Tier 4 (General) student visa Guide to making your visa application inside the UK

Transcription

1 Tier 4 (General) student visa Guide to making your visa application inside the UK July 2014

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3 Contents 3 Introduction & Student Advice Service contact details 4 Summary of application process General guidance 5 Can I extend my Tier 4 (General) visa in the UK 5 When can I extend my Tier 4 (General) visa? 6 How do I extend my Tier 4 (General) visa 6 How much does it cost? 7 What supporting documents do I need? 7 What is a CAS and when will I receive it? Finances 9 Financial requirements 9 How can I show that I have paid my course fees? 10 Do I have established presence? 11 Lower maintenance 12 Higher maintenance 13 What type of documents can I show? 14 Whose name do the documents need to be in? 14 Using parent s financial documents 15 Can I use a non-uk, non GBP account? 15 Students using financial documents from: Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Iran, Pakistan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka 16 How long does the money have to be in my account? 16 Can I use more than one account? 17 Can I use online/electronic bank statements? 17 Financial Sponsorship Other supporting documents 18 Other supporting documents 18 Translations Submitting your supporting documents & cover sheet 19 When should I submit my supporting documents? 19 What is the visa application date? 20 Students from low risk countries After submitting your application 21 How do I enrol biometrics? 21 When will a decision be made on my application? 22 When will my new visa expire? 22 What do I do when my BRP arrives? Applying outside the UK 23 How do I apply for entry clearance from my home country? Appendices 24 X - Sample bank statement 25 Y - Sample parent s letter 26 Q Sample bank letter 27 Z Passport photo requirements 2

4 Extending your Tier 4 student visa in the UK Introduction This guide will assist students in extending their Tier 4 (General) visa in the UK: We recommend that all students: 1. Read through this guide 2. Attend one of our workshops or an individual appointment before paying for their visa application. We are the only staff at UAL who are qualified to give visa and immigration advice. We give this advice free of charge. We are available throughout your course to offer help and information in matters relating to immigration. [email protected] If you have an issue which is outside our level of competence, you may wish to seek assistance from an immigration adviser regulated by the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner: Always check what the fees are beforehand. Please note that the content of this pack was written to the best or our knowledge and understanding in July 2014 by the Student Advice Service. The guidance in this pack relates to the version 07/14 of the Tier 4 (General) student application form and Policy Guidance. We cannot take any legal responsibility for the contents of the pack. 3

5 Summary of Tier 4 (General) student visa application process in the UK 4

6 Can I extend my Tier 4 (General) visa in the UK? In order to apply for a new Tier 4 visa in the UK your new course of studies must start no more than 28 days after the end of your current leave, if the gap between the end of your current leave and the start of your new course (as stated on your CAS) is longer than 28 days then you must leave the UK and apply from your home country. Visa expiry date Less than 28 days Course start date In addition to this the Immigration Rules only allow people who were last granted leave in certain immigration categories to make a Tier 4 application in the UK. These categories are: Tier 4 (General) Student Tier 4 (Child) Student Tier 1 (Post-study Work) Migrant Tier 2 Migrant Prospective Student If you have any other visa type please contact us for advice. When can I extend my Tier 4 (General) visa? when you receive your Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) from the International Office at your college, and you meet the financial requirements, and you have the correct supporting documents. You must apply for your Tier 4 visa before your current visa expires. 5

7 How do I extend my Tier 4 (General) visa in the UK? 1. Register for an online account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), previously known as the Home Office (UKBA) Attend an appointment or workshop provided by Student Advice Service at UAL, ensuring your documents and application form are checked before paying for your visa. 3. Apply and pay online using the Tier 4 (General) student visa application form. 4. Post your cover sheet and supporting documents to UKVI within 15 working days of your application date, OR 5. Attend an appointment at a Public Enquiry Office within 45 working days of your application date to submit your cover sheet and supporting documents. 6. Enrol biometrics when you receive your biometrics letter from UKVI. Please read through our Guide to completing the online application for information about how to fill in the online form and how to send your supporting documents to UKVI. How much does it cost to extend my Tier 4 (General) visa in the UK? Premium application standard application by appointment at a Public Enquiry Office (PEO) 6

