Most important guidance for UK
Tuesday, 28 July 2009 16:02
Most important guidance for UK
  What is the Points Based System? The Points Based System (PBS) is a system for managing migration for those wishing to enter the UK for work or study.Tier 1 (General) Migrant of the Points Based System was launched for foreign nationals living in the UK on 29 February 2008 and replaced the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). On 30 June 2008 three additional sub-tiers were rolled-out and the programme was extended to include applicants resident overseas. The four sub-tiers are Tier 1 (General) Migrant, Tier 1 (Investor), Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) and Tier 1 (Post-Study Work). Tier 2 for Skilled Workers and Tier 5 for Temporary Workers and the Youth Mobility Scheme were launched worldwide on 27 November 2008. See the companion leaflets in this series for the other PBS routes. The first stage of Tier 4 (General) Student and Tier 4 (Child) Student rolled-out on 31 March 2009.  What are the age limits on (General) Student and (Child) Student? Tier 4 (General) Student is for people coming to the United Kingdom for their post-16 education. Tier 4 (Child) Student is for children between the ages of 4 and 17 to come to the UK. Those aged between 4 and 15 may only be educated at independent fee-paying schools. Applicants aged 16-17 years studying on courses at National Qualification Framework level 3 or above have a choice of making an application either in the Tier 4 (General) Student category or the Tier 4 (Child) Student category. 16 and 17 year olds studying English language courses at level A2 of the Common European Framework of reference for Languages must apply under the Tier 4 (General) Student route. For any applicants under the age of 18, suitable arrangements must have been made for their travel, reception and care whilst in the United Kingdom.  Do I need a sponsor? Yes. All applicants under Tier 4 (General) Student and Tier 4 (Child) Student need a sponsor. The sponsor is an education provider offering the applicant a place on a course of study in the United Kingdom. An education provider will need to have registered with the UK Border Agency as a licensed sponsor. They will need to meet the requirements for the particular category within Tier 4 and accept certain responsibilities to help with immigration control. All sponsors are given an A rating or B rating when they join the register. A ‘B’ rating is a transitional rating and means that the sponsor is working with the UK Border Agency to improve their systems. You can check whether your education provider has a licence by looking at theRegister of Sponsors Licensed Under the Points-Based System (Tier 4 only).  What is a Visa Letter? Under Tier 4 an applicant must have a Visa Letter issued by a licensed sponsor (approved education provider) before making an application. This is a paper document which must be an official, unconditional offer by the sponsor to the applicant for the course of study he/she wants to do. The Visa Letter cannot be issued by a representative. It must be original, on letter-headed paper of the licensed sponsor and must include the original or electronic signature of an authorised official of that institution and dated. An electronic signature can be a digital signature or a scanned signature. The Visa Letter should include all of the information detailed in the Tier 4 Guidance, which should be given to the applicant to include with his/her visa application. (There is a separate list of requirements for the Visa Letter for postgraduate doctors and dentists). The letter must be issued no more than 6 months before the date of the application. An application, which has a Visa Letter older than 6 months or where the letter does not include all of the mandatory information detailed in the Tier 4 Guidance, will be refused. Having a Visa Letter does not guarantee a successful application, as the applicant will still need to show they meet all the Immigration Rules requirements for the category.All applicants will need to produce a Visa Letter.  It is important that this contains all of the mandatory information described in paragraph 87 of the Tier 4 Guidance. You should personally check that your education provider has completed all of the required information - otherwise your application will be refused!  You may obtain several Visa Letters from different licensed sponsors, but you should only apply for entry clearance – a visa (see below) - with the one from your chosen institution. The others will automatically expire after being unused for 6 months.An electronic reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), issued by the sponsor once the Sponsor Management System is implemented, will later replace visa Letters. The Sponsor Management System is the electronic system, which licensed sponsors under Tier 4, will use to assign Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CASs). Further details on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and the Sponsor Management System are in the Tier 4 implementation plan, available on our website at: Points based system: Tier 4 implementation plan  How can I find out more about sponsorship? The Tier 4 Guidance contains information about what to do and what may happen if:Your sponsor’s licence is suspended; Your sponsor’s licence is withdrawn; Your sponsor is taken over by another organisation. You will also find information about:Sponsor’s record keeping duties; Sponsor’s reporting duties; What to do if you think your sponsor is not complying with their duties; and Account manager or compliance officer visits Find more information for sponsors on our website at:
Sponsorship under points based system You should also consult the Tier 4 Guidance for information regarding changing courses whilst in the United Kingdom, either with an existing sponsor or a new sponsor.  Can I do a pre-sessional (foundation) course under PBS? (GENERAL) STUDENT Yes, if your pre-sessional course is an intensive English language course or any other course, which prepares you for your main course of study in the United Kingdom. The course must be at the National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 3 or level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).  