Extending Under Tier 4 090310

NB: This Guidance may be subject to change whilst Tier 4 is being implemented.
Please check with the

International Student Coordinator at iss@ioe.ac.uk before submitting an application.
Tier 4 (Student) - Extending a student visa

to study at the Institute of Education
On 31 March 2009, the immigration rules for students changed and became Tier 4 of the Points
Based System of immigration. These Guidance Notes explain how to apply after 31 March 2009 to
continue on your full‐time degree course at the Institute of Education or to start a new course here.
You should also make sure that you have read the official policy guidance from the UKBA with
regards to this - http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/adult-students/
The University as your educational sponsor

When you make an application under Tier 4, the University becomes your educational
‘sponsor’. This means that the University is responsible for you whilst you complete your course
here. NB This does not mean that the University is your financial sponsor.
Once your visa has been extended, you will need to provide your department with:
 a copy of the information page of your passport
 a photocopy of both sides of your new biometric id card (visa stickers are no longer
issued in the UK for Tier 4 applications).
NB The requirements of the new scheme are very different to the previous student visa application
process. Do not rely on any previous experience when making an application under Tier 4.
If you do not meet all the requirements and supply EXACTLY what the Home Office
asks for, it is very likely that your application will be REFUSED.
Can I apply in the UK as a General Student under Tier 4?
You can apply if you:

a) need to extend your stay in the UK to complete your current full‐time course OR
b) are currently on a full‐time course and have an unconditional offer for another course which
starts within 1 month of the expiry date of your current visa
c) have finished a course of six months or longer within the last 4 months and have an
unconditional offer for another course which starts within 1 month of the expiry date of
your current visa
d) are not studying because you have immigration permission in a work‐related category such
as Tier 1 (Post Study Work)
NB: This Guidance may be subject to change whilst Tier 4 is being implemented. Please check with the
NB If you want to study a new course which starts more than 1 month after the expiry date of your
current visa, you will have to leave the UK and apply for a fresh student visa.
I already have a Tier 4 visa issued for another university, college or school
Tier 4 (General) visas that were not issued to study at the Institute of Education and do not have
the Institute of Education’s Sponsor License Number on (WM6EH3VH6) are not valid for study here.
However if your visa was issued on or before the 5th October 2009 you can start studying at the IOE
without having to make a new visa application. To do this, you need to tell the UK Border Agency
(UKBA) that you want to change your study plan and move to the Institute of Education. You need
to do this BEFORE you register here because your Tier 4 visa is only valid for study with your
original sponsor. You need to do this even if the new course is exactly the same length as the course
for which you were originally granted your Tier 4 visa. For more information about this contact the
International Student Coordinator at iss@ioe.ac.uk.
If your visa was issued after 5 October 2009, you MUST make a fresh visa application to the UKBA
before you can start studying with a new sponsor and pay the full visa application fee.
When do I need to start to prepare my application?

You need to allow plenty of time to make your application and to start gathering documents. You
should seek advice about making an application at least 2 MONTHS before your visa is due to
expire, if possible.
If you are switching from another university to start a new course at the Institute and your visa was
issued after the 5th October 2009 you should look at making your application as soon as you can.
You will not be able to start studying at the Institute until you have received your new visa.
How much does the application cost?

Inside the United Kingdom by post - £357
Inside the United Kingdom at a public enquiry office (PEO) - £565
Where can I get the application form?

The Tier 4 (G) application form is available on the UK Border Agency website. Type ‘Tier 4 student
adult’ into the ‘Looking for a form?’ search facility on the bottom right‐hand of the main UKBA Home
Page at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk or go directly to:

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/tier4applicationform
NB Always make sure that you use the most up‐to‐date application form.
How do I qualify under Tier 4?

You need to prove that you can score 40 points:
 30 points for a CAS (Certificate of Acceptance of Studies) from the Institute of Education
(who are your sponsor); and
 10 points for proof that you meet the Maintenance Requirement. This means that you have
enough money in either your personal bank account or a bank account in your parents
name to pay your course fees and living expenses for up to 12 months.
What is a CAS and how can I get one?

