Tier 4 Student Visa Do’s and Do Not’s

The excitement will be starting to build for the many international students who are planning on coming to the UK to begin their overseas study this September. Whilst it is important to know the requirements before making a Tier 4 Student Visa application, it is equally as important to be aware of what you can and cannot do whilst in the UK on a Tier 4 Student Visa – as it could seriously affect your academic career.

Tier 4 Student Visa
Successful Tier 4 Student Visa Applications with LEXVISA Solicitors in London

What you can do on a Tier 4 Student Visa

A Tier 4 Student Visa will allow a student to study in the UK for the duration of their course, and students are able to make their application either in or outside the UK. This gives a level of flexibility if a student is changing course or even sponsor, as they will not be required to leave the UK to make their application, assuming that they meet the requirement for academic progression.

Once their Tier 4 Student Visa application is successful, the student will be able to enter the United Kingdom and enrol at their sponsor institution. The goal of each student, of course, is to eventually graduate come the end of their course, and doing so will require attending class and working hard. Indeed, one of the requirements that the university themselves must meet is that all international students attend a high proportion of their classes, and this is an important factor to keep in mind when studying. Not attending classes will have serious repercussions for the student and possibly the university, who will be eager to enforce their UKVI compliance requirements.

A Tier 4 Student Visa will also allow you to work for up to 20 hours per week in most jobs, which will allow students to take a part-time job. The definition of a week will be changed from April 2017, however, to be defined as “a period of seven days beginning with a Monday”. Those on a Tier 4 Student Visa will need to ensure that their work shifts and patterns fit around this new requirement.

What you cannot do on a Tier 4 Student Visa

Whilst a Tier 4 Student Visa does give a relative degree of freedom, there are certain activities that students are not able to partake in. They are not able to receive public funds – hence the requirement of financial ‘maintenance’ for support – and are not able to work in certain jobs such as a sportsperson or sports coach. This requires international students to have financial independence, and to not rely on receiving public funds whilst studying in the UK. If a student is to be supported by their parents or other family member, they will need to provide a letter of support confirming that their funds are available at any time.

It should also be remembered that those on a Tier 4 Student Visa are unable to study at a ‘maintained school’, which is another name for an academy or a local authority-funded school. Furthermore, not all English language schools are able to sponsor a Tier 4 Student Visa, as they will not be on the Tier 4 Register of Sponsors; if a student wishes to come to the UK to study English at a language school prior to their university course, they must find one with a Tier 4 Student Visa sponsor licence. This is because they will not be able to switch from a Standard Visitor Visa to Tier 4 Student Visa within the UK, and will be required to leave in order to make that application.

Using Legal Representation to Apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa

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.

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 application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful Tier 4 Student Visa Applications

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 visa and immigration application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration and visa application 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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