Tier 4 Visas

Tier 4 of the points based system applies to 

students

 wishing to study abroad in the UK at 

universities

 and colleges and other educational institutions.

The aim of the tier 4 student visa immigration UK is to provide a more streamlined, transparent route to studying in the UK. 

With the exception of tier 1 visas, which directly replace the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme or HSMP, all tier visas for the new system require a 

certificate

 of sponsorship from the relevant sponsor. 

In this case, the sponsor is the educational institution offering you the place to study.

Each sponsoring institution is required to vouch for the ability of students.

As a tier 4 student visa holder you will be granted leave to immigrate to UK for the purposes of completing your course at a specified institution. 

The duration of your UK visa will take into account the time needed to conclude affairs and attend graduation at the conclusion of your course. 

You will be able to change from one course to another at the same establishment without needing to submit a new application, however changing your sponsor or obtaining a UK visa extension will require you to lodge another application.

Tier 4 of the new system is not intended as a route to settled status in the UK and does not provide the opportunity to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and will not lead to British naturalisation.

Further information

• Tier 4 Student Visas
• Tier 4 Registered Sponsors

Find out further information on our Tier 4 Student Visas page.

Tier 4 Register of Sponsors

Tier 4 Student UK visas are only valid if they are issued through an approved educational institution. The UK Border Agency has an approved Register of Sponsors indicating which institutions are eligible to sponsor students.

Global Visas can prepare students to make informed decisions about their futures through our Study Abroad service for students considering immigration to UK.

We provide comprehensive resources, programs and counselling on career development, UK immigration law and visa 

applications

 and have access to a wide-range of partnerships with 

universities

, educational institutions, and administrative departments.

Educational institutions can receive a rating according to their compliance with immigration laws. The highest level of compliance receives a “Highly Trusted Sponsor” license. The licensing of an institution determines its eligibility to sponsor a student. Institutions below “Highly Trusted” level may face restrictions, including being excluded altogether from sponsoring international students.

Tier 4 Student Visas

The tier 4 Student UK Visa replaced the previous UK Study Visa system. It allows an adult student to study in the UK with a licensed sponsor on the Tier 4 register of sponsors and embark upon a course of study.

See the guide to Tier 4 registered sponsors.

Benefits

The Tier 4 Student Visa service offers overseas students the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications from reputable and government approved universities and colleges in the UK.

Study Abroad at a UK educational institution and you will be embarking on a life-long journey, where the skills and experience you learn in the UK are recognised the world over in industries such as commerce, science, technology and government.

The tier 4 Student Visa does not constitute a route to settlement or indefinite leave to remain, however, a visa for student immigration may allow you to switch to another UK immigration service without leaving the country, upon successful completion of your course.

If your course of study lasts less than six months, you may be able to enter the country under a UK visit visa, often referred to as a travel visa or tourist visa.

However, the benefit of studying in the UK under a visa for students is that you will also be permitted to undertake limited employment and extend your visa if your course of study lasts longer than 4 years.

Duration

This type of UK visa is granted for the period of your course.

If you are studying at degree level or above, you can stay for the full duration of your course, up to four years.

If your course is longer than four years, you can apply for a UK Visa Extension to finish your course.

If you are studying below degree, your Student Visa will allow you to stay for up to three years.

One route for staying in the UK beyond a course of study, is through switching to a Tier 2 Work Permit. You will require a specific offer of employment from a British company.

Global Visas can prepare adult students to make informed decisions about their futures through our Study Abroad service for students. We provide comprehensive resources, programs and counselling on career development and visa applications and have access to a wide-range of partnerships with universities, educational institutions, and administrative departments.

Eligibility

The new student route under the points based system introduces five key changes to the current system. Adult students applying to study abroad in the UK must:

Have a proven track record in studying before coming to the UK.

Have recognised qualifications equivalent to National Qualification Framework (NQF) in the UK education system.

Produce evidence of sufficient funds to pass a maintenance test.

Produce documents used to obtain an offer from the university or college sponsoring, such as qualification certificates.

To be able to travel to the United Kingdom as a general student after the end of March 2009, adult students must pass a points-based assessment and meet the minimum points requirement.

A visa letter from the education provider is most important in the points-based assessment process, while showing proof of maintenance fees to cover course fees and living expenses will also contribute to the points tally.

What is a visa letter?

It is an offer letter from your education provider who is your immigration sponsor, including information about you, your sponsor, the course, and your finances.

What is a licensed sponsor?

The licensed sponsor is the university or college you have chosen to enrol with. Global Visas have extensive partnerships with many schools, colleges and universities on the tier 4 register of sponsors. Find the tier 4 licensed sponsor list here.

Can I work?

Unlike a UK visit visa, or travel visa application, applicants for study permits may take part-time or holiday work but must not engage in the following:

Work for more than 20 hours a week during term time (except in vacation periods), unless it is a work placement and part of a study program and the educational institution agrees.

Conduct business, be self-employed, or provide services as a professional sports person or entertainer.

Work full-time in a permanent job.

Depending on what you have studied, if you want to stay on in the United Kingdom once you have successfully got your qualification, you may be eligible to switch to the Tier 1 - Post-Study Work visa.

Spouse and Dependent Immigration

Spouse immigration is only permitted for married partners and unlike a Fiance visa or UK De Facto visa, often known as an unmarried partner visa, your common-law or conjugal partner is not allowed to join you.

Married partners will be granted leave to remain for a period equal to that granted to the student. During this time, they must be able to support themselves either independently or with the help of the applicant. Find out further information on our Tier 4 Register of Sponsors page.