8 What supporting documents do I need to apply for my Tier 4 (General) visa in the UK? Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Financial evidence (e.g. bank statements, letter from bank) o Birth Certificate / Adoption Certificate (if you are using bank statements of your parent (s) / legal guardian) o Letter from your parent (s) / legal guardian confirming the relationship with you and confirming that they consent to giving you the required finances (if you are using bank statements of your parent (s) / legal guardian) Original certificate(s) of qualifications listed on the CAS Official translation of any document not in English or Welsh Police Registration Certificate (if required) 2 recent passport photos on a cream or light grey background, measuring 45mm x 35mm, with your name written on the back see Appendix Z on page 27 What is a CAS? A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an electronic document issued to you by the International Office at the college you have applied to. It contains information about: you the course you will study at UAL your previous qualifications your tuition fees how much of your tuition fees you have paid. You will need this document to assist you in filling out your visa application form. A CAS is not a paper document; it is an electronic document. You do not need to include a printed version of your CAS in your application. 7

9 When will I receive my CAS? The International Office at your college will you a summary of your CAS information when you have: 1. met the conditions of your offer such as passing your English language course. The conditions of your offer are explained in your offer letter. 2. accepted your unconditional offer of a place at your University of the Arts London (UAL) College 3. paid your deposit CSM / 7306 [email protected] LCC [email protected] LCF / 7656 / 7678 [email protected] Camberwell, Chelsea, Wimbledon [email protected] 8

10 Financial requirements Course Fees enough money to pay for the 1st year of your course. OR enough money to pay the full course fees if your course is less than 1 year. + Maintenance (living costs) the amount you must show depends on: if you have 'established presence' or not the duration of your course. where you will be studying How can I show that I have paid my course fees? If you pay your course fees after your CAS is issued, you must ensure that you inform the International Office at your college along with proof of payment. This must be done before applying for your visa. The International Office will then update your CAS to show that you have paid your tuition fees in full. A CAS cannot be amended once your visa application is in process. 9

11 Do I have established presence for calculating my maintenance? You can qualify for established presence and lower maintenance levels whether you are applying from inside the UK or from overseas. 10

12 Lower maintenance established presence Length of your current/new course College you will be attending Maintenance required 9 months or less INNER LONDON Camberwell Central Saint Martins Chelsea London College of Fashion London College of Communication Language Centre 1020 to cover living costs for each calendar month of the course up to a maximum of 2 months OUTER LONDON Wimbledon 820 to cover living costs for each calendar month of the course up to a maximum of 2 months More than 9 months INNER LONDON Camberwell Central Saint Martins Chelsea London College of Fashion London College of Communication Language Centre 2040 to cover living costs OUTER LONDON Wimbledon 1640 to cover living costs 11

13 Higher maintenance no established presence Length of your course College you will be attending Maintenance required 9 months or less INNER LONDON Camberwell Central Saint Martins Chelsea London College of Fashion London College of Communication Language Centre 1020 to cover living costs for each calendar month of the course OUTER LONDON Wimbledon 820 to cover living costs for each calendar month of the course. More than 9 months INNER LONDON Camberwell Central Saint Martins Chelsea London College of Fashion London College of Communication Language Centre 9180 to cover living costs for 9 months in the UK OUTER LONDON Wimbledon 7380 to cover living costs for 9 months in the UK 12

14 What documents can I use to show the financial requirements? Shares, bonds or pension fund type accounts will not be accepted. The following types of documents are acceptable: Bank or building society statements Building society pass book Letter from your bank confirming funds Letter from a financial institution regulated either by the Financial Services Authority or, in the case of overseas accounts, the home regulator (official regulatory body for the country the money is held) confirming money or loan. 13

15 Whose name do the documents need to be in? The documents can be in the following names: Your name or Your parent's name* or Your legal guardian's name* *You must include the following extra documents if you use a financial document in your parent s or legal guardian s name: 1. Proof that you are related e.g. birth certificate 2. A letter from your parents or legal guardian confirming that a. you are their child and b. you have permission to use their money. Remember! These extra documents must be original so ask your parents/legal guardian to post them to you with enough time to make your visa application. Please see Appendix Y Sample Parents Letter on page