A CAS is a unique number given to you by your by the Institute of Education (your sponsor) which
you provide with your visa application. The visa office will then use that number to look up your
details and the details of your course that we have already supplied to them. The CAS directly
replaces visa letters and the information in a CAS is the same information as is currently provided in
a visa letter.
This CAS will generally be issued to you by e-mail by the Admissions team in Registry or the Doctoral
School. A CAS will be issued only after you have accepted an unconditional offer of a place on a
course. The University will then provide you with your CAS number and the information you require
to make your visa application
The information we will provide you in addition to your CAS number is:
 Sponsor details
o License number
o Address details
 Course details
o Course title
o Start and end date of course
 Documents used to obtain your offer:
o Qualification title, level, and awarding body
 Course fee
o Course fees and fees paid to date
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies will only be valid for 6 months, therefore, if you have
already accepted your unconditional offer please do not be concerned that you have not as yet
received your CAS as the University will not be issuing CASs’ for students commencing their studies
in October 2010 until May 2010 at the earliest. If you do have queries or concerns you can contact
the Admissions team at admissions@ioe.ac.uk
You will need to include ORIGINALS of any documents mentioned in “documents used
to obtain your offer” when you make your application.
Important
 Check the details provided carefully – it must be correct in every detail. You must tell
Registry immediately if the details in your letter are incorrect.
Meeting the Maintenance Requirement

The UKBA now specify exactly how much money an applicant needs to have when they apply to extend
a visa in the UK. You can show that you meet the Maintenance requirement in three different ways (or a
combination of these):
 Using personal or joint bank statements OR A formal letter from the bank
 Using a formal letter from an official financial sponsor
 Using a formal letter from an official loan provider
 Using your parents’ bank statements (together with other specified documents –
see below)
How much money do I need?

There are 2 separate levels of Maintenance. Most students who apply in the UK will be viewed
by the UKBA as ‘extending students’ so will be able to benefit from a lower Maintenance rate
Am I regarded by the UKBA as an ‘established student?

You are an ‘established student’ if you currently have a Student Visa and can say ‘Yes’ to ‘a’, ‘b’
or ‘c’ below.
a) Do you need to extend your stay in the UK to complete your current programme? OR
b) Are you currently on a course (which lasts for more than 6 months) and have an
unconditional offer for another course which starts within 1 month of the expiry date of
your current visa? OR
c) Have you finished a course (which was more than 6 months long) within the last 4
months and have an unconditional offer for another course which starts within 1 month
of the expiry date of your current visa
How much money does an established student need?

If you can answer ‘Yes’ to questions ‘a’, ‘b’ or ‘c’, you need to show that you can pay:
 one year's tuition fees (if your course lasts for 1 academic year or more)
 up to £1,600 (2 months' worth of maintenance costs)
This means that you must have £1,600 for maintenance costs unless you are only applying for
an extension for 1 month.
NB The UKBA only work in whole calendar months, so if your course finishes in middle of the
month, you still have to provide proof of maintenance for the whole month.
Applicants who are not viewed as ‘established Students’

You may need to meet a higher Maintenance requirement if you have:
 a non-student visa, e.g. Tier 1 (Post Study Work) visa and want to switch to Tier 4, OR
 you have a Student Visa but your last course lasted less than 6 months OR
 you have a Student Visa but your last course finished more than 4 months ago
How much money does a ‘non-extending’ student need?
You need to show that you have:

 one year's tuition fees (if your course lasts for 1 academic year or more)
 up to £7,200 (= 800GBP per month of your course up to up to a maximum of nine

months)
e.g. if you want to study a 1-year Master’s course, you need £7,200 + course fees for
one year.
NB The UKBA only work in whole calendar months, so if your course finishes in middle of the
month, you still have to provide proof of maintenance for the whole month.
How long do I need to have had this money?
When you apply, you must provide proof that you have had the funds in the account for AT
LEAST 28 days. This means that you need a bank statement (or other specified financial
document) which is less than 1 month old when you apply which shows that you have had
enough money in the account to cover the Maintenance amount and any outstanding fees for a
full 28-day period (or longer).
NB Students who have an ‘official financial sponsor’ may not need to meet this requirement
(see ‘‘What if I am sponsored for my studies’ below.
Does this money really need to be in my personal bank account?

You can also use your parent’s bank statements (or your legal guardian’s statements) as well
as, or instead of, your own statements. However you can not use bank statements from
other relatives.
If you wish to use your parents’ bank statements, you will need to provide formal proof of
your relationship. This should be either:
 your birth certificate showing the name of the parent(s) showing the funds
 Certificate of adoption showing your name and the parent(s) showing the funds
 Court document showing that the person providing your funds is your legal
guardian
You will also have to prove that your parents (or legal guardian) agree that you can use their
money for your studies. You will need an original signed and dated letter from your parent(s)
or legal guardian confirming:
 the relationship between you and your parent(s) or legal guardian(s)

 that the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have agreed that the funds in their account
are available to you for your studies in the UK
More information about this is provided by the UKBA on their website in Annex A of the Tier 4
Policy Guidance at: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/adult-students/
What financial evidence do I need for my application?