We will only make a single grant of entry clearance to cover the pre-sessional course AND the substantive course in the following circumstances:Where the same licensed sponsor is delivering both the pre-sessional course and the substantive course; or Where a ‘partner institution’ will deliver the pre-sessional course and this partner institution is named on the sponsor licence. In all other circumstances, including where the sponsor is only prepared to make a conditional offer based on a successful completion of the pre-sessional course, a separate grant of entry clearance will be required to cover the pre-sessional course. The pre-sessional course must meet the full requirements of the relevant Tier 4 category. Once that has been completed you may make a new application under Tier 4, and submit a Visa Letter for your substantive course, whilst you are in the United Kingdom. See the Tier 4 Guidance for advice on starting your substantive course before being given the go ahead from UKBA.You should also consult the Tier 4 Guidance if your pre-sessional course is below the levels specified for Tier 4.(CHILD) STUDENT For a pre-sessional course to prepare a (Child) Student for their main course of study, the main course of study must meet the conditions described in the Tier 4 Guidance.  Can I undertake extra studies? As a child or adult student you are allowed to do extra courses, for example evening courses, as well as your main studies. Please refer to the Tier 4 Guidance for further information.  What study related routes remain outside of PBS? The following routes remain outside of PBS:Prospective Students - for those coming to the UK to finalise arrangements for their course. Student Visitors - for those coming to the UK for up to 6 months who do not intend to work and/or extend their stay? Child Visitors - for fewer than 18s coming to the UK to undertake a short course of study as part of a visit of up to 6 months. Parents of children at school - for parent carers accompanying child students under the age of 12 to the United Kingdom.   Do I still need a visa if I have a Visa Letter? Yes. All applicants wanting to travel to the United Kingdom under Tier 4 of the Points Based System will need prior entry clearance (a visa). They will need to submit the Visa Letter with their entry clearance application. On any course where its duration is 6 months or more, and for pre-seasonal courses of less than 6 months, the applicant will be able to enter the United Kingdom up to I month before the date he/she starts the course of study. On any other course where its duration is less than 6 months the applicant will be able to enter the United Kingdom up to 7 days before the date he/she starts the course of study. We will take the start date as the date given by the sponsor on the Visa Letter. See also below under ‘How long will I be able to stay in the UK?’ A visa may only be issued on the basis of an unconditional offer from your sponsor. For students applying to study A-levels or other equivalent courses such as Higher Diplomas, an application will be accepted on the basis of a conditional offer whilst the applicant waits for their GCSE results. This will allow consideration of the application to begin. However, the applicant will need to submit an unconditional offer when they receive this, and the visa may only be issued on the basis of this.  How do I apply for a visa? You should complete application form VAF9 with your personal details. Application form VAF9 - PBS Migrant
 PBS Migrant guidance notes Depending on which country you are making your application from, you may be able to complete this online. You will also need to complete Appendix 8 for (General) Student or Appendix 9 for (Child) Student. This is only available as a PDF document and must be completed manually and sent in with your supporting documents. Check our Visa application centres overseas page to see if you need to apply through a visa application centre (VAC) or the British mission in your country.  What do I need to make my application?  Application form VAF9 - PBS Migrant
 PBS Migrant guidance notes
 PBS Appendix 8 (General) Student (all mandatory sections completed)
 PBS Appendix 9 (Child) Student (all mandatory sections completed)You will also need the following:Your passport or travel document; The fee as published on the visa fees page on this website. This cannot be refunded and you must pay in local currency; Your biometric details (see below); A recent passport sized photograph
(If the application is successful, the photographs provided will be reproduced on the visa vignette).
(Please note - photographs should measure 45mm x 35mm and be:
o  in colour taken against a white background;
o  clear and of good quality and not framed or backed;
o  printed on normal photographic paper;
o  full face and without sunglasses, hat or head covering (unless it is worn for cultural or religious reasons but the face must not be covered). All documents as specified in the Tier 4 Guidance as stated in the Immigration Rules. If you do not submit relevant documents, your application is likely to be refused as we will be unable to award the relevant points.  What are my biometric details? Biometric details are scans of all 10 fingers and a full-face digital photograph. You will need to provide your biometric details in person. The whole procedure should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. Your visa application will not be processed until you have met this requirement. More information about biometrics is available on the Biometric data collection for visa applicants page on this website.  What are visa application centres (VACs)? In some countries we are working with commercial companies to run visa application centres. The VACs are in largely populated areas making it easier and more convenient for people to apply for a UK visa. Trained staff at each VAC deals with all visa enquiries and applications. They collect your biometric information along with the relevant fees and provide information on the application process, including whether or not you have included all the necessary documents. Entry clearance staff at the British mission will then consider your application and decide whether to issue or refuse your visa. VAC staff will have no say in this decision.  How are the points calculated? Points are awarded for having a valid Visa Letter issued by a licensed sponsor, which is worth 30 points. In addition 10 points are given for fulfilling the Maintenance (Funds) requirement. Entry Clearance Officers will only award points where you have indicated that you wish to claim them, and for which you have supplied the required supporting evidence. Claiming Points for a Visa Letter Applicants can claim 30 points for a Visa Letter provided:The Visa Letter meets all the requirements of the Immigration Rules; and All the required specified documents have been included with the application. (GENERAL) STUDENT Courses for which a Visa Letter may be issued
Sponsors must also ensure that their courses lead to an approved qualification at a minimum level of National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 3 (or equivalent) or above.