16 Can I use a non-uk account? Yes, but you must do the following: 1. Your financial document must be officially translated into English if it is not in English or Welsh. 2. If the funds are not held in British pounds ( GBP), you must use to convert these and include a print out of the conversion with your application. Enter the lowest amount of money held for 28 consecutive days; check the date of your closing balance, you must use the currency exchange rate for that date Closing Balance date e.g. 18 May 2014 Students using financial documents from: Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Iran, Pakistan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka The UKVI has published lists of financial institutions in these countries that do not verify financial statements to their satisfaction. If you apply for Tier 4 (General) visa with financial documents issued by these institutions, you visa application will be refused. Please see Appendix P of the Immigration Rules: 15

17 How long does the money have to be in my account? Please see Appendix X on page 24 for an example of a bank statement which clearly shows all of the information that must be on your financial document. 28 days The full amount of money must be held in the account for 28 consecutive days up to the date of the closing balance. The money cannot drop below the amount you need at any time during these 28 days. 31 days The closing balance date cannot be more than 31 days old on the date you make your visa application. You must meet these requirements on the date of your visa application. Can I use financial documents from more than one account? Yes, but all documents must meet the Tier 4 (General) visa requirements. 16

18 Can I use online/electronic bank statements? Yes, but you must ensure that either: each page is stamped by the bank, or the bank gives you an original letter, with the bank logo, confirming that the statement is authentic. Some banks will not stamp your online statements or give you a letter. We recommend trying different branches of your bank or ask the bank to post original statements to you. It should take 3-5 working days to be posted to you and there may be a charge. Financial sponsorship If you have financial sponsorship from one of the following sources, then a letter from them confirming they will cover ALL fees and living costs is enough. government British Council an international organisation a company a University If the letter doesn t confirm that ALL fees and living costs will be covered, then you will need to combine it with other means of meeting financial requirements. 17

19 Other supporting documents You must include any documents listed as Evidence on your CAS. e.g. previous qualifications, English language certificate All documents must be original, You cannot use photocopies or scanned versions of any of your supporting documents! Translations 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. Original + Certified translation Date of translation Full name and signature of the translator, they must be an authorised official of the translation company Contact details of the translator or translation company (or their credentials) Confirmation from the translator or translation company that it is an accurate translation or the original document 18

20 When should I submit my supporting documents and cover sheet to UKVI? 15 days Standard Application You must post your documents within 15 working days of your visa application date 45 days Premium Application You must submit your documents at an appointment at a Public Enquiry Office (PEO) within 45 working days of your visa application date. Ideally, you should attend your appointment before your current visa expires. If you choose a standard application, remember to post your documents using Special Delivery from the Post Office. This ensures the safety of important documents and allows you to track delivery online. What is my visa application date? It is the date that you pay for your visa application online. 19

21 Students from low risk countries Tier 4 application forms include a formal declaration that maintenance funds are genuinely available to you to pay for living and studying in the UK. If you are a national from one of the low risk countries listed below and are applying in your country of nationality or in the UK for a visa to study at UAL, you will not usually have to provide any further formal evidence of maintenance / qualifications. However, if you are a national of a low risk country, UKVI still has the right to request further evidence of your documents. If they do request the evidence, and you do not provide it, your application will be refused. We strongly advise that you ensure you meet the requirements to make a Tier 4 application and have access to the necessary documents should the UKVI request these The low risk countries are: Argentina Australia Barbados Botswana Brunei Canada Chile Croatia Hong Kong (you hold a Hong Kong SAR passport or a British National (Overseas) passport and you are applying for entrance clearance in Hong Kong, or for leave to remain in the UK) Japan Malaysia New Zealand Oman Qatar Singapore South Korea Taiwan (those who hold a passport issued by Taiwan that includes the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan in it) Trinidad and Tobago United States of America United Arab Emirates (UAE) a British National Overseas 20

