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IMPORTANT: Please note that this information is a summary of the Tier 4 General scheme and is designed to provide general information. Students applying for Tier 4 are responsible for making sure they read the up-to-date,full guidance note titled 'Tier 4 of the Points Based System-Policy Guidance' before making an application. This is available from the UK Border Agency website.
New Changes to the Immigration Rules As of 6 April 2012:
The UKBA have introduced new rules which will affect all students applying for a Tier 4 visa from 6 April 2012. The changes are:
-Study at Degree level or above (NQF 6) is restricted to 5 years in total
- However, if the duration of your Degree was a minimum of 4 years then study is restricted to 6 years in total
- If you are studying a PhD your are exempt from the above limits but may not be able to extend under the Tier 4 route if you have been in the UK for 8 years or more at the end of the PhD
You must score a total of 40 points under Tier 4. These points are split into the following categories:
If you are making an application by post there are a number of different ways you can pay the fee.
We recommend students pay by Postal Order. This is the safest method of payment, especially as you pay before sending your application.
It is possible to pay by Cheque and Credit Card /Debit Card but we strongly advise against this, as mistakes can happen with this payment method. All Credit and Debit Cards are acceptable EXCEPT for American Express. Write the 16 digit Card Number onto the form. Ensure there is enough money in your account to pay this fee (or enough credit left on Credit Cards). Cheques – applications with this fee payment method take longer than others.
To pay using this method you will need to go to a post office and ask for a postal order for the value of £394. They should also write 'Home Office' on the postal orders. Please note there is an additional charge taken by the Post Office for giving the postal order.
Once you receive them it is advisable for you to write the following on the back of each postal order:
This is so the postal orders can be matched to your application if they are separated from it at any time. Once you have done this you can carefully staple or attach them with a paper clip to the fee payment page of the form.
How much money do I need to have available to meet the maintenance requirement?
If you meet the UKBA's definition of established presence can show £1600
If you do not meet their definition of established presence you will need to show £7200.
Please note if you still have tuition fees left to pay you must ensure you maintain this remaining amount with the above maintenance requirement.
If youhave paid towards University accommodation you can deduct this ammount from your maintenance requirement. Howeveryou can only deduct a maximum of £1000.
Documents required
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Application form –Tier 4 (General) |
Download application form [PDF] here: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk |
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Passport size photos x2 |
These must have been taken within 28 days of your application. Write your full name in English behind both photos. |
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Current Passport |
Also any previous passports and/or travel documents used to travel to and remain in the UK. |
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Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card |
(If applicable) If you have extended your visa in the UK before you may have your current visa on this card. |
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CAS Number |
This can be obtained from International Student Support Office but must be requested in advance. The CAS number will be given to you on a CAS letter. You will need to request it from our Request aLetter section. (If you are a new student you may have received this already from our International Admissions team). You MUST make sure all the details on this are up-to-date at the time of application. If any details need updating please bring your CAS statement to us. If it is not updated you could be refused your visa. |
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Transcript of Results |
(If applicable) Results showing progress on your current course. |
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Proof of Previous Qualifications |
(If applicable) This only applies if this is the first time you are applying for a visa for your current course. It should be listed on your CAS statement. |
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ATAS Certificate |
(If applicable) This normally applies to Research students. If you are studying an MPhil or PhD it is your responsibility to check with your department if you require an ATAS Certificate. |
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Police Registration Document |
(If applicable) If you require one it will be stated on your current visa. |
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Bank document covering the last 28 days |
Please see the table for Maintenance (funds) in the policy guidance, to find out how much money isneeded in your account. If you also have any tuition fees for the current academic year which the University has not asked you to pay yet you will need to maintain it at the same time in your account for the same 28 days period. The Bank Statements should be in your name and show the account number, date of statement, banks name and logo, amount of money available. Applicants will have to show evidenceof havingthe required amount in their account consistently for 28 days. The closing balance must also be less than 28 days old at the time you send your application. It is alsoan option to submit bank statements in your parent (s) name showing the required amount. If you wish to provide this you will also need to submit your Birth Certificate & a letter from your parent confirming the funds available at the time of submission of the application, stating the relationship between you and them and that they have given permission for the funds to be used for your study in the UK. If you are being sponsored by an official financial sponsor or a government sponsor then youwill need to provide a letter from the sponsor. This letter you should be on the official letter - headed paper and must include your name, name and official contact details of the official financial sponsor, date of the letter, the length of the sponsorship and the amount of money they are giving to you or that they will cover your fees and living costs. |
Please note: Other documents as evidence of funds are also acceptable, please see the relevant pages of the Tier 4of the Points Based System –Policy Guidance.
How can you help me apply?
There are short sessions held every week to help students apply. The sessions are designed to help you make sure your form has been filled in correctly and that your documents (if you bring them) are correct.
We would recommend this session to ALL students who apply for an extension under this category. As the number of visa refusals increases it is more important then ever that your form and documents are correct.
Once you have completed your form you should book your session. The sessions are currently held EVERY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. To book you place please email advice.international@beds.ac.uk with your student number and full name. We will then confirm your place by emailing you back. Please note if you do not book in advance you will not be able to attend as the sessions get fully booked.You will have to book for the next available date.
The Home Office are now very strict with the documents you need to provide.
It is essential that you submit all the required documents with the application form. Failure to do this is likely to lead to the application being refused. Documents must be originals.