Full-time study in the United Kingdom
A Visa Letter should only be issued for full-time study in the United Kingdom. To be considered a full-time student, an applicant must be undertaking either:A full-time United Kingdom degree level course or above at a Higher Education Institution; or An overseas higher education course which is recognised as being equivalent to a United Kingdom higher education qualification at an overseas higher education institution; or A course of study below United Kingdom degree level that involves a minimum of 15 hours per week organised daytime study (0800 hours to 1800 hours, Monday to Friday). N.B. Students in the Tier 4 (General) Student category on courses of study at a minimum of NQF Level 3 or its equivalent (or at the equivalent of a United Kingdom degree level or above if an overseas qualification) are able to take course-related work placements (see below).   English language courses
You can come to the United Kingdom to study an English language course. The minimum level of study is set at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level A2.Higher education courses at overseas institutions
If you are enrolled on a higher education course at an overseas higher education institution, you can do a short-term study programme in the United Kingdom as part of your qualification. This is provided the qualification is validated as the same level or above as a United Kingdom degree by UK NARIC. You can find contact details for UK NARIC on their website at: www.naric.org.uk Postgraduate doctors and dentists
You are allowed to do a recognised Foundation Programme as a postgraduate doctor or dentist in the United Kingdom in the (General) Student category provided you meet all the requirements for the category.Additional requirements you must meet are as follows:You must have successfully completed a recognised United Kingdom degree in medicine or dentistry from:An approved education provider who has a licence to bring in students; A United Kingdom publicly funded institution of further or higher education; or An institution on the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills list of recognised bodies or listed bodies list, which keeps satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance. You must have been given permission to stay in the United Kingdom as a student under the Immigration Rules in place before 31 March 2008 or as a (General) Student. This permission must have covered your final academic year and at least one other academic year of your studies leading to the above degree. You will also need to provide additional documents (see Tier 4 Guidance).
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Work placements
An applicant will be allowed to do a work placement as part of his/her course, as long as the work placement is no more than 50% of the length of the course. For example, it will be acceptable if the course is five years long and the first three years of the course involve full-time study, with the last two years in a work placement.If a Visa Letter has been issued for a course, which involves a work placement, your approved education provider will remain responsible for you throughout the period of the work placement and must continue to comply with all their sponsor duties throughout this time. Students’ Union Sabbatical Officers
A Students’ Union sabbatical post is a full-time, salaried, elected executive union position. This post may be taken up during a course of study or in the academic year immediately after graduation. Students are allowed to take up such a post while in the United Kingdom under the Tier 4 (General) Student category. If this occurs while the student has leave to remain as a Tier 4 (General) Student, the sponsor will need to notify UKBA of the change in the student’s circumstances. If the student wants to take up such a post at the end of his/her course and has no more leave as a Tier 4 (General) Student, he/she will have to apply again with a new Visa Letter from the licensed sponsor detailing the post. The term of office is normally one academic year and leave to remain in the Tier 4 (General) Student category may be granted to cover this period. If the student is re-elected after one year, he/she will have to re-apply with a new Visa Letter from the licensed sponsor detailing the post.The requirement that a work placement be no more than 50% of a student’s overall course in the United Kingdom does not include any period that a student is in post as a Students’ Union Sabbatical Officer.NB: Whilst the sponsor is not exempt from their reporting duties, the levels of contact between a Students’ Union Sabbatical Officer and their sponsor is likely to be different owing to the nature of the Sabbatical Officer’s work.A student may hold the position of Sabbatical Officer for a maximum of two years. Employment that is additional to Sabbatical Officer duties is restricted to part-time work during term-time (no more than 20 hours a week) and full-time work during vacations, if the officer is not working full-time for the Students’ Union in the vacations.
