1. VISA INFORMATION – GENERAL OVERVIEW
How have visa applications changed?
Over the past two years, visa applications have changed, introducing a ‘sponsorship system’. In order to apply for a student visa, the student’s proposed school, college or university must have a Tier 4 sponsor license. The student’s proposed school will then sponsor their visa and consequently the student’s visa is specifically linked to their course. Whereas in previous years, students had a non-specific visa, meaning they were free to move from school to school, now students can only change course or school with permission from UKVI.
What kind of visa does an A-level college student need?
Students will need a Tier 4 student visa (either Child or General) to study in the UK. They will not be permitted to study on a tourist visa. Students should also be aware that many visa types are not transferrable into other tiers, so students are strongly advised to research their options carefully before deciding to come to the UK. Otherwise they may be sent back to their home country and have to apply for a new visa.
What is the difference between a Child or a General student?
Broadly speaking if a student is under 18, they are a Child student. If the student is over 18, they are a General student. However, if a student is 16 or 17, they can be classed as either a Child or General student. Students are advised to consult the Student Visa Officer at Ashbourne, who will advise the student on their visa application.
Are A-Level college students required to have a visa to study in the UK?
If a student does not hold a British or European passport, it is very likely they will need a visa to study in the UK. If they are unsure about whether they will need a visa or not, they should complete the online questionnaire: www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.
Note that if a student has a British National Overseas or a British Territorial passport, they will still need a visa to participate in a course lasting longer than 6 months in the UK.
If a student already has a UK visa can they change schools?
If a student currently has a valid UK student visa and is looking to change schools, this is usually possible. If their student visa was issued prior to 05/10/2009, they can transfer the visa sponsorship to Ashbourne by simply sending an email to UKVI. If their visa was issued after this date, they must apply for a new student visa. However, if their sponsor has Tier 4 Sponsor status, they will be able to start their course before their new visa is approved. This is only applicable if the student still has leave to remain in the UK. If the student’s visa was approved before the introduction of Tier 4, they can change courses freely without approval from UKVI.
Further Advice
Visa applications can be frustrating and confusing, particularly if English is not the student’s first language. Students are strongly advised to allow Ashbourne’s Student Visa Officer to check over their visa application before they submit it. Equally, students may wish to contact an educational or visa services agent in their home country before they apply.
2. VISA INFORMATION – APPLYING
How does a student apply for their student visa?
Once the student has settled their school fees, Ashbourne will issue them with a CAS (Certificate of Acceptance for Studies). This is not an actual document but a code that the student will need in order to apply for their visa. This code proves that Ashbourne has accepted the student and will sponsor their visa. When Ashbourne issues the CAS, it has to provide UKVI with a list of documents the student gave to us when he or she applied. Ashbourne will give the student a copy of the CAS letter including a list of documents that the student needs to submit.
The student must complete an application for their visa. For all countries (apart from North Korea) the student must apply online. The application form can be found in the following link: www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk. The student will also need to submit a set of documents (such as bank documents and consent letters) when attending their visa appointment. These documents must be originals and without these documents the student’s visa will be refused.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
All students will need to have their fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of their application.
If the student’s visa application is successful, they will be issued a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). The BRP will be the sole form of evidence of the leave granted and as such will replace the current visa that is put in a travel document. The passport or travel document will be endorsed with a 30-day short validity vignette to enable the student to travel to the UK and collect their BRP.
Immigration Healthcare Surcharge
From 6 April 2015, all students applying for a Tier 4 visa will need to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of their immigration application. They will then be able to access the National Health Service (NHS) in the same way as a permanent UK resident. The surcharge, £150 per year, is mandatory and will need to be paid when completing the online application or booking a premium service appointment.
Customer guidance is available at www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application.
3. VISA INFORMATION – ENGLISH LANGUAGE QUALIFICATION
From 12 August 2010, it is now compulsory under Tier 4 that any General students have sat an approved English language test. This is still the case even if the student has achieved IGCSE or a similar qualification already. The only exceptions are students who are nationals of the following countries:
The approved tests for student visas are as follows:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – General Training or Academic Module
ISE (Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English) – UK only
What level of English do students need?
