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United Kingdom:
Tier 4 Student Visa
IMPORTANT:
If you are NOT a US Citizen read the instructions document for Non-US Citizens FIRST.
For all Year; Semester Programs with Internship/work/volunteer
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Visa Basics
Read first to learn basic facts on Tier 4 Student Visa
When can I apply?
You cannot apply more than 3 months before the start of your program.
Allow at least 4-6 weeks for application processing.
How much does it cost?
£328* (about $480 US). This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the visa
application. *fees are subject to change.
There may be additional costs such as the immigration health surcharge, transcripts, etc.
If you do not allow at least 4-6 weeks for application processing, you will need to pay additional
charges for expedited visa processing.
How long is my visa valid?
If your program is longer than 6 months, you may enter up to 1 month before your program start
date.
If your program is less than 6 months, you may enter up to 1 week before your program start
date and stay up to 1 week after the end of your program.
Your program or “course” start date is the date provided by your host university on your CAS
(Find more information regarding CAS on the next page).
Am I Eligible for the Tier 4 Student Visa? Who should apply? ALL students studying for the year Semester students interested in interning, working, or volunteering while abroad
Who should NOT apply? Summer students cannot obtain a CAS number, and are therefore ineligible for the Tier 4 Student
Visa. You MUST apply for the Student Visitor Visa if you are participating in a summer program. Semester students that are NOT interested in interning, working, or volunteering while abroad
Students with EU citizenship
So you determined you will need a Tier 4 Student Visa… Read on!
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All About the CAS Detailed information regarding CAS
How do I receive a CAS number? All year-long students automatically
receive a CAS number as they MUST
apply for the Tier 4 Student Visa
Semester programs do not require a Tier 4
Student Visa. Semester students who wish to
intern, work, or volunteer must request a CAS
number (it is not automatically issued).
Now that you know all about the Visa Basics, continue to the next page for
step by step instructions on how to apply for your Tier 4 Student Visa!
What is a CAS number? A CAS, or Certificate of Acceptance for
Studies, is a digital certificate and a unique
reference number that is given to each
student. A CAS number is required for all Tier
4 Student Visa applicants as the UK
Consulate uses this CAS number to verify
your student status.
Step 1: Your host university enters your student information and your program information into a UKVI database. This confirms that they are your official Tier 4 Student Visa sponsor and also includes the dates of your program.
Step 2: You will receive an offer letter from your host university. In most cases, there is a reply
section where you must confirm the type of visa for which you will apply. If this is not included in the
reply section, contact your host university’s international office to make sure they are aware of what
visa you plan to obtain.
Step 3: Your host university will confirm (likely by email) your information before they enter it into
the UKVI database in order to produce your CAS number. It is extremely important to ensure all the
following information is correct or they may deny your visa application. The UK formats dates as
DAY/MONTH/YEAR
Step 4: Once your host produces your CAS number, you will receive an automatic email with that
CAS number and other information. SAVE this e-mail and carry a hard copy with you when
travelling. Please contact your host university immediately if you notice any errors.
When will I receive my CAS number? The above process occurs once you are formally accepted by your host university. UCEAP has no
control over this process. Please be sure to complete all requirements from the host university as
soon as possible to avoid delays.
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Step 1
Apply Online: Complete & submit your online visa application
1. Pay a health insurance surcharge for the National Health Service (NHS) -
Semester students may not be required to pay this.
2. Choose two locations, one for your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) that
you collect in the UK, and one for your biometrics appointment at an
appointment center near your home address. If you are a semester
student, you may not need to obtain a BRP. Follow whatever prompts the
application gives you.
Make sure you have been given a confirmation of acceptance for
studies (CAS) number.
Go Here to start your online application on the UK Visa and
Immigration website.
Refer to the sample application for help getting started:
UC London Fall with Internship
All Other programs
Read and answer the questions as they pertain to you.
If you decide not to do the Tier 4 Student Visa, let your host university know
you will not apply for it and will not use your assigned CAS number.
If you are applying 1 month or less before your program starts, then you need
to EXPEDITE, and you must pay for priority service online BEFORE you
submit your application. See here for information on the priority service.
Once you finish and submit your application, you will be prompted to:
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Step 2 Biometric Screening & Gather Documents
What is a Biometric Screening?
All UK visa applicants are required to provide biometric data as part of the application
process. This includes a 10-digit electronic finger scan and a digital photograph.
Scheduling Your Biometric Screening
At the end of your online visa application, you will be
prompted to schedule a biometric screening appointment.
First, you will choose a location in the UK to pick up your
Biometric Residence Permit.
Second, you will choose the location, date, and time for
your biometrics appointment in the US. The online
application will suggest a location nearest the address that
you provided earlier in the application, but you may choose
any location that works for you.
IMPORTANT Before you schedule: Once your biometrics have been taken, you
will receive a deadline to submit your application and all required supporting
documents to the UK consulate in New York. This is typically a deadline of 5 to 10
days. Your biometrics confirmation letter will note your exact time frame.
If you wait longer than the indicated time, you will have to begin the application
process again (including fee payment). Read through the following instructions
carefully and ensure you will have all required documents prepared by the time of
your biometrics appointment to avoid repeating this process.
Be sure to have
your biometrics
appointment
confirmation
stamped to show
that you attended
the appointment.
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Two passport style
photographs
Print-out of your signed online application form If you made any errors on the form, you can correct them by hand on the print out.
Stamped confirmation
of your Biometrics
appointment #5
#3
IMPORTANT: Ensure that all information on your documents is correct!
