What is a Tier 3 Visa UK?

The tier 3 Visa UK category was intended to fill temporary labour shortages with low-skilled people, but it no longer exists. This strategy never resulted in any visas being issued by the government. Student Visa: This type of visa is for international students who want to study in the United Kingdom.

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What is a Tier 2 UK Visa?

The Tier 2 UK Visa (General) route is for migrants who have been offered a job in the United Kingdom and are sponsored by UKVI-approved businesses. It is the primary immigration route for skilled workers seeking employment in the United Kingdom. A standard tier 2 UK visa application should be decided within 8 weeks of the application being submitted. 

UK Tier 2 Dependent Visa

UK Tier 2 Dependent Visa allow the main visa holder’s spouse, unmarried partner, or children (unmarried) to visit the UK for the same amount of time as the main visa holder. It takes around 15 days to process the UK tier 2 dependent visa. Each dependent is also subject to the Immigration Health Surcharge, which costs around 624 euros (INR 50,313) per month for adults and 427 euros (INR 34,432) for child applicants. 

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FAQS

We hope you are now aware of the UK tier 4 visa! Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.