Latest Update on the Home Office Tier 4 Student Visa Pilot Scheme

It was announced earlier today that Cardiff University and the University of Wales Trinity St. David have now officially been added to the Home Office Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme. The introduction of these two universities will allow their Tier 4 International students to benefit from the streamlined process of studying a Master’s degree at their institutions. 

What is the Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme?

The Home Office has selected a small number of universities to take part in their new Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme. The pilot scheme allows Applicants to apply for a Master’s degree without the need to provide a large number of documents that would normally be required when applying for a Tier 4 Student visa application. It also allows Tier 4 students to stay in the UK for a longer period of time after the end of their course. The total length of their stay is the length of their course and 6 additional months. The main benefit of the Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme is that Applicants are not required to provide all the required documents demonstrating that they meet the financial requirements or documents in respect of their academic qualifications. However, Applicants must still meet the Home Office Tier 4 Student requirements under the immigration rules as the Home Office can request for evidence at any time when considering the application as they often carry out random spot checks. It is important to note that if an Applicant submits documents where not required, the Home Office will then assess the application in the normal way and could possibly delay the process. Dependents applying with the Main Applicant will also benefit from the Tier 4 Student Visa pilot scheme but will if they apply after the Main Applicants application they will not be included in the pilot scheme.

At the announcement, Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis expressed his delight with the introduction of both Cardiff University and the University of Wales Trinity St. David to the Tier 4 Student Visa Pilot Scheme stating:

“I am delighted to announce the expansion of this pilot which is part of our ongoing activity to ensure that our world-leading institutions remain highly competitive. This is a clear indication that genuine students are welcome and there is no limit on the number who can come to study in the UK.”

Who is Eligible for a Tier 4 Student Visa under the Tier 4 Student Visa Pilot scheme?

International students applying for a Tier 4 Student visa to study a Master’s degree at any of the chosen institutions participating in the Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme will automatically be included in the scheme. This includes both Entry Clearance and in-country applications.

To apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa the following requirements must be met:

  • Applicants must be 16 years of age or above and have an unconditional offer from a Tier 4 institution who holds a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence;
  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they can accommodate and maintain themselves in the UK (Read the guide and appendix for the full list of documents and how much money you’ll need); and
  • Applicants must meet the English language requirement.

However, as mentioned above, Applicants applying at any of the chosen institutions participating in the Tier 4 Student pilot scheme will not be required to provide all the requirements documents as part of the new streamlined process but must still meet the requirements. Our expert team of immigration solicitors can assist you with the preparation of your Tier 4 Student Visa application and ensure that you meet with all the requirements under this category of the Points-Based System.

What universities are participating in the Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme?

With the introduction of Cardiff University and the University of Wales Trinity St. David to the Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme there are now 23 Universities participating in the Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme.  The following universities are now participating in the scheme:

Cardiff University, Goldsmiths University of London, Harper Adams University, Newcastle University, Queen’s University Belfast, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of Bristol, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Edinburgh, University of Essex, University of Exeter, University of Glasgow, University of Leicester, University of Liverpool, University of Manchester, University of Nottingham, University of Reading, University of Sheffield, University of Southampton, The University of Wales Trinity St. David (Swansea Campus), University of Warwick, University of York.

Using Legal Representation to submit Successful the Tier 4 Student visa application under the Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a Tier 4 Student visa application under the Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme.

Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.

This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your Tier 4 Student visa application under the Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful Tier 4 Student visa application under the Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme

Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your Tier 4 Student visa application under the Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your Tier 4 Student visa application under the Tier 4 Student visa pilot scheme and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.

We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients.  We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.

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