VISA TIER 4 VISA APPLICATION CHECKLIST (SENT WITH CONFIRMATION OF AWARD) Please use this checklist to help you prepare your Tier 4 visa application; you should not submit it with your visa application. You should read the information in the comments section for each of the documents. You can use the last column to record your own notes about the documents. The UK Border Agency (UKBA) have also produced some helpful guidance about the supporting documentation required for your application which is available on their website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/out-ofcountry/documents-t4-gen.pdf To ensure that you understand the conditions of Tier 4 before applying, please make sure that you familiarise yourself with the Tier 4 Policy Guidance which is available on the UKBA website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/Tier4migrantguidance.pdf ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS The documents listed below are absolutely required for your visa application and they must be originals. Document
Comments
Passport (it must be your original passport, not a photocopy)
Your passport should ideally be valid for the duration of your course; at a minimum it needs to have at least 6 months left before the expiration date. If your passport expires before your course ends, please get advice from the British Embassy. You need to provide a passport sized photograph of yourself. Please read the guidance at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/ap plicationforms/visa-photo-guidance.pdf This must be completed online in most countries, please check at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/. If you submit your application online, you must also print it off and submit it with your supporting documents. To help you fill in the form, you should read the accompanying guidance at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/ap plicationforms/visas/vaf9-guidance.pdf You must complete this form and submit a printed copy with your application. The form is available at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/ap plicationforms/visas/vaf9-app81.pdf You will need to use the information on the CAS statement from your university to fill in parts 3, 4 and 5. This must be written on part 5.2 of the Appendix 8 form. You should use the CAS statement sent to you by your university to help you fill in parts 3, 4 and 5 of the Appendix 8 form. You do not need to include a copy of the CAS statement in your application (however some people choose to) but it is useful to have a print out of the information with you if you attend any visa appointments so that you can quickly answer questions about your course. You have received the original copies of these letters along with this checklist. Even if you are applying from a “low-risk” country, you should provide these two letters as evidence of your funding for tuition fees and maintenance, and to help ensure that the visa application fee is waived.
Photograph
VAF9 application form
Appendix 8 (General ) Student Self-Assessment form
CAS number
Commonwealth Scholarship 1) ‘Confirmation of Award’ letter AND 2) ‘Confirmation of Finance Support’ letter
Tick if you have it
Notes
DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED Depending on your circumstances (such as the country you are applying in or your chosen course subject) you may need to provide some or all of the documents listed below. Please note that if you are from a 'low risk' country, you must confirm on your application form that you meet the requirements and that you hold the required documents even though you may not need to include them in your initial application. The UKBA reserve the right to request any or all of these documents, and can refuse your application if you are unable to provide them, therefore we strongly recommended that you ensure that you have prepared all of the necessary documents before applying for your visa. Document Comments Do I Tick if Notes need you this? have it If you are unsure whether ATAS clearance ATAS Yes is required for your course, please contact certificate
Evidence of your English language ability Proof of academic qualifications Bank statements /evidence of funding for course fees / living costs Translations of academic qualifications and/or financial evidence Tuberculosis certificate
Medical check Previous passports / travel document used for travel to the UK
No Yes
N/A
No
N/A
You must provide this if you are not applying from a ‘low risk’ country. You should provide original certificates and/or transcripts for all qualifications written on your CAS statement. You must provide this if you are not applying from a ‘low risk’ country or if you are bringing dependants with you. Please read all guidance about money requirements on the UKBA website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingi ntheuk/adult-students/evidence/money/
Yes
No
N/A
Yes
No
N/A
If you are required to provide qualifications or additional proof of funding and the original qualifications are not in English or Welsh, you must provide official translations. Read the guidance about translations at www.ukba.home office.gov.uk/visas-immigration/ studying/adult-students/evidence/# Depending on the country you are applying from, you may need to get a certificate confirming that you are free from tuberculosis. For further information, contact the British High Commission or see www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policya ndlaw/guidance/ecg/med/ You should include the medical assessment undertaken by the Secretariat in your application. The British High Commission need to know about your travel history especially any time you have previously spent in the UK. In April 2012, the UKBA introduced a limit of time permitted on a Tier 4 visa. If you have previously spent time in the UK as a student, your visa could be refused if this course means that it will exceed 5 years (or 8 for PhD).
Yes
No
N/A
Yes
No
N/A
N/A
Yes
No
N/A
your university or see www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/whatwe-do/services-we-deliver/atas/who-atas/ You must provide this if you are not applying from a ‘low risk’ country and the qualification and grades are written on your CAS statement.
IMPORTANT ADVICE • • • •
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Take photocopies of all documents you are including in your application before you submit it. Keep any letters or receipts regarding your application which are given to you by the British High Commission or immigration authorities. Inform your university and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Secretariat as soon as possible if you encounter any problems such as a visa refusal or a delay in visa processing time. Take your completed checklist to any appointments regarding your visa application at the British High Commission so that you are able to quickly tell the Entry Clearance Office which documents you have included in your application. Keep all documentation used in your application even after you have been granted your visa as you may still require it in the future, particularly during your time in the UK. It is a good idea to keep these documents in your hand luggage when travelling to the UK in case you are questioned by an Immigration Officer at the UK border. Read everything carefully. You will be sent lots of information from your university, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Secretariat and the British High Commission. Make sure that you read everything because all of the information is important!. Use the information on the UKCISA website at: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/immigration_uk.php to help you with your application. Ask for help from your university and/or the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Secretariat if you need it as they have immigration advisers available to answer any questions you have.
Joetta Harty, Senior Welfare and Immigration Officer Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Secretariat E-mail: Joetta.Harty@cscuk.org.uk