This includes, but is not limited to, your name, dates of your program, country of citizenship/
nationality, birthday, etc. Remember, the UK format for birth dates is day/month/year. If you notice
an error, contact the provider of the document immediately.
Step 2 continued Biometric Screening & Gather Documents
Required Documents: You must submit these with your visa application
US Passport Signed and valid for your entire
program length. Do not send a
photocopy of your passport as your
visa will be affixed to a page in your
actual passport.
#1 Self-addressed VFS
Global Envelope The British Consulate will
use this envelope to return
your passport and any
relevant documents to you.
You may choose the level of
service you need, depending
on how quickly you need
your visa returned.
#2
#4
Print-out of the CAS number
email from your host university
Official UC transcript (does not
need to be in a sealed envelope)
Evidence of Financial Support
(see next page)
Not Required Unless Requested:
DO NOT submit these items unless
specifically requested (via email) by
the UKVI. However, be prepared to
submit them in case they are
requested. Submitting them without a
request may delay processing time.
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Step 2 continued Biometric Screening & Gather Documents
Evidence of Financial Support
Remember: Evidence of Financial Support is NOT required unless requested.
If requested, submit one or more of the documents below, as long as the total amount of the funds reaches the minimum you must show. If one document provides the total, you do not need additional documents. Include a note showing the current currency conversion rate using www.oanda.com/convert/classic.
UKVI lists the minimum amount for maintenance to be £1265/month if studying in London
and £1015/month if studying outside London. (To see if you are in London, see FAQ.)
Financial Aid Award Letter *Request from your financial aid office*
Must be no more than one month old
Must state that you WILL receive $xx,xxx and NOT that you are eligible to receive
IMPORTANT—make sure you get this letter before your campus Financial Aid Office closes for breaks or school holidays!
Personal Bank Statement *Request from your bank*
Must show your name and account number (the account can be a joint account, but you must be listed as a joint account holder)
The amount needed must have been in the account for 28 days, and the statement must be no more than one month old
Must be an original statement (not a printout of your online account)
Parental Bank Statement Same requirements as
Personal Bank Statement, plus:
Letter from parent/account-holder confirming that they will provide the funds to support your stay
Documentation confirming the relationship (i.e. original birth certificate, adoption certificate, court document stating they are your legal guardians)
Bank Letter *Request from your bank*
Must be on official bank letterhead including bank logo
Includes: your name, account number, date of the letter, amount of money in the account, confirmation that the money has been in the account for a minimum of 28 days
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Step 3
Mail Documents & Receive Visa
Mail your passport, application, and
other documents to the UK Consulate in
New York with VFS Global.
Do NOT use FedEx or USPS! The
consulate will not accept these and it will
delay visa processing.
VFS Waybill Options Price
Return courier $34
Round trip courier
(recommended if applying 4 weeks $53
When the consulate opens your
documents, they will email you
confirming receipt.
When the consulate makes a decision
about your visa application, they will
email you the decision.
Check that all the information on your visa is correct, especially your name and
birthday (the UK uses a Day/Month/Year format). If there are any errors, contact the
consulate immediately.
How do I mail my documents to the UK Consulate in New York?
How do I know when the consulate has received my documents and made
a decision?
What do I do once I receive my passport with the visa back in the mail?
If you have been given permission to be in the UK for over 6 months, your visa will
be issued as a sticker in your passport, valid for 30 days only. You must travel to the
UK within this 30-day period. When you arrive in the UK, you will need to pick up your
Biometrics Residence Permit within 10 days. This is explained in the next step.
Help! The visa in my passport is only valid for 30 days! What does this mean?
Note that in August and September the
consulate often does not open documents
until a few weeks after they arrive. They are
extremely busy that time of year, so give
extra time if applying after late July.
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Step 4
Arrive in the United Kingdom
If your program is longer than 6 months you may enter up to 1 month before your program
start date. f your program is less than 6 months you may enter up to 1 week before your
program start date and stay up to 1 week after the end of your program.
Your program or “course” start date is the date provided by your host university on your CAS.
The Biometrics Residence Permit (BRP) is a
credit card-size card that will serve as your
course visa for the rest of your program. Not all
applicants may be required to obtain one. You
will be prompted on the online application if it is
necessary for your program.
Once you arrive in the UK, you must then collect
your BRP within 10 days from the Post Office
you selected during the online visa application
form, or from the University if you selected this.
Take your passport containing your visa with
you.
When can I enter the UK with my Tier 4 Student Visa?
What is a Biometrics Residence Permit and how do I get one?
Sample Biometrics Residence Permit:
What if I want to travel?
Your BRP will be valid for the entire duration of your course, with some additional time at the
end:
When does the Biometrics Residence Permit expire?
Course duration Visa expiration date
More than 6 months, but less than
12 months 2 months after the end of the course
You are not required to carry your BRP at all times, but must show it at the border, together
with your passport, when travelling outside of, and returning to, the UK.
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More Questions?
For questions regarding these instructions, please contact your UCEAP
program advisor. These instructions are written by UCEAP staff and
are not offered in place of information provided by the UK Visa &
Immigration. UCEAP is not able to advise beyond these
instructions.
If you have questions beyond these instructions, please contact UK
Visa & Immigration. They can be reached through email, webchat,
and telephone.
Email and Webchat: go to the UK Visa & Immigration contact
us page.
Telephone: Speaking directly to an advisor costs £1.37 per
minute on top of the cost of the call. The phone number from
within the United States is 1-888-683-9699, 7:00am - 4:00pm
EDT (4:00am -1:00pm Pacific time).
Further Help