 (CHILD) STUDENT Tier 4 (Child) Student sponsors may only issue Visa Letters for courses that are:taught in line with the National Curriculum; or taught in line with the National Qualification Framework (NQF); or accepted as being the same academic level as the National Curriculum or the National Qualification Framework by Ofsted (England), the Education and Training Inspectorate (Northern Ireland), Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (Scotland) or Esteem (Wales); or taught in line with existing (prevailing) independent school education inspection standards.  Claiming Points for Maintenance (Funds) One of the requirements of Tier 4 is that an applicant coming to the United Kingdom must be able to support himself/herself for the entire duration of his/her stay in the United Kingdom without use of public funds. An applicant who is unable to do so could face financial hardship because he/she will not have access to most state benefits.You can demonstrate that you have the required maintenance either by providing evidence of official financial sponsorship or Government sponsorship, or that you have cash in a bank account or loan facilities. A combination of sponsorship and own funds is also acceptable. (GENERAL) STUDENT AND (CHILD) STUDENT AGED 16 OR 17 YEARS LIVING INDEPENDENTLY
To meet the maintenance requirement (without sponsorship) you must be able to show you have enough money to pay your tuition fees and to support yourself for up to a maximum of 9 months. You must provide evidence of any fees paid and then show that you have funds for the difference. The British Council estimates you will need a minimum of £800 per month, for basic living costs in the Inner London Boroughs (see below), and a minimum of £600 per month for living costs elsewhere. The funds requirement, therefore, depends on the length of the course and location of study.We will use the address given in your Visa Letter as the main study site, to assess whether the majority of your study time will be spent in or out of the Inner London Boroughs (see below) (that is, more than 50% of your study time).  If you want to check the address, you can put the education provider’s postcode into ‘About my vote’ website: www.aboutmyvote.co.uk   Initial applications: On a course of 9 months or less we will need to see evidence of the full tuition fees plus £800 per month for study based in the Inner London Boroughs (see below), and £600 per month for study elsewhere. Part months will be rounded up to the next month. On a course of more than 9 months we will need to see the first year of tuition fees plus 9 months of maintenance at the rates given above. This would mean £7200 for studying in the Inner London Boroughs (see below) and £5400 for studying elsewhere.  Extension applications (see Tier 4 Guidance): On a course of 9 months or less we will need to see evidence of the full tuition fees plus £800 per month for study based in the Inner London Boroughs (see below), and £600 per month for study elsewhere (up to a maximum of 2 months). Part months will be rounded up to the next month. On a course of more than 9 months we will need to see the first year of tuition fees plus 2 months of maintenance at the rates given above. This would mean £1600 for studying in the Inner London Boroughs (see below) and £1200 for studying elsewhere. You cannot apply for the lower amount of living costs if you finished your course more than 4 months ago or the course you finished was less than 6 months’ duration.Additional sums will be required for accompanying dependants – see the Dependant Guidance on: Working in the UK  (CHILD) STUDENT (OTHER THAN 16 OR 17 YEAR OLDS LIVING INDEPENDENTLY) To meet the maintenance requirement the parent/legal guardian must show that they have enough money to pay the fees for the course the child will study and to support him/her (up to a maximum of 9 months).  There is no maintenance concession for these (Child) Students applying for extensions. They must provide the same evidence of fees and maintenance as they would for initial applications. There is also no difference in the level of maintenance for students whose primary site of study is inside or outside of the Inner London Boroughs (see below).  The maintenance requirements for a Tier 4 (Child) Student depend on:Their care arrangements; and The location of the school at which the applicant will study. We will assess maintenance requirements according to one of the following scenarios (whichever is the most relevant):The applicant will be studying and boarding in a Residential Independent School; or The applicant will be staying in the United Kingdom with a resident British citizen or other United Kingdom resident who has entered into a private foster care arrangement with the applicant’s parent/legal guardian; or The applicant will be staying with a parent/legal guardian who will be accompanying them to the United Kingdom (under 12 year olds only).  Child studying and boarding in a Residential Independent School
The applicant or parent/legal guardian must show that he/she has enough funds to cover:The tuition fees for one year plus Board/lodging fees for one year. Most important guidance for UK Child staying with an intended carer (resident British citizen or other United Kingdom resident in a private foster care arrangement) The applicant or parent/legal guardian must show that:He/she has enough funds to cover the school fees for one year plus; The intended carer has agreed to look after and accommodate the child in the United Kingdom for the duration of the course and has at least £500 per month to cover this (for up to 9 months); Confirmation that the intended carer is a resident British citizen or other legal United Kingdom resident.  Child staying with a parent/legal guardian who will be accompanying them to the United Kingdom (under 12 year olds only)
The money needed depends on how many children are coming with the parent or guardian.The tuition fees for one year and Evidence of maintenance for parent/legal guardian and child for each month up to a maximum of 9 months. The level of funds required, in addition to the tuition fees, will depend on whether this is the first or second or subsequent child.We will need to see the full school fees plus £800 per month for the parent/legal guardian and £533 per month for each child, up to a maximum of 9 months.Back to topWhat supporting documents should I include with my application? You should include originals of all documents specified. They must be on the official letter-headed paper or stationery of the organisation and have the official stamp of that organisation. You should also provide a copy of each document. Where a document is not in English or Welsh, the original must be accompanied by a fully certified translation by a professional translator. This translation must include details of the translator’s qualifications and confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document. It must also be dated and include the original signature of the translator.  