How to Make an Application for Tier 4 General Entry Clearance
To make an application for Tier 4 General entry clearance, you will need to apply in time so that you can gain entry for the start of your course and any Welcome inductions. For your application to be processed you will need to provide the necessary evidence which confirms that you are able to meet the entry clearance immigration requirements for students.
The Requirements for Tier 4 General Student Entry Clearance: How to make your application
Before making any type of application for immigration permission, you should read the appropriate current Tier 4 General policy guidance (PDF: 624KB) thoroughly.
In order to make your application for Tier 4 entry clearance, you should:
- Obtain your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from Newcastle University
- Check if you need an ATAS clearance certificate for the course, ATAS clearance is required for some taught postgraduate and many science and technology related research subjects. You need to check well in advance of making your entry clearance application, as there are often long delays in issuing ATAS certificates .
- Obtain appropriate evidence to meet the maintenance/ funding requirements.
- Complete form VAF9 PBS migrants or online application (by post or online).
- Complete PBS Appendix 8 for Tier 4.
- If you wish to bring an applicable family member or partner with you as a Dependant, please remember that they will need to complete a PBS Dependant form (VAF10) and pay a separate fee. Please read the PBS Dependant guidance on the additional maintenance requirements for Dependants.
There may be special requirements in some countries, such as the need to take a tuberculosis test.
All applicants will be required to have their fingerprints taken as part of the application process.
The current fee for each applicant is the equivalent of £298. The fee may change so always check the UK visas website for the latest guidance.
Credibility Interviews
As part of your Tier 4 visa application, you may be required to attend an interview with the UK Home Office. These interviews are currently being rolled out in stages, but will be expected to take place for most countries by June 2013. The interviews will be conducted by visa officers in the UK via a video link.
The interview will focus on your reasons for coming to the UK; this is known as a credibility interview. A report of the interview will be sent to the visa officer who will consider it alongside your visa application and supporting documents. You may be called for a further interview if the visa officer needs more information. For further information on the credibility interview, please refer to the Home Office Frequently Asked Questions.
The following guide will provide you with more details about the type and format of the credibility interview (PDF: 45KB).
When you should make your application
You need to make sure that your application can be processed in time for you to attend the start of your course and any course inductions and Welcome talks. Please note, however, that you may not make a Tier 4 application using a CAS more than 3 months before the start of your course. If you do so, your application may be rejected.
Where you should make an application
You should make your application through the visa processing centre for your nearest British Diplomatic post (for example Embassy, High Commission Consulate in your Home country). You can find details of your nearest visa centre and further guidance on the application process here.
Main Requirements for Tier 4 General Entry Clearance
In order to be eligible for Tier 4 General entry clearance, applicants have to achieve a score of 40 points under the Points Based System.
In order to achieve your points you must have:
• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a Tier 4 licensed UK institution (30 points) and
• Evidence that you have sufficient funds (PDF: 71KB) for your first year’s fees and that you have the required level of maintenance funding (10 points).
You will receive your CAS from the University once you have accepted your unconditional offer of a place here.
You must also be able to prove that you have your first year’s tuition fees and sufficient money to pay your living costs (maintenance).
Please refer to the UKBA website for Tier 4 visas for further details.
Conditions of Tier 4 visas
When you have successfully obtained your Tier 4 visa, you need to be fully aware of the conditions that are attached to it.
