Tier 4 (General) student visa Guide to making your visa application inside the UK

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Tier 4 (General) student visa

Guide to making your visa

application – inside the UK

July 2014

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Extending your Tier 4 student visa in the UK

Introduction

This guide will assist students in extending their Tier 4 (General) visa in the UK:

We recommend that all students:

1. Read through this guide

2. Attend one of our workshops or an individual appointment before paying for their visa application.

We are the only staff at UAL who are qualified to give visa and immigration advice. We give this advice free of charge. We are available throughout your course to offer help and information in matters relating to immigration.

[email protected]

020 7514 6250

If you have an issue which is outside our level of competence, you may wish to seek assistance from an immigration adviser regulated by the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner:

http://oisc.homeoffice.gov.uk/how_to_find_a_regulated_immigration_adviser/

Always check what the fees are beforehand.

Please note that the content of this pack was written to the best or our knowledge and understanding in July 2014 by the Student Advice Service. The guidance in this pack relates to the version 07/14 of the Tier 4 (General) student application form and Policy Guidance. We cannot take any legal responsibility for the contents of the pack.

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Summary of Tier 4 (General) student visa

application process in the UK

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Can I extend my Tier 4 (General) visa in the

UK?

In order to apply for a new Tier 4 visa in the UK your new course of studies must start no more than 28 days after the end of your current leave, if the gap between the end of your current leave and the start of your new course (as stated on your CAS) is longer than 28 days then you must leave the UK and apply from your home country.

In addition to this the Immigration Rules only allow people who were last granted leave in certain immigration categories to make a Tier 4 application in the UK. These categories are:

• Tier 4 (General) Student • Tier 4 (Child) Student

• Tier 1 (Post-study Work) Migrant • Tier 2 Migrant

• Prospective Student

If you have any other visa type please contact us for advice.

When can I extend my Tier 4 (General) visa?

 when you receive your Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) from the International Office at your college, and

 you meet the financial requirements, and  you have the correct supporting documents.

You must apply for your Tier 4 visa before your current visa expires.

Visa

expiry

date

Course

start

date

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How do I extend my Tier 4 (General) visa in

the UK?

1. Register for an online account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), previously known as the Home Office (UKBA).

https://apply.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/iapply.portal

2. Attend an appointment or workshop provided by Student Advice Service at UAL, ensuring your documents and application form are checked before paying for your visa.

3. Apply and pay online using the Tier 4 (General) student visa application form.

4. Post your cover sheet and supporting documents to UKVI within 15 working days of your application date, OR

5. Attend an appointment at a Public Enquiry Office within 45 working days of your application date to submit your cover sheet and supporting documents.

6. Enrol biometrics when you receive your biometrics letter from UKVI.

How much does it cost to extend my Tier 4

(General) visa in the UK?

standard

application

£422

_Premium

application

by appointment

at a Public

Enquiry Office

(PEO)

£822

Please read through our Guide to completing the online application for information about how to fill in the online form and how to send your supporting documents to UKVI.

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What supporting documents do I need to

apply for my Tier 4 (General) visa in the UK?

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

• Financial evidence (e.g. bank statements, letter from bank)

o Birth Certificate / Adoption Certificate (if you are using bank statements of your parent (s) / legal guardian)

o Letter from your parent (s) / legal guardian confirming the relationship with you and confirming that they consent to giving you the required finances (if you are using bank statements of your parent (s) / legal guardian)

• Original certificate(s) of qualifications listed on the CAS

• Official translation of any document not in English or Welsh

• Police Registration Certificate (if required)

• 2 recent passport photos on a cream or light grey background, measuring 45mm x 35mm, with your name written on the back – see Appendix Z on page 27

What is a CAS?

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an electronic document issued to you by the International Office at the college you have applied to.

It contains information about: • you

• the course you will study at UAL • your previous qualifications • your tuition fees

• how much of your tuition fees you have paid.

You will need this document to assist you in filling out your visa application form.

A CAS is not a paper document; it is an electronic document. You do not need to include a printed version of your CAS in your application.

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When will I receive my CAS?

The International Office at your college will email you a summary of your CAS information when you have:

1. met the conditions of your offer such as passing your English language course. The conditions of your offer are explained in your offer letter.

2. accepted your unconditional offer of a place at your University of the Arts London (UAL) College

3. paid your deposit

CSM 020 7514 7027 / 7306 [email protected] LCC 020 7514 8138 [email protected] LCF 020 7514 7629 / 7656 / 7678 [email protected] Camberwell, Chelsea, Wimbledon 020 7514 1852 [email protected]

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Financial requirements

How can I show that I have paid my course fees?