You must show that you have held the money for at least 28 days.  The end of that 28 day period must not be more than one month before the date of your application.If you do not provide the specified documents, we will not contact you to ask for them. Therefore, if you fail to send the correct documents we may refuse the application.You should provide full contact details for each document supplied. You should also provide any information/explanation of the documentation submitted, that may assist us in our consideration.The specified documents required for points scoring are as follows: Visa Letter from a Licensed Sponsor This must contain all the information specified in the Tier 4 Guidance and must be original, on letter-headed paper of the licensed sponsor and must include the original signature (original or electronic) of an authorised official of that institution and dated. (GENERAL) STUDENT AND (CHILD) STUDENT AGED 16 OR 17 YEARS LIVING INDEPENDENTLY You must send us the documents you used to obtain the Visa Letter from the sponsor as listed in the Visa Letter.Where qualification certificates have been used as the basis of the offer or part of the basis of the offer we must see the original certificate(s) of qualification and/or original transcript of results. If your course is at NQF Level 3 or equivalent or above and the sponsor has assessed you by other means: for example, references, progress made on an existing course or a portfolio of artwork, this does not need to be submitted. The sponsor will need to explain in the Visa Letter how they have assessed you to be satisfied that you are suitable for the proposed course of study. (GENERAL) STUDENT If your course of study is English Language that is at Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and you have been assessed by means of reference(s), you must provide the original reference(s) which must include your name, confirmation of the type and level of study undertaken and details of the period of study. References must also be dated and include contact details of the referee.If you are unable to provide the original reference, you must provide full contact details of the referee(s) who provided references to the sponsor as evidence of your English language studies.Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Clearance Certificate - (General) Students only
Please refer to the Tier 4 Guidance for directions on what to do if your intended study subject falls into one of the categories described. STUDENTS UNDER 18 YEARS OLD All students under 18 years old will need to get their parent(s) or legal guardian’s written consent to the care arrangements for their travel to, reception and care whilst in the United Kingdom, before permission to enter will be given. See the Tier 4 Guidance for details of what the written consent should include.16 and 17 year olds have the legal right to live independently in the United Kingdom, and so make their own arrangements for accommodation. In these circumstances the letter should confirm that the parent(s) or legal guardian consent to the 16 or 17 year old living independently and also to their independent travel to the United Kingdom. Maintenance (Funds) Visa Letter: Fees/Maintenance Your Visa Letter must show the cost of the fees. This should also show what fees you have already paid, otherwise you should send an official, original receipt confirming some or all of the fees (and accommodation, if applicable) have been paid. We will not accept online receipts as evidence of money already paid. Where neither of the above items have been sent we will require secure access details to your sponsor’s (education provider’s) website to verify that some or all of the fees have been paid (these should be included within the Visa Letter content) and/or we may contact your sponsor to verify the payment if we are unable to access their website. If we are unable to contact them we will not be able to offset any advance payments against the total amount of money you have to show.If you are using a bank loan as your evidence, an official regulatory body must regulate the bank and you must provide a document from the bank confirming the loan. If you do not get the bank loan until you have your visa, you must provide the original document confirming the loan.You must show that you have enough money to pay your fees and monthly living costs for at least the first year of studies (or the length of your course if it is shorter than 9 months).We cannot accept unsupported online receipts. We will try to verify payments made online but if we are unable to access your sponsor’s website or obtain verification we will be unable to offset payments and the full maintenance and/or tuition fees must be shown. We will use the closing balance of the document as the level of funds available to you. This is also the date we will use to check the value of your money in pounds sterling. (GENERAL) STUDENT AND (CHILD) STUDENT AGED 16 OR 17 LIVING INDEPENDENTLY: OWN FUNDS   Child studying and boarding in a Residential Independent School
The applicant or parent/legal guardian must send:The Visa Letter from the sponsor showing the cost of the fees for one year and any additional accommodation fees (if applicable) needed by the school; and Evidence to show sufficient funds to pay tuition and boarding fees as described under (General) Student/(Child) Student aged 16 or 17 living independently  Child staying with a resident British citizen or other legal United Kingdom resident who is a close relative or in a private foster care arrangement
The applicant or parent/legal guardian must send:The Visa Letter* from the sponsor showing the cost of the fees for one year and giving the name, address and contact details of the parent(s) or legal guardian of the child; and A written undertaking* from the intended carer confirming the care arrangement; and A letter* from the applicant’s parent/legal guardian confirming the care arrangement; and Evidence* to confirm the intended carer is legally allowed to reside in the United Kingdom; and If staying in a private foster care arrangement, a copy of the letter* of notification from the child’s parent(s), legal guardian or intended carer to the local authority and the local authority’s confirmation of receipt; and Evidence to show sufficient funds to pay fees, as described under (General) Student/(Child) Student aged 16 or 17 living independently. *See the Tier 4 Guidance for details of what the documents referred to above need to contain/examples. Child staying with a parent/legal guardian who will be accompanying them to the United Kingdom (under 12 year olds only)
The applicant or parent/legal guardian must send:The Visa Letter from the sponsor showing the cost of the tuition fees for one year; and Evidence to show sufficient funds to pay tuition fees and evidence of maintenance for parent/legal guardian and child for each month up to a maximum of 9 months. The evidence required for own funds is the same as for (General) Student and (Child) Student aged 16 of 17 living independently.