IELTS – Level B1 (Listening 4.0, Reading 4.0, Writing 4.0, Speaking 4.0)
TCL ISE – Level B1 (Pass for each skill: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking)
For more information visit the following websites:
IELTS: www.ielts.org
TCL: www.trinitycollege.com
4. VISA INFORMATION – UKVI UPDATES
For the latest updates from UKVI, students are advised to visit their website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
If students are unclear on any issues regarding visas, please consult the Student Visa Officer at Ashbourne.
5. VISA INFORMATION – USEFUL WEBSITES
6. VISA INFORMATION – CONDITIONS OF A STUDENT VISA
Students should be very careful about abiding to the conditions of their student visa. Their sponsor is legally required to inform UKVI if the student is not keeping to the conditions of their visa. These conditions entail that the student must:
Students should remember that their visa has been issued for the purpose of study, so if they are not attending classes or if they are engaging in activities that prevent them from studying, their sponsor is obliged to report the student to UKVI. This can lead to the curtailment of the visa and a requirement to leave the UK.
7. VISA INFORMATION – GENERAL STUDENT GUIDANCE
Accommodation
There are no restrictions on accommodation for students over the age of 18
Accommodation
Students should hold the required funds (maintenance fees and any outstanding tuition fees) in their account for a minimum of 28 days before applying. The student will need to prove this by providing a bank account statement or a letter from their bank. The statement or letter must cover a consecutive 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before the date of the application.
If the student is using their parents’ bank account to hold their maintenance fees or tuition fees, the student must provide evidence of their relationship, for example a birth certificate. The student must also provide a consent letter written by their parents to prove that they have given the student permission to use these funds and they are happy for the student to do so.
English Language Guidance
Under Tier 4 rules, now students must have passed an approved English Language test if applying for a General student visa. See English Language Qualifications for more information.
Tuberculosis Test
Students who are residents of certain countries and coming to the UK for more than 6 months will need to have a tuberculosis (TB) test. The student must be tested at a clinic that has been approved by the Home Office.
Countries where you need a TB test to enter the UK: www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa/countries-where-you-need-a-tb-test-to-enter-the-UK
8. VISA INFORMATION – CHILD STUDENT GUIDANCE
Accommodation – Under 16
If the student is under 16 and applying for a student visa, they must ensure their accommodation complies with UKVI guidelines. If the student is not living with a parent or a close relative (grandparent, brother, sister, step-parent, uncle or aunt) who is aged 18 or over, then the student must ensure the following conditions are met:
1. The student must be staying in the UK with a British citizen or an approved UK resident
2. The resident must be an approved foster carer registered with the local authority where they live
The student must then provide the following documentation:
1. A copy of the resident’s passport or copy of indefinite leave to remain status
2. A letter of permission from a parent/legal guardian
3. A letter of undertaking from the intended carer
4. A copy of a letter of notification to the local authority that the student will be under the care of a private foster carer
5. An original document from the local authority confirming notification and approval of the arrangement
These guidelines are very rigid so the student should ensure they understand the regulations fully and have all the necessary documents prepared before applying for their visa.
Accommodation – 16 to 17
16 or 17 year olds have more freedom with regards to accommodation and can state that they are living independently without providing details of guardians.
Bank Account Details
Students should hold the required funds (maintenance fees and any outstanding tuition fees) in their account for a minimum of 28 days before applying. The student will need to prove this by providing a bank account statement or a letter from their bank. The statement or letter must cover a consecutive 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before the date of the application.
If the student is using their parents’ bank account to hold their maintenance fees or tuition fees, the student must provide a consent letter written by their parents to prove that they have given the student permission to use these funds and they are happy for the student to do so. No additional evidence of this relationship is required.
Other Letters To Be Provided
If the student is applying as a child student, they will need to prove a consent letter from their parents to state that they are aware the student is going to be studying in the UK, they are happy for the student to go ahead and they know all the details of their accommodation, flights and travel (if the student is travelling alone), and their course. This must be signed by both of their parents.
9. VISA INFORMATION – THE SPONSOR
Ashbourne College is an A-rated sponsor for both Child and General student applications. It also holds Tier 4 Sponsor status.