If you pay your course fees after your CAS is issued, you must ensure that you inform the International Office at your college along with proof of payment. This must be done before applying for your visa. The International Office will then update your CAS to show that you have paid your tuition fees in full. A CAS cannot be amended once your visa application is in process.

Course Fees

• enough money to pay for

the 1st year of your

course. OR

• enough money to pay the

full course fees if your

course is less than 1 year.

Maintenance

(living costs)

• the amount you must

show depends on:

• if you have 'established

presence' or not

• the duration of your

course.

• where you will be

studying

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Do I have ‘established presence’ for calculating my

maintenance?

You can qualify for established presence and lower maintenance levels whether you are applying from inside the UK or from overseas.

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Lower maintenance – established presence

Length of your current/new course

College you will be

attending Maintenance required

9 months or less

INNER LONDON

 Camberwell

 Central Saint Martins  Chelsea  London College of Fashion  London College of Communication  Language Centre

£1020 to cover living costs for each calendar month of the course up to a

maximum of 2 months

OUTER LONDON

 Wimbledon

£820 to cover living costs for each calendar month of the course up to a

maximum of 2 months

More than 9

months

INNER LONDON

 Camberwell

 Central Saint Martins  Chelsea  London College of Fashion  London College of Communication  Language Centre

£2040 to cover living costs

OUTER LONDON

 Wimbledon

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Higher maintenance –

no established presence

Length of your course College you will be

attending Maintenance required

9 months or less

INNER LONDON

 Camberwell

 Central Saint Martins  Chelsea  London College of Fashion  London College of Communication  Language Centre

£1020 to cover living costs for each calendar month of the course

OUTER LONDON

 Wimbledon

£820 to cover living costs for each calendar month of the course.

More than 9

months

INNER LONDON

 Camberwell

 Central Saint Martins  Chelsea  London College of Fashion  London College of Communication  Language Centre

£9180 to cover living costs for 9 months in the UK

OUTER LONDON

 Wimbledon

£7380 to cover living costs for 9 months in the UK

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What documents can I use to show the financial

requirements?

Shares, bonds or pension fund type accounts will not be accepted.

The following types of documents are acceptable:

Bank or building

society statements

Building society pass

book

Letter from your

bank confirming

funds

Letter from a financial institution regulated either by the Financial Services Authority

or, in the case of overseas accounts, the home regulator (official regulatory body for the

country the money is held) confirming money or loan.

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Whose name do the documents need to be in?

The documents can be in the following names:

1. Proof that you are related e.g. birth certificate

2. A letter from your parents or legal guardian confirming that a. you are their child and

b. you have permission to use their money.

Remember! These extra documents must be original so ask your parents/legal guardian to post them to you with enough time to make your visa application.

Please see Appendix Y Sample Parents Letter on page 25.

*

You must include the following extra documents if you use a financial document in your parent’s or legal guardian’s name:

Your

name

Your

parent's

name*

Your legal

guardian's

name*

or

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Can I use a non-UK account?

Yes, but you must do the following:

1. Your financial document must be officially translated into English if it is not in English or Welsh.

2. If the funds are not held in British pounds (£GBP), you must use www.oanda.com to convert these and include a print out of the conversion with your application. Enter the lowest amount of money held for 28 consecutive days; check the date of your closing balance, you must use the currency exchange rate for that date

Students using financial documents from:

Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Iran, Pakistan, the Philippines

and Sri Lanka

Closing Balance date e.g. 18 May 2014

The UKVI has published lists of financial institutions in these countries that do not verify financial statements to their satisfaction. If you apply for Tier 4 (General) visa with financial documents issued by these institutions, you visa application will be refused.

Please see Appendix P of the Immigration Rules:

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How long does the money have to be in my account?

Please see Appendix X on page 24 for an example of a bank statement which clearly shows all of the information that must be on your financial document.

You must meet these requirements on the date of your visa application.

Can I use financial documents from more than one account?

Yes, but all documents must meet the Tier 4 (General) visa requirements.

The full amount of

money must be held in

the account for 28

consecutive days up

to the date of the

closing balance.

The money cannot

drop below the

amount you need at

any time during these

28 days.

The closing balance

date cannot be more

than 31 days old on

the date you make

your visa application.

28 days

31 days

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Can I use online/electronic bank statements?