(GENERAL) STUDENT AND (CHILD) STUDENT Official financial sponsorship or Government sponsor (for all or part of the fees and maintenance) Only the following specified document will be accepted as evidence of an official financial sponsor or Government sponsor who will pay for ALL of your fees and maintenance and these must accompany your application:Letter of confirmation from the official financial sponsor or Government sponsor. The letter must be sent with your application and must be on official, letter-headed paper or stationery of the official, financial sponsor organisation and have the official stamp of that organisation on it. It must show:Your name; The name and contact details of the official financial sponsor; The date of the letter; The length of the sponsorship; and The amount of money you have or a statement that your official financial sponsor will cover all of your fees and living costs.. If you have official financial sponsorship or Government sponsorship that only covers part of your money needed you must provide a letter which shows:Your name; The name and contact details of the official financial sponsor; The date of the letter; The length of the sponsorship; and The amount of money they will give you; and Evidence that you have the balance of any money needed. If you are receiving official financial sponsorship from your Tier 4 licensed sponsor (for example a scholarship), your sponsor may choose to include details of the financial scholarship on the Visa Letter.This official financial sponsorship may also include the costs of any family member(s). You will need to provide a letter from the sponsoring organisation confirming this. (See Dependant Guidance for details of what this letter must contain).  Additional evidence for sponsored students If you had permission to be in the UK in the last 12 months as a student, Tier 4 Adult (General) or (Child) Student, student nurse, student re-sitting an examination, student writing up a thesis or postgraduate doctor or dentist, you may have been sponsored by a Government or international scholarship agency. If you are currently sponsored by one of those or that sponsorship ended within the past 12 months of this application being made, you must provide us with your sponsor’s unconditional consent in writing giving you permission to re-enter the UK. Without this we will refuse your application. The evidence must be original, on the official letter-headed paper or stationery of the organisation and bear its official stamp. An authorised official of that organisation must have issued it. If you have received private sponsorship, for example from an employer or relative we do not need the sponsor’s consent.For more advice on sponsored students, see chapter 3, section 3 of the Immigration Directorate Instructions on our website: Chapter 3 - Students We will refuse your application if we find any documents are false. Back to topWhich are the Inner London Boroughs? The Inner London Boroughs are Camden, City of London, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth and Westminster. How long will I be able to stay in the UK? (GENERAL) STUDENT If you are in receipt of official financial sponsorship and your sponsor places a limit on the period you may stay in the UK, the grant of leave will be limited in line with your official financial sponsor’s requirements.Degree level or above On a course of 12 months or more: the full length of the course plus 4 months after the end of your course; On a course of 6 months or more, but less than 12 months: the full length of the course plus 2 months after the end of your course; On a Pre-sessional course of less than 6 months: the full length of the course plus 1 month after the end of your course; On a course of less than 6 months (non pre-sessional): the full length of the course plus 7 days after the end of your course. Below degree level On a course of 12 months or more: the full length of the course (up to a maximum of 3 years if you are 18 years old or above) plus 4 months after the end of your course; On a course of 6 months or more, but less than 12 months: the full length of the course plus 2 months after the end of your course. No further or subsequent grants will be made under Tier 4 (General) Student if you have already completed 3 years studying for courses below degree level since the age of 18, if you apply for further leave for below degree level courses. The 3 year time limit will not include time spent studying below degree level under the student rules that were in place before 31 March 2009. The restriction is only applied to permission to study that is given under Tier 4.Postgraduate doctors and dentists on a recognised foundation programme Maximum of 3 years: the full length of the course (up to a maximum of 3 years) pus one month after the end of your course. (CHILD) STUDENT If the applicant is aged less than 16 years, we will grant the shortest of the following periods (up to a maximum of 6 years). If the programme of education is longer than 6 years, the applicant will need to apply again before their permission to stay runs out. In addition, 4 months will be added to the end of the course. The period requested by the applicant; The length of the programme of education that the applicant is following; or The maximum time a child is allowed (6 years). If the applicant is aged 16 or 17 years, we will grant the shortest of the following periods (up to a maximum of 2 years). In addition, 4 months will be added to the end of the course. The period requested by the applicant; The length of the programme of education that the applicant is following; Two years. If the applicant turns 18 they can continue with their course until their permission to stay ends whilst they are still on a course. If the 18 year old wants to apply again for more permission to stay to finish a course, they will have to apply under the (General) Student category (the date of the application is used to decide the age), and meet the requirements for this category. If a child has official financial sponsorship, and their financial sponsorship is limiting the time they may study in the UK, the permission to stay will be for the same length of time. Arrival in the UK
