UK Student Visa

SI-UK is global UK focused agency, which helps thousands of students enter a wide range of universities and colleges in the UK every year. We provide full support to our clients to apply to student and work (after graduation) visas in the UK. Our London office will assist students extend their visa or change to a work visa (Tier 2) after they finish their studies.

• Types of students Visa
• Frequently asked Questions
• SI UK Immigration Enquiry
• Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa

New visa policies in the UK (from April 2011)

The UKBA has changed its policy regarding international student visas in April 2011.

• International students at UK universities can still work 20 hours a week during studies
• International students at UK universities can still work full time during holiday periods
• International students can work at any company, this is not restricted
• There are no limits on the number of international student visas granted each year
• After graduating you can work full-time in the UK if your job offer provides a salary of 20,000 GBP or more
• Normal starting salary for university graduates in the UK is between 22,000-24,000 GBP
• Students will have four months to find a job after they graduate
• There are no limits on the number of work (Tier 2) visa granted to international students
• Students who display great entrepreneurial skills will be granted a work visa

Study VISA in the UK

This guidance explains what you will need to do if you want to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) to study, and what the Immigration Rules say. It is only a guide but it aims to answer some common questions.

A new entry clearance (visa) category of student VISA has been introduced for the students who come to the United Kingdom to study.

Tier 4 Student Visa

You can apply for a student visa under Tier 4 (General)

-Guidance for Tier 4 applicants.

The main changes to student VISA are as follows:

• From April 2012, any institution wanting to sponsor students will need to be classed as a Highly Trusted sponsor, and will need to become accredited by a statutory education inspection body by the end of 2012. The current system does not require this, and has allowed too many poor-quality colleges to become sponsors.
• Students coming to study at degree level will need to speak English at an 'upper intermediate' (B2) (5.5 IELTS) level, and students entering the UK for pathway/college or pre-dress courses will need a 'lower intermediate' (B1) ((4.0 IELTS) level.
• UK Border Agency staff will be able to refuse entry to students who cannot speak English without an interpreter, and who therefore clearly do not meet the minimum standard.
• Students at universities and publicly funded further education colleges will retain their current work rights, but all other students will have no right to work. Restrictions will be placed on work placements in courses outside universities.
• Only postgraduate students at universities and government-sponsored students will be able to bring their dependants. At the moment, all students on longer courses can bring their dependants.
• The UKBA will limit the overall time that can be spent on a student visa to 3 years at lower levels (as it is now) and 5 years at higher levels. At present, there is no time limit for study at or above degree level.

Post-Study Work

• The current Post-Study Work route will be closed from April 2012, which allows students 2 years to seek employment after their course ends. The new system will allow graduates to stay in the UK and work as long as they get a job offer from a sponsoring employer with a Salary of 20,000 GBP, the student will have four months after graduation to find a job (see next point below)
• Those graduating from a UK university with a recognised degree, PGCE, or PGDE will be able to switch into Tier 2 (Tier 2 of the points-based system will be able to stay to work.)
• There will not be a limit on the number of jobs granted under Tier 2.
• Students will only be able to switch from student visa (Tier 4) to work visa (Tier 2) while they are in the UK, before their student visa expires (4 months after they finish their course).
• The normal Tier 2 requirements will apply, except for the Resident Labour Market Test.
• We will ensure that genuine student entrepreneurs with a great idea are able to stay on in the UK to develop their business proposition.

Rules for applying Student VISA – Tier 4 (General)

1) All students making a Tier 4 application will have to submit his/her biometrics details. An application can only be assessed once these are received.

2) Students must meet the full requirements of the Immigration Rules and have 40 points in total (having a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies: 30 points, maintenance of funds: 10 points).

3) The organization (university or college) that provides your education in the UK must be approved by UKBA

Documents that students must send with his/her application:

4) To claim points, a student must send the required documents listed in this guidance when he/she makes his/her application.

5) Documents must be issued by an authorised official of the issuing organization.

6) For students overseas, 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.

How long is VISA granted?

Time allowed as a student

• Maximum of 3 years at NQF 3-5 and 5 years at NQF 6-7.

• For those at the higher level doing a PhD, there will be exceptions, as well as for those courses which require as a matter of professional qualification a longer duration than 5 years (e.g. medicine, architecture).

• The sponsor will have to vouch for academic progression where students are not moving up to the next NQF level.

Working while in the UK

During your stay, you will be allowed to:

• work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during term-time;
• work full-time during vacations;
• do a work placement as part of your course;
• work as a postgraduate doctor or dentist (if your course of study is a recognised foundation programme); and
• Be a student union sabbatical officer for up to two years.

Application Fee for student VISA:

Fee if you are applying by post in the UK £386

Fee if you are applying in person inside the UK £702

Fee if you are applying outside the UK £255

How to pay

All the visa application fees below are quoted in pounds sterling, but are payable in local currency. Please contact your nearest visa application centre to find out what the local fees are and how you can pay for your visa.

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