The UKBA are very specific about the financial documents they accept as proof that you meet
the Maintenance Requirement.
You need to provide either of these specified types of documents UNLESS you have an ‘official
sponsor’ for your studies or an official loan.
NB your relatives are NOT ‘official sponsors’. Students who have an official sponsor should read ‘What
if I am sponsored for my studies’ below.
1, Personal bank or building society statements

Personal bank or building society statements ending no more than 1 month before the date of your
application.
These must show:
 your name
 your account number;
 the date of the statement;
 the financial institution’s name and logo
 that your balance has always been at least £1,600 (or as appropriate) for the full 28‐day
period).
NB Ad hoc bank statements (printed in your bank branch) which are printed on the bank’s letterhead
and include all the details above are admissible as evidence but this DOES NOT INCLUDE mini-
statements from cash points (ATMs).
Internet bank statements
If you only have on-line statements, they can be used if they contain all of the details listed above.
However, you must ALSO:
 provide a letter from your bank on headed paper confirming that the statements are
authentic or
 ask your bank to stamp your electronic statements with the official stamp of the bank. This
stamp should appear on every page of the statement.
2, A letter from your bank / building society
A letter from your bank / building society confirming that you have sufficient funds. This letter must
include:
 your name;
 your account number;
 the date of the letter;
 the financial institution’s name and logo
 that your balance has always been at least £1,600 (or as appropriate) for the full
28‐day period).
REMEMBER
 Funds must be ‘cash’ e.g. not shares, bonds, property or fixed-term deposits
 Documents must be original (on official letter-headed paper/ with official stamp)
 Last statement must be less than 1 month old when applying
What if I have already paid some of my tuition fees?

If you have already paid some or all of your course fees, this should be explained in the CAS. If it
is not mentioned in the CAS, you should include formal receipts when you make your
application.
What if I have already paid some of my accommodation fees?

If you have already paid accommodation fees TO THE UNIVERSITY, this can be included in the
CAS. If it is not mentioned in the letter, you should include formal receipts from the University
when you make your application.
NB The UKBA will not accept formal receipts for payments to any other accommodation
provider.
What if I live with my relatives and do not have to pay rent?

You will still have to show that you can meet the Maintenance Requirement.
What if the money in my account is not in UK pounds (£)?

If your funds are not in pounds sterling, you should convert the closing balance into pounds and
write this sum on the document you are using as proof of your finances. The Home Office uses
the OANDA website at www.oanda.com/convert/classic to convert currencies into pounds
sterling, so you should use this exchange rate too.
What if I have applied for a loan for my studies?

If you are using a bank or government loan as your evidence, you must provide a document from the bank
confirming the loan (the bank must be regulated by an official regulatory body). If you do not actually get the
bank loan until you have your visa, you must provide the original document confirming the loan.
The letter should show:

 Your name; and
 the date of the letter; and
 the financial institution’s name and logo; and
 the money (or funds) available as a loan.
What if I am sponsored for my studies (or have been sponsored within the last
12 months)?
The UK Border Agency no longer allows students to be ‘sponsored’ by their relatives. They now define
an ‘official financial sponsor’ as:
“Her Majesty’s Government [UK government], the student’s home government,
the British Council or any international organisation, international company or university or an
independent school”
If your studies are totally funded by an ‘official financial sponsor’, you do not have to provide
separate evidence of your savings but you MUST provide a letter from them confirming that
they will pay ALL your tuition fees and living costs.
The letter must be on official letter-headed paper or stationery of the organisation of the
official financial sponsor and have the official stamp of that organisation on it. It should show:
 your name;
 the name and contact details of your official financial sponsor;
 the date of the letter;
 the length of your sponsorship; and
 the amount of money you have/receive OR a statement that your official financial sponsor
‘will cover all of your fees and living costs’.
NB If you are sponsored by the University, this can be mentioned in your CAS, instead of in a separate
letter.
Are you partially sponsored e.g. only your fees are paid?
If your sponsors only pay SOME of your costs, you will need a letter from them AND proof that
you have enough money yourself to meet the rest of the Maintenance Requirement, for
example your personal bank statements.
Is your sponsor a government or international scholarship agency?