If you are doing a course that is 6 months or more, or if it is a pre-sessional course that is less than 6 months, you will be able to come to the United Kingdom up to one month before the date you start your course. If you are doing a course that is less than 6 months which is not pre-sessional, you will be able to come to the United Kingdom up to 7 days before the date you start your course. Are any special care arrangements required for persons under the age of 18? Yes. All children studying in the UK must have suitable care arrangements in place for their travel, reception at port of entry and living arrangements whilst here. ‘Children’ are all students under 18 years old. If you are 16 or 17 years old and applying as an adult student, you must have the written consent of your parent(s) or legal guardian that you can live and travel independently. Without this consent, you must make sure there are care arrangements in place. All arrangements for children’s care and accommodation in the UK must comply with relevant United Kingdom legislation and regulations. See the Tier 4 Guidance for further details and links to other websites. Private foster care arrangements
Children (under 16 years old, or 18 years old, if disabled) are privately fostered when they are cared for on a full-time bass by adults, who are not their parents or a close relative, for more than 28 days. It is the responsibility of the parent, carer and anyone else involved in making the private fostering arrangement (including the approved education provider), to notify their local council of the private fostering arrangement.The local authority is responsible for safeguarding and protecting children. They must ensure that private foster carers are suitable and that they get any support and guidance they may need to help them care for the child. A close relative, parent or legal guardian cannot be a foster carer. Can I appeal if my application is refused? Outside the UK a refusal of entry clearance under PBS does not attract a full right of appeal. You can appeal only on one or more of the following grounds referred to in Section 84(1)(b) and (c) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002:that the decision is unlawful by virtue of Section 19B of the Race Relations Act 1976 (c.74) (discrimination by public authorities), and/or that the decision is unlawful under Section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 (c.42) (public authority not to act contrary to Human Rights Convention) as being incompatible with the appellant's Convention rights. However, all applicants can apply for an Administrative Review, which is a mechanism for reviewing refusal decisions.  What is Administrative Review? If we refuse your application for entry clearance and you think that an error has been made, you can ask us to check our decision. This is known as an Administrative Review.The Administrative Review is free of charge. You must ask for an Administrative Review within 28 days from the date you receive the refusal notice (GV51).   Administrative Review Request Notice
 PBS Administrative Review Request Notice guidance notes You must complete this in full and send it directly to the address stated on the Request Notice.You MUST NOT send any additional documents such as passport/travel document or supporting documents with the Administrative Review Request Notice. If the refusal is subsequently overturned, you will be asked to send in your passport/travel document. You may request only ONE Administrative Review per refusal decision. Any further review requests for the same refusal decision will not be accepted and will be returned to you.The Administrative Review will be completed within 28 days and you will be notified of the result in writing. The result of the Review may be sent from a different Post to where the original decision was made, to ensure that the Review is independent.If you are already in the United Kingdom you cannot apply for an Administrative Review.For more information about this you should refer to the Tier 4 Guidance.Can I work whilst I am in the UK? (GENERAL) STUDENT You are allowed to do work placement provided this is an assessed part of your course. The work is restricted to no more than 50% of the full course length, unless you are enrolled on a course of study where there is a statutory requirement for that course to contain a specific period of work placement. Any employment is restricted to part-time work during term time of not more than 20 hours per week and full-time work during vacations. The work you do must not fill a full-time permanent vacancy (other than on a recognised Foundation Programme). Work as a postgraduate doctor or dentist must be on a recognised Foundation Programme. You must not be self-employed, employed as a doctor in training (other than on a recognised Foundation Programme) or work as a professional sportsperson (including a sports coach) or as an entertainer. You may only hold a Student Union Sabbatical Officer position for up to two years.(CHILD) STUDENT Employment is not permitted for children under 16 years old. If you are 16 years old or older, you are allowed to work if is part-time work during term time (no more than 20 hours per week) and full-time during vacations. The work you do must not fill a full-time permanent vacancy. You may do work placement as part of your course, other than part time work during term time which is no more than 20 hours per week. You must not be self-employed, employed as a doctor in training or work as a professional sportsperson (including a sports coach) or as an entertainer. You may only hold a Student Union Sabbatical Officer position for up to two years.  