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Applying for a student visa

Tier 4

Visa and immigration

The UK is in the process of switching to a Points Based System for immigration purposes and there have been significant changes in the regulations relating to students and universities that are due to be implemented from April 2009 within Tier 4 of the Points Based System. 

The UK Embassy or Consulate in your country will be best able to provide advice and information.  We advise you to contact them as soon as you know that you are intending to travel to the UK.  You will also find information concerning entry clearance requirements at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/ and also http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/.

It is very important that you do not travel to the UK without a valid student visa. All students studying for more than six months in the UK must hold a visa. Students who arrive in the UK without a valid visa are likely to be sent back to their country of origin.

Studying for more than 6 months?

All students studying for more than six months in the UK must have entry clearance in the form of a visa or biometric identity card.  

Studying for less than 6 months?

Students studying for less than six months in the UK may enter as ‘Student Visitors’ unless they are visa nationals.  If you enter the UK as a ‘Student Visitor’ you will not be allowed to do any work or work placement (even if it is part of your course or is unpaid) and you will not be allowed to apply for more time in the UK if your studies are extended.  For these reasons, we recommend that all students apply for entry clearance prior to travel to the UK.

Students under 18 years old

Please note that specific requirements apply to students under 18 years old.  Further information can be found at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/quickguideforstudent/childstudents/applyingforachildstudentvisa//

Application forms

Application forms for entry clearance can be found at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/vafs. 

Use form VAF1D if you intend to enter as a Student Visitor.

Use form VAF3A if you intend to enter as a Student.

Key requirements for entry clearance as a Student

You must meet the requirements of the immigration rules and have 40 points in total in order to qualify for student entry clearance.

You will be required to provide your biometric details (10-digit finger scans and a digital photograph) with your application.  You will find more information about biometrics on the application form.

Money needed

The money you need to show covers your tuition fees for your first year of study and living costs for up to a maximum of nine months calculated at £800 per month (for students in London).  The money may be:

• Cash in an account in your name (this includes joint accounts with your name); or
• A loan in your name; or
• Official financial or government sponsorship

Partners and children (also known as dependants)

Partners or children who want to come to the UK with you must also have documentary proof that they have enough money to support themselves.  You can find more information in the dependant’s guidance at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf5students#Q16 . 

How long can I stay in the UK?

Documents to support your application

All documents in support of your application must be original.  Online receipts and statements are not accepted without supporting verification.  Electronic bank statements should be stamped by the official stamp of the bank on every page of the statement. 

Working in the UK

If you have entry clearance as a ‘Student’ you are permitted to work part-time during term-time (nor more than 20 hours per week) and full-time during vacations.  You will be allowed to do a work placement as part of your course of study, as long as the work placement is an assessed part of the course.

Extending your leave to remain in the UK

When you arrive in the UK your visa or stamp in your passport will indicate the length of time that you have been permitted to stay in the UK. If you wish to stay for longer than this given period you will need to apply to the Home Office for an extension. You must send a postal application to arrive prior to the expiry of your current leave or make an application in person up to the expiry of your leave at one of the Border and Immigration Agency Public Enquiry Offices.

Help renewing your visa

Roehampton University operates the ‘Batch Scheme’ system for students who would like our help in renewing their student visa. We will check your application has been completed correctly and send it, together with your supporting documentation, to the Border and Immigration Agency on your behalf. Your documents will be returned to the International Centre for collection. If you would like to use this service, please read the ‘Essential Guide to Renewing a Student Visa’ and attend a workshop, details of which will be in the Welcome Pack that you will receive during the International Induction in September.

More advice and information

UKCISA: The Council for International Student Affairs
Phone: (+44) (0)20 7107 9922 (1pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday)
Website: www.ukcisa.org.uk

British Council
The British Council provides information to help international students prepare for study in the UK.
Email: general.enquiries@britishcouncil.org
Website: www.britishcouncil.org

Tier 1 Post-Study Work

What is Post-Study Work (PSW)?

