Below are the five types of UK visa tiers:
- Tier 1: High-Value Migrants
- Tier 2: Skilled Workers
- Tier 3: Unskilled Workers
- Tier 4: Adult Students
- Tier 5: Temporary Workers
What is a Tier 4 student visa?
A Tier 4 Visa allows you to study and work in the UK. If you are over the age of 16 years and want to study and work in the U.K.you will need to apply for a Tier 4 student visa. If you are from a country that’s in the European Economic area you will not need to apply for this visa. If you are from Switzerland, this rule also applies to you.
How many Tier 4 visas have been granted in the UK?
More than 1,4 million visas have been granted in UK, among which, only 10% for work purposes, according to migrationobservatory. Around 176,000 Tier 4 student visas have been granted in UK during the same period. If you need further information on the tier system in UK, please feel free to contact our team of immigration solicitors in London.
Why choose tier4visa?
With Tier4Visa you can easily find information about UK Study Visa types, application process and requirements. Our aim is to help international students to make the right decision, with quality student visa advice and service we can offer.

How long does a UK Tier 4 visa last?
How long you can stay. How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you've already completed in the UK. If you're 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it's below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
What is the difference between Tier 4 and student visa?
The Student Route replaced the Tier 4 Student system on 5 October 2020. The Student route is similar to Tier 4 but includes EU/EEA and Swiss nationals starting study on or after 1 January 2021 who have not applied under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Is Tier 4 visa a work permit?
Requirements and rules Tier 4/Student visa holders can only work full-time on a temporary basis - they cannot be employed on a permanent contract. They cannot be self-employed or set up a business, or be employed as a professional sportsperson or coach or as an entertainer.
What are the new UK rules for Tier 4 visa student?
5. Conditions you need to meet to receive a Tier 4 Student VisaYou must be over 16 years old.Speak, read, and understand English.Have sufficient money to support yourself during studies (tuition, living costs, medical insurance, etc.)Have an unconditional offer of study from a licensed university in the UK.
Who can sponsor a Tier 4 student?
To be eligible to come to the UK to study under Tier 4, a foreign student will need to be sponsored by an education provider that holds a valid Tier 4 sponsor licence.
How much bank balance is required for UK student visa?
Money to support yourself ('financial requirement') How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You'll need either: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London. £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.
How many hours can I work on a Tier 4 visa?
20 hours per weekWorking hours A student visa issued for full-time degree level studies allows you to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time. This is a maximum of 20 hours in total in any one week, including paid or unpaid work and for one or more organisation. The 20 hours cannot be averaged over a longer period.
How much do students earn per hour UK?
However, legally all employers must pay their employees the National Minimum Wage, which as of 1 April 2022, is: £9.50 per hour for workers 23 and over (known as the National Living Wage) £9.18 per hour for workers 21 - 22. £6.83 per hour for 18 - 20.
Who Needs Tier 4 visa?
The Tier 4 Student visa caters for students from outside the UK or EEA who are looking to study a full-time degree level course at a university, college or other eligible educational institution in the UK.
How much does a UK Tier 4 visa cost?
UK student visa fees The current fee for the Tier 4 (General) student visa is £348 (~US$440), with an additional £348 fee per person for any dependents.
Why does UK student visa get rejected?
Reasons for visa refusal Submitting copies/photocopies or printouts instead of original documents. Missing documents. Unsuccessful credibility interview. Failure to meet the strict Student visa rules, such as not maintaining the required funds in your account for 28 consecutive days.
How many hours can a Tier 4 student work?
Tier 4/Student visa holders can work up to: 10 hours per week if studying a programme below degree level (e.g. a pre-sessional or foundation programme) 20 hours per week if studying a programme at degree level.
What type of visa is student visa in UK?
There are 2 types of UK student visas. These are: Short-term study visa. Tier 4 (General) student visa.
What tier is a student visa?
Working restrictions: A Tier 4, Student Visa allows you to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time.
What kind of visa is a student visa UK?
There are currently three types of UK student visas, including: Student visa for most higher education courses, including graduate and postgraduate programs. Child Student visa for minors studying at an independent school. Short-term study visa for learning English in the UK (6–11 months)
What is a student visa called?
