In light of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has introduced flexibility in the immigration rules for Tier 4 Students. The changes focus on creating a safe system and environment for all applicants; especially international students. The main change consists of allowing international students to apply for their Tier 4 Student visa when they are due to travel to the UK instead of applying for their student visa at the start of their course. In addition to this, the UKVI is also closely working with its visa services partners VFS Global and TLSContact to ensure applicants can attend biometric appointments safely by introducing a mandatory online appointment system and a temperature check on arrival.
What is a Tier 4 Student visa?
A Tier 4 Student visa allows international students to study a course in the UK at a Home Office approved institution that is permitted to bring international students to the UK. Tier 4 Student visa applications must be submitted from outside the UK unless you are on a visa that enables you to transfer your leave to another category.
What are the new changes to the Tier 4 Student visa?
The key changes to the Tier 4 Student visa are that Applicants are now allowed to apply for their Tier 4 Student visa when they are due to travel to the UK instead of when their course starts. This will allow students to enrol online and participate during the remote learning phase. The Home Office will also take a pragmatic approach when considering applications where the Certificate of Acceptance (“CAS”) has expired or the dates differ to the course start dates. Where a CAS issued between 24 January and 31 July has become invalid because it has expired, or was marked as ‘used’ in an application and the student was unable to travel due to COVID-19, the Home Office will consider exceptionally accepting that CAS with a new visa application on a case by case basis. The CAS will be accepted if the caseworker is satisfied that the reason the student couldn’t previously use it in an application or travel to the UK was due to COVID-19.
What are the requirements for a Tier 4 Student visa?
Tier 4 Student visa applications are Points Based System (PBS) applications that require international students to score 40 points and not fall under the General Grounds for Refusal. A failure to score 40 points will result in an automatic refusal. To score 40 points you must meet the requirements under Paragraph 245ZT of the Immigration Rules. You will be awarded 30 points for holding a valid CAS from a fully licenced Tier 4 Sponsor (see below). You will be awarded 10 points for meeting the maintenance requirement by showing you have enough money to cover the course fees and monthly living costs. The Home Office expects to see the funds in a particular format and applications are often refused on this point.
If your Tier 4 Student visa is successful can arrive in the UK one month before you’re the start of your case unless your course lasts less than six months. If your course lasts less than six months you can only arrive up to one week before the start of your course. The total duration of your visa would be dependent on your course i.e. there will be different visa lengths for BSc and MSc courses.
What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?
The (CAS) is a digital record with information of an Applicants acceptance on a course. The CAS will have key information such as details about the course and student i.e. full name and passport number. The CAS must be issued no more than six months before the submission of the visa application. There is no tangible certificate or document as it is a digital record but you should be given a CAS number, which will be required for the application. The Home Office would need the CAS number to check the details before approving your application.
Permitted activities on the Tier 4 Student visa
There are a number of permitted and prohibited activities that you must be aware of otherwise your student visa could be curtailed if you are found to be in breach of your visa conditions. Applicants are allowed to study, work (you would need to check the conditions of your visa), and apply to extend your visa from within the UK. In some circumstances, it may be possible to apply for your dependants to join you in the UK. However, Applicants cannot request for financial support through public funds, work in certain jobs (check visa conditions), study at an academy or local authority funded school. Applicants must also ensure they stay away from trouble as their visas may be curtailed if they get into trouble with the police.
How our immigration solicitors can help with a Tier 4 Student Visa application?
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in Tier 4 Student visa applications and prepare applications to the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful student visa applications for a range of different clients. The key to submitting successful applications is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules. Our immigration solicitors in London guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of the application. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provides multiple substantial reviews of the application bundle to ensure that the correct documentary evidence is submitted. We also prepare and assist with the submission of the application.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to submit a successful Tier 4 Student Visa application?
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with an application to apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
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, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
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 application with our Immigration Solicitors in London
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 prospects of submitting a Tier 4 Student Visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a Tier 4 Student Visa application and ensure that you get all the necessary points under the Points Based System.
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 to discuss a Tier 4 Student Visa application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.