What is a Tier 4 Student Visa UK: Eligibility, Cost, Dependent, Checklist & Processing time

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If a student plans to study in the UK for more than 6 months, then the following UK Student Visa are applicable:

• Short-term Study Visa: For those who wish to study an English language course for up to 11 months
• Student Visa: This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. This UK Student Visa is for those students who wish to  study on a further or higher education course
• Child Student Visa: It is for students aged 4 to 17 who wish to study at an independent school

All those who want to pursue their higher studies in the UK must know about the UK Study Visa (formerly known as Tier 4 UK Visa). In this article, for all those who need a UK Student Visa, we will inform you everything about the UK Student Visa. What is a UK Student Visa? How to get a UK Student Visa? Where to apply for a UK Student Visa?. The UK follows a points-based immigration system supported by the principle of visa sponsorship for issuing a visa. The UK Student Visa is issued for pursuing academics in the UK. In order to obtain a UK Student Visa, a student must have received an offer for an academic course by a licensed student sponsor.

Eligibility Criteria for UK Student Visa (Formerly Tier 4 (General) Student Visa)

• Acceptance/ Offer letter from a licensed student sponsor
• Show proof funds to finance your education and to sustain yourself till the completion of your course
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English
• Consent from parents if a student’s age is 16 or 17 years

Do I need a Student Visa to Study in the UK?

All international students who are planning to pursue their studies in the UK need to get a student visa. This visa is issued to only those who will be pursuing a full-time degree and not to students going for short-term or language courses.

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa?

Steps to apply for a UK Student Visa:

• Aspirants need to apply online for a UK Student Visa.
• In order to get a biometric residence permit, aspirants need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at the visa application center. You can find your visa application center here
• You need to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days from the date of arriving in the UK.

When to Apply for a UK Student Visa?

You can apply for a UK Student Visa 6 months before the starting of your course. After submitting the application, you will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the university. You need the CAS number to support your student visa application. This document entitles the student to apply for the UK student visa, as he/she is now an admitted student in a UK educational institution that makes them eligible to apply for a student visa.

Cost of a UK Student Visa

The fee of the UK Student Visa is £363 (Approx. INR 35,100). The student visa fee tends to change with time, so, it is always suggested to check the cost of the student visa at the official website. Aspirants can pay for a visa online, demand draft and cash. In addition, you also need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which depends on the duration of your course and other factors. In order to determine the healthcare surcharge, you need to visit the official website and fill in the required details.

How long does it take to get a Tier 4 UK visa?

The earliest you can apply for a student visa is 6 months prior to starting the course you are going for. Aspirants get a decision on their visa within 3 weeks of applying. Check the visa processing time for your country here

Can I bring Dependents or Relatives in the UK on the Student Visa?

Your children, spouse/wife are considered as dependents. You can bring your dependents with some restrictions. You must be a full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) (this course must be of 9 months or more), or you must be a new government-sponsored student on a course that is of more than 6 months, or you must a student or Doctorate Extension Scheme.

Your Dependent can Work in the UK under these Circumstances

According to the new rule introduced in the UK, those dependents who submitted the immigration application on or after 6^th-July-2018 are allowed to work even the course duration is 9 months or longer.

How to get a Work Visa after Studies in UK

After your studies, you must apply for the UK post study work visa (PSW UK) that provides for a 2 year stay-back period. Read all about the post-study work visa here.

Doctorate Extension Scheme: A sponsorship from your university is required for getting this visa. Final year students, those who are about to complete their Ph.D. and are planning to get a job can seek an extension for up to 12 months.