A student visa (F or M) is required to study in the United States. Foreign nationals may not study after entering on a visitor (B) visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), except to undertake recreational study (non-credit) as part of a tourist visit. For more information on the VWP, see Visa Waiver Program.
How to apply for a student visa?
Preparation for a student visa application 1 You can ensure that you have the funds needed for your studies in your account 2 The bank account has to be in your name or your parents ONLY 3 You need to ensure that the funds required must have been in your account for a minimum of 28 days and your bank statement should not be older than 1 month at the date of application
How long will it take to get my visa?
We aim to process student visas within 15 working days. We recommend that you prepare and apply for your visa well in advance. You can make an application up to 3 months before you intend to travel.
How old do you have to be to apply for a Tier 4 visa?
For Tier 4 (General) applicants aged 16 or 17 (on the date of your online application) and Tier 4 (Child) applicants: A letter from your parent (s) or legal guardian (s) providing permission to support your travel to the UK, reception on arrival and living arrangements while in the UK.
How old do you have to be to be cared for in the UK?
If you are aged under 16, or under 18 if you are disabled, and going to be cared for on a full-time basis in the UK by adults who are not your parents or a close relative (a grandparent, brother, sister, step-parent, uncle or aunt aged over 18), you must provide proof that that person has notified the appropriate UK local authority. You do not need this if your accommodation is on your school campus.
How long is a false declaration banned in the UK?
Please be honest! Any false declarations and/or forged documents will lead to a mandatory refusal and may result in a 10 year ban from the UK.
How long before you can travel to the UK?
This can be either: up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less. up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months.
How long does it take to get a visa decision?
You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
Do you have to pay visa fee for each person?
You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.
How long is a Tier 2 visa valid for?
You can only seek this visa if there’s a Tier 2 licensed employer who’s offering you a job. This type of visa is valid for up to 5 years.
What is considered a Tier 4 dependent?
First, you need to know what is regarded as a dependant. Your spouse/wife and children are considered as your Tier 4 dependants. Other relatives are not. Next, your dependant must prove good financial resources in order to be given the right to come in UK as your dependant.
What is a visa national?
Visa nationals are those who are citizens of the countries that are included in this list (which can also be found on the UKBA website ).
How long do you have to stay in the UK to get a visa?
If you are not working and you are staying for less than 6 months, then you may get either a student visitor visa or a Tier 4 (General) ...
How long can you be a dependant in the UK?
As a government-sponsored student, you can bring in UK your dependants if you’re enrolled in an undergraduate course longer than 6 months or in a postgraduate course longer than 12 months at a recognized university. First, you need to know what is regarded as a dependant.
How long do you have to be in the UK to work?
If you plan to be in the country for 6 months or more, or you want to work in UK (either as an unpaid internship or in order to make a living), you must obtain what is called a Tier 4 (general) student visa. If you are in the country for less than 6 months, and are not working, then you can apply for entry to the UK as a student visitor.
Do universities have to inform the Home Office of Tier 4 visa?
As the current rules state, your University must inform the Home Office if it’s aware that you’re not respecting the conditions and terms of your Tier 4 visa.
What is Tier 4 visa?
This new UK Student Visa programme is a simplified global visa system, which applies equally to all international students including EEA European Union nationals. The latest changes will only have limited effect on students which are already studying in the United Kingdom. However, the new visa rules will apply to all new applications from January 1, 2021.
How many points do you need to get a student visa in the UK?
International students who want to apply for a student visa need to score 70 points. In addition, every student must meet all the requirements in order to study in the UK. Note that Irish citizens do not require permission to come to the UK (except in specific circumstances), therefore they are not qualified to apply under the new points-based immigration system.
When will the UK open for graduate visas?
New Graduate visa will open in summer 2021. If you complete university in the UK, you can apply for Graduate visa to stay and work in the UK. UK GRADUATE VISA INFORMATION.
How old do you have to be to get a student visa in the UK?
An individual can apply for a Student visa for study overseas in the UK, provided they are 16 or above in age and fulfil certain other requirements as well.
Can a student visa be extended in the UK?
If needed, the Student visa for the UK might also be extended, provided the individual is eligible for the same.
What is a Tier 4 student visa?
