APPLYING FOR A STUDENT VISA

Students applying to study in the UK from outside the European Union will require a student visa.

There are two main types of study visa; the Tier 4 Student Visa and the Student Visitor Visa. There have been many recent changes to the process of applying for a student visa but these are the main essential features

Tier 4 Student Visa

This visa is for students wishing to take a full time course in the UK. The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) operate a points-based system for student visa applicants. Students require 30 points for a Confirmation of Acceptance from a College recognised by the UKBA, and 10 points for evidence of ability to finance tuition and living costs.

Each College will operate its own application process; details of our process can be found here. Once a college is happy to accept a student, it will register him or her on the UKBA on-line system. This will create a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies number (CAS number) which is then given to the student and should be quoted on the visa application form. This CAS number is worth 30 points.

English Language Requirement

For students from most countries, an English language test acceptable to the UKBA is required. This is called a Secure English Language Test (SELT). The most common tests used are IELTS, TOEFL, and Pearsons PTE. However there are other alternative tests which are acceptable and we would be happy to send you details.

Financial Evidence

The UKBA will also look for evidence of ability to pay tuition fees and living costs. The evidence required is in the form of bank statements showing that a certain amount of money has been in the student's bank account for at least 28 days prior to making the visa application. This amount of money is £9,000 plus unpaid tuition fees for the first year of study.

For example, if the total tuition fees are £7,750 and the student has already paid a deposit of £4,000, then the amount of money which needs to be in the bank account is as follows:

Example of Fees
Living Expenses £9,000
Tuition fees £7,750
Total £16,750
Less deposit paid £4,000
Amount Needed £12,750

If the UKBA is satisfied that the bank statements are genuine and the required amount has been in the account for at least 28 days, then they will award 10 points.

If a student gains 40 points, he or she will be issued with a student visa to study at the college which issued the CAS.

We will assist you at every stage of the application process, and do please contact us if you have any queries or require further information: CLOAKING

Student Visitor Visa

If you wish to study on a short course at Albion College, it may be more appropriate to apply for a Student Visitor Visa rather than a Tier 4 Student Visa. Students can study on a Student Visitor Visa for up to six months (for students aged 18 or over, on English language programmes, this limit is currently extended to eleven months).

The visa application process and the evidence required are different from the Tier 4 Student Visa system and the following guidance outlines the main differences.

We are of course very happy to give you all possible assistance and guidance, but hopefully this will act as a useful introduction to the system.

Who can apply for a Student Visitor Visa

  • Students enrolled on a course of less than six months (or 11 months in the case of adult students studying on English language programmes).

What evidence is required when applying:

  • Valid passport.
  • 1 passport size photo.
  • Completed visa application form – in some countries you can apply online, or you can complete the application form VAF1D.
  • Acceptance letter from Albion College giving the name of the course, the duration, and the tuition fees less deposit already paid.
  • Evidence of previous study and qualifications gained. The UK Border Agency will make an assessment of whether the course at Albion College is suitable for you. They will want to be satisfied that you intend to return to your country at the end of the programme, and that you have a good reason for taking the course.

Examples

  1. you may wish to take the course in order to gain an English language qualification which you can use to apply for another course under the Tier 4 Student Visa system,
  2. it may be that a better level of English language will help your career prospects. In this case, a supporting letter from your employer would help your application.
  • English language qualifications. It is not compulsory to have an English language qualification in order to apply for a student visitor visa. However, some evidence of previous language courses taken can be useful. Before we issue an acceptance letter, we will normally interview you on Skype and then state our assessment of your English language level on the Acceptance letter.
  • Financial evidence. The UK Border Agency will need to be satisfied that you have sufficient funds to pay your tuition fees and your living costs while you are in the UK. Therefore they will want to assess your financial status – or the financial status of your parents. This evidence can be shown in a number of ways:
  1. six months bank statements or bank book from your, or your financial sponsor’s, bank account. These should show regular activity of funds being paid into and taken out of the account. If exceptional amounts have been paid into the account, then it would help to explain where they come from.
  2. payslips and/or tax returns from your employer or your financial sponsor’s employer
  3. any evidence you may have of income from property or land
  4. on our Acceptance letter, we will show any deposit that has been made towards tuition fees. We do not insist on full payment in advance, but this can help to assure the UK Border Agency that you genuinely intend to study and have the funds to afford it.
  • Accommodation details. It will help to have evidence that you have arranged accommodation in London. We can help with this if you require. If you are under 18, then you will need to show evidence of care arrangements for your stay in the UK, we can help to advise you on this.

Limitations of Student Visitor Visa

  • You cannot extend your stay as a student visitor in the UK beyond 6 months, in most cases.

  • You cannot switch from student visitor to any other type of visa in the UK.

  • You are prohibited from any employment in the UK.

  • You cannot bring dependants in this category.

We will help you at all stages of the visa application, and do feel free to contact us with any queries

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