Can my dependants join me in the UK? (GENERAL) STUDENT Your husband, wife, civil partner or eligible partner and children under 18 can join you as your dependants in the UK if:they have a visa for this purpose and you can support them without any help from public funds. If your primary site of study is in the Inner London Boroughs (see above), you will need £533 for each dependant accompanying you or joining you later in the UK, for each month they intend to be in the UK, up to a maximum of 9 months. You will need £400 for each month of stay for each of your dependants, if your primary site of study is outside the Inner London Boroughs. Different levels of maintenance apply if your family member is making an application to extend their stay (see Tier 4 Guidance).If the Tier 4 (General) Student has official financial sponsorship (see above) this may also include the costs of the family member(s). You will need to provide a letter from the sponsoring organisation confirming this (See Dependant Guidance for details of what this letter must contain)Partners (married, unmarried, same sex) must intend to live together and the relationship must be subsisting. They must be maintained and accommodated in accordance with the section on Maintenance (Funds) and your partner must not intend to stay beyond any period of leave granted to you.If your dependent child is working full-time or earning enough money to support himself/herself, it is unlikely that he/she will qualify for entry to the UK as a dependant. Dependent children must also be able to demonstrate that they have not formed their own independent family, are unmarried and not leading an independent life. If a dependent child has previously been married or formed a civil partnership, or lived in a relationship that is similar to marriage or civil partnership, he/she will usually be considered to have formed an independent family and will not be eligible to enter the UK as the dependant of their parents. Although dependent children may seek employment whilst in the UK they must remain financially dependent on their parent to qualify as dependants. (CHILD) STUDENT Child students are not allowed to bring partners to the United Kingdom with them as dependants. Child students must also not have any children under the age of 18 who are living with them or for whom they are financially responsible. If a child student is married or has a partner who wants to come with them, the partner must make an application and qualify in their own right. This could be in another immigration category. What do my dependants need to make an application? Your dependants will need entry clearance but will not themselves be entering the UK under the Points Based System. They will need to satisfy similar conditions to those in Paragraphs 194-199 of the Immigration Rules which can be found on the UK Border Agency website. They will need to make their application using form VAF10 either online or on paper depending upon the facilities available in the country in which they are applying. They will also need the following:their passport or travel document; a recent passport sized photograph (if the application is successful, the photographs provided will be reproduced on the visa vignette)
please note - photographs should measure 45mm x 35mm and be: in colour taken against a white background; clear and of good quality and not framed or backed; printed on normal photographic paper; full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering (unless it is worn for cultural or religious reasons but the face must not be covered) the visa fee. This cannot be refunded and they must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where they are applying; their biometric details; supporting documents relevant to their application.  What supporting documents should my dependants include with their application? Your dependants should include all the documents necessary to show that they qualify for entry to the UK as your dependant. If they do not, we may refuse their application.As a guide, your dependants should include:evidence of their relationship to you; evidence that you can support them and live without needing any help from public funds; and a copy of the pages from your passport/travel document showing your permission to stay, if you are already in the UK. We will refuse their application/s if we find that any documents are false.   What fee will my dependants pay? They will pay the same fee as you.  What are public funds? Under the Immigration Rules, if you want to travel to the UK, you must be able to support yourself and any dependants without claiming certain benefits.You can find more information about public funds in the Immigration Rules on the UK Border Agency website. Check your visa Please check your visa when you get it. You should make sure that:your personal details are correct it correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK, and it is valid for the date on which you want to travel. (You can ask for it to be post-dated up to three months if you do not plan to travel immediately). If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, contact the visa application centre or visa section immediately. More advice and information Please read other guidance on this website. The full list is accessible through links on the left hand side of this page.Full information about the Points Based System is available on the UK Border Agency website.If you are outside the UK please contact your nearest visa application centre (VAC) or where no VAC is in operation, your nearest British mission where there is a visa section.ÂÂ
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