Applying for a Tier 4 Visa Extension

International students who are in the UK studying on a Tier 4 Visa can apply to extend their leave as a Tier 4 student before their period of leave expires. There are a number of requirements that must be met in order for a Tier 4 Visa extension application to be successful and LEXVISA Business Immigration Solicitors specialise in Points Based System applications. Contact us today and our team will be happy to arrange an initial consultation in order to discuss each individual matter in more detail.

What is a Tier 4 Visa Extension application?

It is possible for Tier 4 Students to extend their visa in the UK in order to either continue their course or study a new once. Tier 4 Visa extension applicants must apply within the UK, they must be sponsored by either a Higher Education Institution, an overseas Higher Education Institution, an embedded college offering pathway courses or an independent school all of which must have a valid Tier 4 Sponsor Licence and meet all of the eligibility requirements; including the maintenance requirement showing the Applicant can pay for their course and be supported in the UK without recourse to public funds.

A Tier 4 Visa extension application can be made if the Applicant needs to re-sit any exams or repeat any modules, applying at a new academic institution to complete a course they started at an institution that lost its Tier 4 sponsorship, to extend the course because the Applicant has completed a work placement or a study abroad programme  or to complete a PhD or other doctorate that was started under the previous Tier 4 visa.

If an extension application is made in order to start a new course, the following requirements need to be satisfied to demonstrate academic progression:

  1. The new course must be at a higher academic level than the previous course;
  2. The new course can be at the same level and related to the previous course or career aspirations at degree level or above at a Higher Education Institution;
  3. If the new course is intercalated to a medicine, dentistry or medical science the Applicant started studying under a Tier 4 (General) student visa.

How to apply for a Tier 4 Visa Extension

Applicants will need to submit the online application and book an appointment at a visa application support centre in order to give their biometric information and submit all of the necessary supporting documents. Applicants must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until a decision is made on the application; applications will be withdrawn if they do so.

Submitting an application to be considered in accordance with the UK’s complex Immigration Rules can be a daunting task and it is crucial to get it right to avoid receiving a refusal. LEXVISA specialises in Points Based System applications and offer a full package service which includes comprehensive document reviews and drafting accompanying legal representations. In order to find out more about our bespoke service and to discuss each case in more details, contact us today to arrange an initial consultation either in person at our offices or via telephone or Skype.

The Importance of a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

As with an initial entry clearance Tier 4 Student Visa application, an accredited Tier 4 academic institution will need to have offered an Applicant a place to study at their institution and issue an official Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number. Tier 4 applications will not be successful without a properly assigned CAS as this will be used to see if all of the relevant points have been acquired for the application. Similarly, when applying for a Tier 4 Visa extension, the Applicant will need to get a new CAS. Applicants will need to apply to extend their Tier 4 visa within 6 months of getting a new CAS and before their current Tier 4 visa expires, but no more than 3 months before the course start date on the CAS. Applicants will need to be issued a new CAS regardless if they are studying at the same academic institution for their previous Tier 4 visa.

Using Legal Representation to apply for a Tier 4 Visa Extension

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 Visa extension.

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 UK Tier 4 Visa extension 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 meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful Tier 4 Visa Extension 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 Tier 4 Student visa application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your Tier 4 Visa extension 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. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is the key to a successful application. 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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