UK Student Visa
The UK has traditionally been one of the world’s leading educational destinations. It boasts of centuries-old universities that have a legacy of producing the finest minds in the world. Today, it remains one of the best destinations for students seeking high-quality education and a welcoming educational environment.
Skymark Immigration helps students at every step of their UK admissions process. We have the experience and comprehensive service package to make your student journey stress-free and help you begin your education at the right time, in the best possible university.
The UK is second to the US as the favored destination for international students. It has some of the best-ranked universities in the world, some of which appear in the world university rankings. The degrees offered by the UK higher education institutes are recognized worldwide. Students from UK universities get an opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge at competent levels. There are options to continue with post-graduate studies in most UK universities with some of them even promising to sponsor Tier 4 visas.
UPCOMING INTAKES IN THE UK
The academic year in the UK runs from September to July. Universities and Colleges in the UK have 3 intakes and some of them may also refer to intake as a term. The 3 intakes available in the UK are:
- Intake 1: Term 1 – It commences in September/October and is the major intake
- Intake 2: Term 2 – It commences in January/February intake is also available
- Intake 3: Term 3 – It commences in May/June and is available for selected Courses.
WORK AUTHORIZATION FOR STUDENTS:
Student Applicant:
- Students must be over 18 years of age
- International students who study a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree course at a recognized university are allowed to work part-time during term for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during the holidays.
- Each higher education institution has clearly defined semesters throughout the academic year, including specific breaks for holidays. During these breaks, you can work full-time at your job if you wish.
Spouse:
Dependent Visa holders can work freely in the UK; however, they are not allowed to work as a doctor in training. If your dependent spouse is highly skilled and secures sponsorship with a Tier 2 licensed employer on his or her own account please note that they will not be able to ‘switch’ in-country to a Tier 2 General Visa.
UK TIER 4 STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS:
- A valid passport or any other documentation for travel
- Proof of funds to cater to your living costs during your course
- CAS reference number – Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
- Documents used for obtaining the CAS
- Color photographs of passport size
- If needed, screening for Tuberculosis
- Your University will make you aware of additional requirements if any prior to your application
AFTER YOU GRADUATE:
- Graduated International students in the UK on a valid Tier 4 visa are permitted to stay in the UK if they holds a job offer with an annual salary of at least GBP 20,800
- The students are needed to switch from a Tier 4 Visa to a Tier 2 General Visa which lasts up to five years in order to stay in the UK upon completing their studies
- The work experience students gain while working may help them in qualifying for permanent residence provided, their annual income must be at least GBP 35,000
BRINGING DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBERS TO THE UK:
On the Tier 4 dependent visa, your family members including your spouse and dependents will be able to join you or stay with you in the UK during your course of study.
Definition of dependent:
- Husband, wife or civil partner
- Same-gender partner
- Children under the age of 18 and children born in the UK during your stay
You will be eligible to bring a dependent provided you are:
- Sponsored by a higher education institute for a Level 7 course with a duration of 9 months or more
- Doing a government-sponsored course that has more than 6 months duration
- Doctorate students on an extension scheme
UK STUDENT DEPENDENT VISA:
When to apply for a dependent visa
A dependent can apply at the same time as the Tier 4 applicant or after the student has obtained the result of their application for a visa.
When the applicant has applied for further leave to stay in the UK under Tier 4 and has not yet obtained a ruling, family members will have to wait until his permit is approved before submitting their permit for entry clearance.
Where to apply
Like a Tier 4 student application, dependents should apply for nationality or country of residence in their country. The application will be filed online. For each dependent, a separate application must be completed.
In most countries, an appointment to attend the visa application center for biometrics enrolment and submission of supporting documents is booked as part of the online applications.
Financial requirements
Dependents who apply for a visa must have ample funds to meet the cost of living in the UK. It is £680 per month for which the visa is valid, up to a maximum of 9 months. That is a total of £6,120 per dependent if the visa is granted for a period of 9 months or more (9 x £680).
A bank statement or bank letter can be required to satisfy this requirement, and the funds must be kept in the name of the student or the name of the spouse/partner. If the student has an official sponsor that covers the living expenses of any dependent, a letter from the sponsor stating this may be submitted to meet the financial criteria.
WHY STUDY IN THE UK?
The United Kingdom (UK) and its universities have an undisputed reputation for academic excellence
and quality with thousands of courses available for students, as well as being an ideal destination
for many decades for over a million international students from all over the world.
- Affordable Education
- Internationally Recognised Courses & Qualifications
- Innovative and Abundant Research Opportunities
- Healthy and Safe Communities
- Scholarships and Financial Support
- Multicultural Nation
- The best possible place to study and learn English
- Choose from over 50,000 courses in more than 25 subject areas
- Shorter courses which indicate reduction in tuition fees and accommodation costs
- Possible to work while you study