Tier 1 (Post Study Work) was launched on 30 June 2008 in place of the International Graduates Scheme.  It enables international students who have successfully completed an eligible course in the UK to seek employment without having to rely on an employer (‘sponsor’) or a specific job offer.

During your time under Post-Study Work (PSW), you can take any type of employment or self-employment for a maximum of 24 months.  If you want to remain in the UK beyond your leave under PSW in order to pursue your career, you can switch into other employment or self-employment categories of the Points-Based Immigration System, as long as you meet the relevant requirements.

How do I qualify under the Scheme?

Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) is part of the new Points-Based Immigration System which is being introduced to the UK.  Therefore, you need to obtain a certain number of points in order to qualify.

You must obtain a total of 95 points which are scored as follows:

• 75 points for attributes
• 10 points for English language
• 10 points for maintenance (funds)

You can access the UK Border Agency online tool that enables an applicant to self-assess his/her application to see whether or he/she is likely to score enough points for the application to succeed.

How do I accrue sufficient points?

Attributes include:

1.         Qualification (20 points)

You must have been awarded one of the following:

• A UK recognised bachelor or postgraduate degree
• A UK Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)
• A Higher National Diploma from a Scottish institution 

2.         Institution (20 points)

You must have studied for your award at an institution recognised by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).  Roehampton University is recognised by the DIUS.

3.         Immigration permission during your study (20 points)

You must have carried out your period of UK study and/or research whilst you had immigration permissions as a student and/or a dependant of someone with immigration permission in any category which allows the admittance of dependants.

4.         Time limited for applying (15 points)

You must make your application for Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) within 12 months of obtaining your relevant qualification.  This means that you must apply within 12 months of first being notified in writing by the university that you have been awarded the qualification.  The letter from the university which you have to submit as evidence that you have a relevant qualification must contain information about the date of award of your qualification.

Additionally you must have:

English Language

10 points for English language (you have this automatically if you have 75 points in attributes)

Maintenance

For full details, please see the policy guidance at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheUK/tier1/poststudy/applying

If you are applying for entry clearance from outside the UK, you must be able to show that you have £2,800 on the date of application and you must have had at least that amount available to you for three months before your application. This means that the level of funds in your bank account must not have fallen below £2,800 at any time during the three months before you apply for entry clearance as a Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) Migrant.

If you are applying to stay in the UK, the required level of funds is £800. You must be able to show that you have held this sum in your account for three months before applying, in the same way as for entry clearance applications.

Application form

Please ensure you use the current version of Tier 1 Post Study Work application. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/poststudy/applying/  Old versions of the Tier 1 Post-Study Work and FLR(O) form are invalid and any visa applications made on them will be refused.

How much does an application under Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) cost?

If you are making a postal application from within the UK, the cost is £500.  The Home Office also offer a premium same-day service at a cost of £700 where you go in person to the Home Office in Croydon. 

If you are applying from your home country under Tier 1 (PSW), the cost is currently £205.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

You should allow 4 – 6 weeks for your application to be considered.  You are strongly advised not to book or plan any travel outside of the UK whilst your application is pending.  You are legally entitled to remain in the UK under your previous conditions of entry whilst awaiting a decision.

Will Roehampton University be able to check my application?

The International Centre offers an informal review of your application and supporting paperwork.  Please contact the International Centre at international@roehampton.ac.uk to make an appointment should you wish to use this service.

Sources of information regarding PSW

UKCISA : Working in the UK after your studies  http://www.ukcisa.org.uk

‘Working in the UK after your studies’

UK Border Agency : Home Office http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/ 

Please be aware that Roehampton University is unable to submit the application form on your behalf. 

It is your responsibility to ensure that your application is processed in good time. You MUST apply for a new visa BEFORE your current visa expires.

Disclaimer

This information should not be viewed as legal representation.   The guidance offered is to be viewed strictly as guidance and not as legal advice.