TIER 4 - STUDENTS
Student applications now fall within the Points Based System which is detailed on this website under “Working in the United Kingdom”. Courtyard Solicitors LLP can advise you in relation to such applications. We will deal quickly and efficiently with your application to come to the United Kingdom as a student, or as a student visitor. A student application will usually be in relation to a course running for more than six months, whereas a student visitor will be for a course not exceeding six months.
It is mandatory for educational establishments wishing to bring in international students to operate under the points based system. In relation to student visa application you will now need to ensure that the educational institution that you intend to attend is registered on the new Home Office Sponsors' Register. Private institutions, outside of the system of public reviews conducted by Ofsted and its devolved equivalents, will need to be accredited in order to be able to register. Educational institutions generally will need to obtain a licence and comply with its sponsorship duties. Such organisations will issue a visa letter to each non-EEA student to enable them to apply for a new visa or extension. Later in 2009 the visa letter will be replaced by a confirmation of acceptance for studies.
The application made by the student will be under Tier 4 of the Points Based System. Educational establishments should check that potential students are likely to score a total of 40 points across the different criteria, before issuing them with a confirmation of acceptance of studies. The criteria for points in relation these applications, is made up of 30 points for sponsorship and 10 points for maintenance. There are now set figures showing how much a potential student must have in savings in order to qualify under this heading. A total of 40 points are required in order to qualify. Up to 30 points will be awarded under the Sponsorship Heading. This will be awarded if the educational establishment believes that the student is capable of doing and intends to do the course, and the course is at the appropriate level. If this is the case the educational establishment will issue a valid confirmation of acceptance of studies.
Up to a further ten points can be awarded for maintenance. The figures for this are as follows:
• £800 per month, plus the course fees, for students on courses of less than 12 months.
• £9,600 to cover the first year, plus the course fees, for students on courses of more than 12 months.
• £535 per month per dependent.
International students also have special immigration options available to them upon graduation under the new points based system. Upon completion of the requisite qualification, students will be able to apply under Tier-1 in the Post-Study Work category which is detailed at “Studying in the United Kingdom” on this website. If successful, an applicant can remain in the United Kingdom for a further two years. After completing their period under this scheme, applicants can move into another category which we can advise on. Student applications can include family members coming with you as your dependants. We can also deal with applications for children to come to the United Kingdom to attend school.