Everything you need to know about UK Tier 4 Student Visas (General). A Tier 4 Visa allows you to study and work in the UK.
How long does it take to get a BRP card in the UK?
Any payments required will need to be paid on competition. Part of the application involves being issued a BRP card (Biometric Residence Permit) within 10 days of arriving in the UK. This is basically a photo ID card showing your VISA details.
How long does it take to get a visa for a full time course?
When you get accepted for a course your education provider will send you a reference number. Once you have your CAS you must apply for your VISA within 6 months. The below courses are acceptable for this type of visa; Full-time course leading to a qualification that’s at least level 6 on the Ofqual register.
How long do you have to get a BRP card?
If you are coming to the U.K. for more than Six months you will be issued a BRP card. You will apply for a BRP at the same time as you apply for your entry clearance. You will be given a 30-day entry clearance, which will allow you to enter the U.K. Once you arrive, you must then collect your BRP from the post office branch you selected during your application process. This must be collected within 10 days from your arrival date.
What level is a full time course?
Full-time course leading to a qualification that’s at least level 6 on the Ofqual register.
Do you have to pay a surcharge on a UK visa?
As with every UK VISA you will have to pay a Healthcare Surcharge. This charge can depend on your circumstances so you won’t find out exactly how much it is until you have filled in the application form.
What is the Eligibility Criteria?
You are eligible to participate in the Tier 4 Pilot if the following cases:
What Tier 4 Pilot Visa does not change compared to the Tier 4 General Visa?
In all cases, you must confirm on your application form that you meet the requirements and that you hold documentary evidence in the manner required.
What is a Tier 5 visa in the UK?
British visas are comprised of several tiers, classified by the level of expertise of a person; for example, Tier 1 is issued for persons with a high degree of specialization, while Tier 5 visa refers to persons seeking for temporary employment in UK. Our immigration solicitors in London can offer assistance to persons who are interested in relocating on a work basis in UK.
How long does a Tier 2 visa last?
A Tier 2 visa for skilled workers is granted for five years and it is necessary for citizens outside EEA or from Switzerland. This type of visa is issued to persons who need to fill certain positions if there is a lack of workers in UK in varied areas. In order to obtain a Tier 2 visa for skilled workers, one should know that details about the sponsorship must be provided. Furthermore, information about the financial situation needs to be offered in form of bank statements to see if the candidate can support himself/herself during the stay in the country. We remind that this kind of visa allows a worker to perform activities in accordance with the position mentioned in the sponsorship certificate and also the possibility of having a second job in the country. He/she can also relocate with the family in the UK, with the help of a Tier 2 visa for skilled workers. Please consider that you cannot have access to public funds with this type of visa and you cannot work until this document is issued by the Immigration Office. The sponsor can apply for a Tier 2 visa for skilled workers on your behalf, but it is suggested to ask for complete legal assistance from our UK immigration lawyer.
What happens to citizens living in UK after December 31st, 2020?
The EU settlement scheme enters the discussion, particularly for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens already living in the UK and who want to continue living here after June 2021. The EU settlement guarantees you the right to stay in UK, if you meet the criteria. The same rule is imposed on persons born in UK, but not a British citizen. In the case of children, the application must be made separately. Here are extra details you should pay attention to:
What is Tier 2?
Tier 2 is issued for persons who have a score of minimum 60 points (available for intra-company transfers) or 70 (general purposes), which is comprised of: the presence of a sponsor and a certificate of sponsorship (50 points); English language skills (10 points); available funds (10 points).
When will the UK's immigration rules be in force?
The new immigration rules enter into force in January 2021, except for the cases of visas that will expire a few months later. The freedom of movement will no longer be part of the UK, yet foreigners are encouraged to work in the country and enjoy the advantages offered in the labor market. Legal advice can be offered by our experienced immigration solicitors in London, so you can rely on professionalism, proficiency, and confidence at any time. Here are some facts and figures about immigration in UK for September 2019 – September 2020:
What is RQF3 in the UK?
The RQF3 is the minimum skill level for workers in UK , as the formal qualification is less important in this case.
Do UK citizens need to settle in EEA?
UK citizens living in an EEA country needs to apply for settlement .
