1. Making Sense of Tier 4 (General)
An overview of the Student Tier of the Points-Based System
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Clare Best and Hazel Carling - Visa Guidance Team 31st March 2011

2. What is the Points-Based System?
A ‘new’ approach to immigration which streamlines migration to the UK in to 5 main routes known as ‘Tiers’. Applicants need to score the correct amount of points in relevant category to gain admission/ extend permission to stay in UK

3. What are the 5 Tiers?
Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs, Investors, ‘Exceptional Talent’ and recent graduates)
Tier 2 (Skilled Workers)
Tier 3 (Low skilled workers to fill specific temporary labour shortages) Not yet implemented and no plans to do so in near future
Tier 4 (Students)
Tier 5 (Youth Mobility/Government Exchange/Temporary Workers)

4. Old Style Student Visa/Leave to Remain
Issued prior to 31/03/2009 for full -time courses of 6 months or more at any UK education institution. Holders can study anywhere and change study providers without permission so long as visa still valid

5. Tier 4 (Students) Consists of two strands:
Tier 4 (Child) - applies to pupils at independent schools and some F.E colleges
Tier 4 (General) - all other students
Institutions may hold a licence for one or both strands but must hold the appropriate licence for the students they are recruiting
Tier 4 applicants need to score 40 points to obtain visa

6. Tier 4 - Students
Universities licensed by UKBA under Tier 4 to recruit International Students
Tier 4 licence allows institution to ‘sponsor’ (provide education for) students
Institution issues a CAS (certificate of acceptance of study) which student then uses to apply for their visa
Students enter UK or extend visa with an institution specific visa to study with their ‘sponsor’ only
Tier 4 sponsored students can include those on overseas degree courses where part of their study is being provided by a UK institution

7. What is the CAS?
CAS = Certificate of Acceptance of Studies = 30 points
Unique reference number used by UKBA to view information about applicant and course via web-based portal
CAS tells UKBA what qualifications used to make offer (eg Bachelors degree, IELTS 6.5) whether the course requires ATAS clearance, and how much the fees are. If any fees have been paid this will also show in the CAS statement .
CAS also contains applicant’s personal details (DoB, passport number plus details of any financial sponsorship from the university)
Applicants need to provide the ORIGINAL documents listed in the CAS + ATAS clearance if required

8. Maintenance
In addition to the 30 points from the CAS applicants need to score 10 points for MAINTENANCE
Maintenance means the amount of money you have to show
You will need to meet either the HIGHER (£5400, non-established students) or the LOWER (£1,200, established students) maintenance amount
Applicants need to show that they have had the correct amount of maintenance + tuition fees for 28 days prior to submitting application. If less than 28 days application will be REFUSED
Sponsored students do not need bank statements but MUST provide original documentation from their official financial sponsor

9. Tier 4 - Sponsor’s Obligations
Under terms of Tier 4 sponsor licence, institution has certain obligations to UKBA. These include:
Verifying identity on arrival
Reporting to UKBA if student does not arrive
Monitoring attendance and reporting to UKBA if this is not satisfactory
Reporting to UKBA if a student suspends, finishes or abandons the course

10. Tier 4 (General) Students - degree level courses
Can work up to 20 hours per week in term-time
Can work full-time in vacations (if not required to be studying ie writing dissertation)
Can undertake a work placement ONLY if assessed part of course
No provision for Internships under Tier 4

11. Changes to Tier 4 (General)

12. Changes (1):
All sponsors must achieve HTS (Highly Trusted Sponsor) status by April 2012 (the U of S already has this!)
Students on Level 6 (UG) programmes or above must have a minimum level of English at B2 (IELTS 6 or equivalent) in all 4 disciplines
All applicants must sign declaration that documents they provide as evidence to meet the maintenance requirement are genuine

13. Changes (2):
Only PG students on courses of 12 months + and Government sponsored students will be able to bring dependants
Evidence of progression required but may be able to undertake 2nd Masters if sponsor vouches for academic progression
Maximum of 3 years on pre-degree level courses and 5 years on degree-level courses inc PG programmes (exceptions apply)

14. Any Questions?
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