Yes, but you must ensure that either: • each page is stamped by the bank,

or

• the bank gives you an original letter, with the bank logo, confirming that the statement is authentic.

Financial sponsorship

If you have financial sponsorship from one of the following sources, then a letter from them confirming they will cover ALL fees and living costs is enough.

• government • British Council

• an international organisation • a company

• a University

If the letter doesn’t confirm that ALL fees and living costs will be covered, then you will need to combine it with other means of meeting financial requirements.

Some banks will not stamp your online statements or give you a letter. We recommend trying different branches of your bank or ask the bank to post original statements to you. It should take 3-5 working days to be posted to you and there may be a charge.

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Translations

Where a document is not in English or Welsh, the original must be accompanied by a fully certified translation by a professional translator/translation company.

All documents must be original, You cannot use photocopies or scanned versions of any of your supporting documents!

Original

+

_translation

Certified

Date of translation

Full name and signature of the translator, they must be an authorised official of the translation

company

Contact details of the translator or translation company (or their

credentials)

Confirmation from the translator or translation company that it is an accurate translation or the original

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When should I submit my supporting

documents and cover sheet to UKVI?

What is my visa application date?

It is the date that you pay for your visa application online.

Standard

Application

You must post your documents within 15 working days of your visa application date

15 days

Premium

Application

You must submit

your documents at

an appointment at a

Public Enquiry

Office (PEO) within

45 working days of

your visa

application date

.

Ideally, you should

attend your

appointment before

your current visa

expires.

45 days

If you choose a standard application, remember to post your documents using Special Delivery from the Post Office. This ensures the safety of important documents and allows you to track delivery online.

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Students from ‘low risk’ countries

Tier 4 application forms include a formal declaration that maintenance funds are genuinely available to you to pay for living and studying in the UK.

If you are a national from one of the ‘low risk’ countries listed below and are applying in your country of nationality or in the UK for a visa to study at UAL, you will not usually have to

provide any further formal evidence of maintenance / qualifications.

However, if you are a national of a ‘low risk’ country, UKVI still has the right to request further

evidence of your documents. If they do request the evidence, and you do not provide it, your

application will be refused.

The ‘low risk’ countries are:

 Argentina  Australia  Barbados  Botswana  Brunei  Canada  Chile  Croatia

 Hong Kong (you hold a Hong Kong SAR passport or a British National (Overseas) passport and you are applying for entrance clearance in Hong Kong, or for leave to remain in the UK)  Japan  Malaysia  New Zealand  Oman  Qatar  Singapore  South Korea

 Taiwan (those who hold a passport issued by Taiwan that includes the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan in it)

 Trinidad and Tobago  United States of America  United Arab Emirates (UAE)  a British National Overseas

We strongly advise that you ensure you meet the requirements to make a Tier 4 application and have access to the necessary documents should the UKVI request these

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How do I enrol my biometrics?

You’ll be asked to provide your biometric information as part of the application process. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will send you a biometric enrolment letter with instructions. You must follow the instructions on the letter and go to a Post Office to enrol biometrics.

When will a decision be made on my visa

application?

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example: • your supporting documents need to be verified

• you need to attend an interview

• your personal circumstances (e.g if you have a criminal conviction)

Standard

applications by

post.

within

8 weeks

Premium

applications when

visiting a Public

Enquiry Office by

appointment

Same

Day

We do not advise making any travel plans until you receive your BRP and passport from UKVI.

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When will my Tier 4 (General) visa expire?

What do I do when my Biometric Residence

Permit (BRP) arrives?

1. Check that all the information on the BRP is correct. You must report any errors within 10 working days of receiving your permit. If you don’t you may have to reapply and pay for a replacement BRP.

[email protected]

Include the following in your email:

• your passport number

• your biometric residence permit reference number

• your case reference number

• a contact telephone number

• details of exactly what information is wrong

2. Check if your BRP says ‘Register with police’. You must register at the Overseas Visitors Records Office (OVRC) within 7 days of receiving your BRP.

3. Provide a copy of your BRP to the International Office at your college.

• 7 days after the end of the

course

Less than 6 months

(not presessional)

• 1 month after the end of the

course

Less than 6 months

(Presessional)

• 2 months after the end of the

course

6 months or more, but

less than 12 months

• 4 months after the end of the

course

12 months or more

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How do I apply for entry clearance from my

home country?