If you are sponsored by a government or by an international scholarship agency, (or have been funded
by them in the 12 months before you apply), you need to get their permission to extend your stay.
The UKBA specify that you must “provide us with your financial sponsor’s unconditional consent in
writing. If the financial sponsor does not give consent, we will refuse your application”.
NB If you are funded by any other type of official sponsor, for example, a university, you do not
require their consent to apply to stay in the UK.
REMEMBER:
 All letters from official financial sponsors must be on official letter-headed paper
or stationery of the organisation and include the official stamp of that
organisation.
 If your official financial sponsor limits the time you may study in the United
Kingdom, your visa extension will be limited to the same length of time.
What documents will I need to send with my application?
Most applicants will need to send some or all of the following documents. Some applicants may
need to provide additional documents depending on their individual circumstances.
 2 x passport-sized colour photographs which meet the biometric identity requirements
(see ‘Biometric Identity Cards’ below). The UKBA provide detailed specifications for
acceptable photographs at: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/adult-
students/
 All the passports and travel documents used to travel to and remain in the UK including
your original, current passport
 Your Identity Card for Foreign Nationals (BID) if you have been issued with one.
(These cards have been issued to students who have applied to extend their leave in the
UK since 25 Nov 2008 – see ‘Biometric Identity Cards’ below.)
 Your up-to-date Police Registration Certificate if you are required to register with the
Police. (This requirement is stated on your visa.)
 A Certificate of Acceptance of Studies from The Institute of Education
 Original certificates or transcripts of results which are listed on your CAS
 Personal bank or building society statements, letter from bank or building society, Loan
agreement or other financial documents as specified in the Policy Guidance
 Original official receipts for payments to the University not mentioned in your CAS
 A letter from your ‘official financial sponsor’ confirming either that they will pay ALL your
tuition fees and living expenses OR a letter which states exactly how much financial
support they will provide (see ‘What if I am sponsored for my studies’ above)
 Original written confirmation that your official sponsor agrees to your visa extension if
you are sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency.
Always read the Policy Guidance carefully and check your evidence is exactly right
before you make your application. If it is not, your application will be refused.
REMEMBER
 It is your responsibility to provide the evidence to support your application AT THE TIME
YOU APPLY. It will not usually be possible to send additional documents later.
 If a document is not in English (or Welsh), you must provide both the original document
AND a fully certified translation by a professional translator. The translation must include
details of the translator’s credentials and confirm that it is an accurate translation of the
original. It must be dated and include the original signature of the translator.
 You MUST provide ORIGINAL, GENUINE documents and supply any necessary information to allow
the UKBA to check their validity. If the UKBA cannot confirm that your documents are genuine, they
are likely to refuse your application.
Important: If the UKBA suspect that you have DELIBERATELY tried to DECEIVE them by
USING FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS, they can, in certain circumstances, REMOVE YOU FROM
THE UK and prevent you from REENTERING THE UK FOR UP TO 10 YEARS.
Biometric Identity Cards

Anyone who applies for a visa under Tier 4 is required to apply for a Biometric Identity card. You apply
for this card as when you complete the Tier 4 application form. As part of the application process, you
need to provide your biometric data. You need to do this EVERY time that you make a Tier 4 application.
UKVisas have provided a short video about providing your biometric data on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHam3ybcr-k
Students whose visa applications are approved are then issued with a Biometric Identity Card,
also know as an ‘Identity Card for Foreign Nationals’, which replaces the stickers (known as
vignettes) that were previously put in the passports.
More information about this process is provided on pages 49 – 51 of the Tier 4 (G) application form.
NB Your visa application will not begin to be considered until you have attended an
appointment and provided your biometric information.
Student Visa extension FAQs
Where can I check exactly what I need to submit with my application?

For full details of exact document requirements, please check the UKBA website at:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/Tier4migrantguidance.
pdf
How long will my new visa be?

If you are studying a course at degree level, you will be given the length of the course, plus
some extra time. This is to enable you, for example, to receive your results, pack up to go home
or apply to stay for a further course or for work, or make any other immigration application for
which you meet the requirements.
The additional period you should receive is:
 4 months, if your course is 12 months or longer
 2 months, if your course is between 6 months and 12 months long
 1 month, if your course is under 6 months long and it is a pre-sessional course
 7 days, if your course is under six months long and is not a pre-sessional course.
NB If your studies are funded by an official financial sponsor and their sponsorship finishes
before the period specified above, you will be given permission to stay for that shorter period.
What do I do if my visa has already expired?

If your permission to be in the UK has already expired, your position is complicated. You MUST
speak to the International Student Coordinator in the Student Support Centre before you think
about making an application.
Can I still work part-time?

Even if you are not doing a work placement, you can work for up to 20 hours a week in term-
time and full-time in your holidays. For more information about working during your studies,
see www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.php.
Can I do a course which includes a work placement?