22 How do I enrol my biometrics? You ll be asked to provide your biometric information as part of the application process. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will send you a biometric enrolment letter with instructions. You must follow the instructions on the letter and go to a Post Office to enrol biometrics. When will a decision be made on my visa application? within 8 weeks Standard applications by post. Same Day Premium applications when visiting a Public Enquiry Office by appointment You ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example: your supporting documents need to be verified you need to attend an interview your personal circumstances (e.g if you have a criminal conviction) We do not advise making any travel plans until you receive your BRP and passport from UKVI. 21

23 When will my Tier 4 (General) visa expire? Course length Less than 6 months (not presessional) Visa expiry date 7 days after the end of the course Less than 6 months (Presessional) 1 month after the end of the course 6 months or more, but less than 12 months 12 months or more 2 months after the end of the course 4 months after the end of the course What do I do when my Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) arrives? 1. Check that all the information on the BRP is correct. You must report any errors within 10 working days of receiving your permit. If you don t you may have to reapply and pay for a replacement BRP. [email protected] Include the following in your your passport number your biometric residence permit reference number your case reference number a contact telephone number details of exactly what information is wrong 2. Check if your BRP says Register with police. You must register at the Overseas Visitors Records Office (OVRC) within 7 days of receiving your BRP. 3. Provide a copy of your BRP to the International Office at your college. 22

24 How do I apply for entry clearance from my home country? Tier 4 (General) Student visa For more information visit: You can apply online at: You cannot apply online if you are from Cuba or North Korea. Go to the following webpage to download the paper form: Who can help? Student Advice Service will give two workshops to presessional students to help you with your visa application: 1. A workshop to help you to register for an online account with UKVI at the beginning of your course. 2. A workshop to help you complete the online form and check your documents. This workshop will only take place once you have received your CAS and your summer course is finished. We will you during your course to give you further details about these workshops so please regularly check your s. You can also contact us by or by telephone if you have any questions. If you are not a presessional student, please contact us for an appointment. Useful websites: [email protected]

25 Appendix X Sample Bank statement 24

26 Appendix Y Sample Parents letter [Your parents address], [Your parents telephone number], [Your parents address] UK Visas and Immigration [Date] Dear Sir/Madam, Re: [student s name] This is to confirm that I am the [mother/father/guardian] of [student s name] and I give my consent for the funds in my bank account to be used by my [son/daughter] while s/he studies in the UK. S/he is to enrol on a [full title of course] at University of the Arts London, [college name] in September I am happy to financially support my [son/daughter] with the amount of [amount in currency on bank statement]. Please find attached evidence of the funds in the form of a [bank statement/bank letter]. Yours faithfully, [Signature] [Name] 25

27 Appendix Q Sample Bank letter The Royal Bank of Oz Letter head with bank name and logo 01/09/2014 To whom it may concern, This letter confirms that [your name/parent s name] is holding an account in our bank, the account number is [xxxxxxxxx]. The total held is [closing balance on issue date of this letter]. The minimum balance was [lowest balance figure over the previous 28 days] and has been held for the last 28 consecutive days. Yours sincerely, Bank staff members name + Signature 26

28 Appendix Z - Passport photos requirements Photo size Your photos must be professionally printed and 45 millimetres (mm) high by 35mm wide - the standard size used in photo booths in the UK. Standard sizes in photo booths outside the UK can be different - make sure you get the right size. You can t use photos that have been cut down from larger pictures. Your photos must be: in colour on plain white photographic paper taken against a plain cream or light grey background identical taken within the last month clear and in focus without any tears or creases unmarked on both sides (unless a photo needs to be countersigned) unaltered by computer software The image of you Your photos must show a close-up of your full head and shoulders. It must be only of you with no other objects or people. The image of you - from the crown of your head to your chin - must be between 29mm and 34mm high (see example below). Your photos may be rejected unless they show you: facing forward and looking straight at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed without anything covering the face in clear contrast to the background without a head covering (unless it s worn for religious or medical reasons) with eyes open, visible and free from reflection or glare from glasses with your eyes not covered by sunglasses, tinted glasses, glasses frames or hair without any red eye without any shadows in the picture 27

29 Photos dos and don t s 28