Tier 4 (General) Student visa

For more information visit: www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/overview You can apply online at: www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk

You cannot apply online if you are from Cuba or North Korea. Go to the following webpage to download the paper form: www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/apply

Who can help?

Student Advice Service will give two workshops to presessional students to help you with your visa application:

1. A workshop to help you to register for an online account with UKVI at the beginning of your course.

2. A workshop to help you complete the online form and check your documents. This workshop will only take place once you have received your CAS and your summer course is finished.

We will email you during your course to give you further details about these workshops so please regularly check your emails. You can also contact us by email or by telephone if you have any questions.

If you are not a presessional student, please contact us for an appointment. Useful websites:

www.ukcisa.org.uk

https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

[email protected]

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Appendix Y – Sample Parents letter

[Your parents address],

[Your parents telephone number], [Your parents email address]

UK Visas and Immigration

[Date]

Dear Sir/Madam, Re: [student’s name]

This is to confirm that I am the [mother/father/guardian] of [student’s name] and I give my consent for the funds in my bank account to be used by my [son/daughter] while s/he studies in the UK. S/he is to enrol on a [full title of course] at University of the Arts London, [college name] in September 2014. I am happy to financially support my [son/daughter] with the amount of [amount in currency on bank statement]. Please find attached evidence of the funds in the form of a [bank statement/bank letter]. Yours faithfully,

[Signature] [Name]

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Appendix Q – Sample Bank letter

To whom it may concern,

This letter confirms that [your name/parent’s name] is holding an account in our bank, the

account number is [xxxxxxxxx].

The total held is [closing balance on issue date of this letter]. The minimum balance was

[lowest balance figure over the previous 28 days] and has been held for the last 28

consecutive days.

Yours sincerely,

________________________

Bank staff members name + Signature

Letter head with

bank name and

logo

The Royal Bank of Oz

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Appendix Z - Passport photos requirements

Photo size

Your photos must be professionally printed and 45 millimetres (mm) high by 35mm wide - the standard size used in photo booths in the UK. Standard sizes in photo booths outside the UK can be different - make sure you get the right size.

You can’t use photos that have been cut down from larger pictures.

Your photos must be:

• in colour on plain white photographic paper

• taken against a plain cream or light grey background

• identical

• taken within the last month

• clear and in focus

• without any tears or creases

• unmarked on both sides (unless a photo needs to be countersigned)

• unaltered by computer software

The image of you

Your photos must show a close-up of your full head and shoulders. It must be only of you with no other objects or people.

The image of you - from the crown of your head to your chin - must be between 29mm and 34mm high (see example below).

Your photos may be rejected unless they show you:

• facing forward and looking straight at the camera

• with a neutral expression and your mouth closed

• without anything covering the face

• in clear contrast to the background

• without a head covering (unless it’s worn for religious or medical reasons)

• with eyes open, visible and free from reflection or glare from glasses

• with your eyes not covered by sunglasses, tinted glasses, glasses frames or hair

• without any ‘red eye’

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Tier 4 (General) student visa Guide to making your visa application inside the UK

Tier 4 (General) student visa

Guide to making your visa

application – inside the UK

July 2014

Contents

Extending your Tier 4 student visa in the UK

Introduction

[email protected]

020 7514 6250

Summary of Tier 4 (General) student visa

application process in the UK

Can I extend my Tier 4 (General) visa in the

UK?

When can I extend my Tier 4 (General) visa?

Visa

expiry

date

Course

start

date

How do I extend my Tier 4 (General) visa in

the UK?

How much does it cost to extend my Tier 4

(General) visa in the UK?

standard

application

£422

Premium

application

by appointment

at a Public

Enquiry Office

(PEO)

£822

What supporting documents do I need to

apply for my Tier 4 (General) visa in the UK?

What is a CAS?

When will I receive my CAS?

Financial requirements

How can I show that I have paid my course fees?

Course Fees

• enough money to pay for

the 1st year of your

course. OR

• enough money to pay the

full course fees if your

course is less than 1 year.

Maintenance

(living costs)

• the amount you must

show depends on:

• if you have 'established

presence' or not

• the duration of your

course.

• where you will be

studying

Do I have ‘established presence’ for calculating my

maintenance?

Lower maintenance – established presence

9 months or less

More than 9

months

Higher maintenance –

no established presence

9 months or less

More than 9

months

What documents can I use to show the financial

requirements?

Bank or building

society statements

Building society pass

book

Letter from your

bank confirming

funds

Whose name do the documents need to be in?

*

_Premium

_translation