Your period of study can include a full-time work placement as long as the time you spend
working is not more than 50 % of your whole study period. This must be approved by the
University and be an assessed part of your course. Please note that if you are doing a PGCE
course these rules the 50% rule does not apply to you.
Can I do extra courses, for example in the evening?

Yes, you can do extra courses, for example, evening classes, as long as you continue to do the
course for which you were given student immigration permission.
Can I stay if I fail an exam or need to retake a module?

The new visa system allows students to re-sit examinations or repeat modules but there are
strict rules about when these exams take place and how many times exams can be retaken:
 We will not usually be able to support your application by issuing a Confirmation of
Acceptance for Studies (CAS) if you are not required to attend classes at the University.
The only exception to this is if your exam occurs within the first 60 days of the start of the
academic period.
 If you have already re-sat a particular examination or repeated a specific module more
than once, the IOE is not allowed to issue you with a CAS so you will not be able to
extend your immigration permission as a student to re-sit this exam or to retake this
module. You should contact the International Student Coordinator in the Student Support
Centre as soon as possible if you are in this situation, and you want to try to complete
your course.
Can I take a break from studies?

If you want or need to take a break from your studies for any reason, YOU MUST TELL YOUR
DEPARTMENT. The University is now required to inform the UK Border Agency if you withdraw
from your course at any point and you will be expected to leave the UK, and re-enter when you
are ready to start your studies again. Always seek advice from the International Student
Coordinator at iss@ioe.ac.uk before you make any decisions to interrupt or withdraw from your
studies.
When I can apply to extend my visa if I’m doing another course now?
If you are moving from one course to another, the gap between the end of your current visa
and the start date of the next course must be no more than:
 one month if your next course is a pre-sessional course or a course which is six months or
longer, or
 seven days if your next course is under six months long and is not a pre-sessional course.
You should also check that your passport is not about to expire. You need to have a valid
passport to enclose with the application.
Where can I get further information?
If you have any questions that are not answered by their guidance note or you are not clear about any of
the information, you can get assistance from the following places:
International Student Coordinator

Leo O’Callaghan
Student Support Centre
Level 4
Institute of Education
20 Bedford Way
London
WC1H 0AL
Telephone: 0208 6126442
e-mail: iss@ioe.ac.uk
UKCISA: The Council for International Student Affairs:

www.ukcisa.org.uk
student advice line: 020 7107 9922 (Monday-Friday, 1-4pm)
UK Border Agency Website

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.ac.uk/studyingintheuk/
Quick guides for applicants are provided at:

http://ww.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/quickguideforstudent/adultstudents/applyingforan
adultstudetvisa/

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NB: This Guidance may be subject to change whilst Tier 4 is being implemented.

Please check with the

Tier 4 (Student) - Extending a student visa

The University as your educational sponsor

Can I apply in the UK as a General Student under Tier 4?

You can apply if you:

When do I need to start to prepare my application?

How much does the application cost?

Where can I get the application form?

Page at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk or go directly to:

How do I qualify under Tier 4?

What is a CAS and how can I get one?

Meeting the Maintenance Requirement

How much money do I need?

Am I regarded by the UKBA as an ‘established student?

How much money does an established student need?

Applicants who are not viewed as ‘established Students’

How much money does a ‘non-extending’ student need?

You need to show that you have:

 up to £7,200 (= 800GBP per month of your course up to up to a maximum of nine

How long do I need to have had this money?

Does this money really need to be in my personal bank account?

 the relationship between you and your parent(s) or legal guardian(s)

What financial evidence do I need for my application?

1, Personal bank or building society statements

These must show:

Internet bank statements

2, A letter from your bank / building society

What if I have already paid some of my tuition fees?

What if I have already paid some of my accommodation fees?

What if I live with my relatives and do not have to pay rent?

What if the money in my account is not in UK pounds (£)?

What if I have applied for a loan for my studies?

The letter should show:

Is your sponsor a government or international scholarship agency?

What documents will I need to send with my application?

Biometric Identity Cards

Student Visa extension FAQs

Where can I check exactly what I need to submit with my application?

How long will my new visa be?

What do I do if my visa has already expired?

Can I still work part-time?

Can I do a course which includes a work placement?

Can I do extra courses, for example in the evening?

Can I stay if I fail an exam or need to retake a module?

Can I take a break from studies?

Where can I get further information?

International Student Coordinator

UKCISA: The Council for International Student Affairs:

UK Border Agency Website

Quick guides for applicants are provided at:

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