Making a Tier 4 (General) Student application in the UK This session will give you general information about making an application, it is not intended to give you advice specific to your situation. If you are unsure about any aspect of making your application seek further advice before submitting your application and before your current visa expires.

Fees If you apply either through us, or by yourself, the fee is £422 for the main applicant. And an additional £422 for each dependant. If you want the visa more quickly and chose to apply in person the fee is £822.- for this you should use the ‘Print and Send’ form. Decisions are normally made on the day, for in person applications, unless there are problems. Fees may vary- please check before applying

General points to remember… Be consistent in your application – the details on your application form should match the those on your other documents i.e. passport. The address you give on the form needs to be accurate and current. It does not need to match the address on any other documents. Documents used in overseas applications may not be suitable for a UK application – always check the policy guidance. Page references on slides refer to the Tier 4 policy guidance (version 07/14) www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-4-student

Creating an online UK Visa and Immigration account First you need to register- https://apply.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/iapply.portal TO REGISTER Clink link to UKBA website – demo of how to register on site My account>Register NOTE: read ‘more guidance’ indication requirements of each section. Follow instructions, return to log in screen

Then find the correct form: https://apply. ukba. homeoffice. gov Use the Forms A-Z tab

The right form: The form you need is: Tier 4 Student online application -Online application for leave to remain (permission to stay) in the UK, and a biometric residence permit, as a Tier 4 Student or as a dependant of a Tier 4 Student

Find the correct application form Customise the form with your information Complete as much of the application as possible STOP at ’Check’ tab – IMPORTANT do not go beyond this section Forms A-Z Click on T Tier 4 Student online application -Online application for leave to remain (permission to stay) in the UK, and a biometric residence permit, as a Tier 4 Student or as a dependant of a Tier 4 Student Apply online Customise – talks through answers on this page – advise to complete rest of form as much as possible until ‘check’ tab.

Obtaining your CAS (Certificate of Acceptance of Studies) When will I receive my CAS? Check If your offer is conditional upon you successfully completing the pre-sessional then you will not receive your CAS until after your pre-sessional results. It will usually be e-mailed to you by the relevant admissions dept. Is ATAS required? Are your details correct? Are your course dates correct?

Supporting Documents – General points to remember All documents should be originals (unless stated otherwise). Any documents not in English will need a suitable translation. Incomplete applications may be delayed, rejected or refused.

Passports, BRP and Police Registration Certificate Current passport Any previous passports used to travel to the UK Current BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), if applicable Up-to-date PRC (Police Registration Certificate), if applicable

Photos Check correct size. White/light grey background. No smiling. Less than one month old. Preferably no glasses, hats or other face coverings. Write your name on the back of each photo. www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports

Documents used to obtain a Tier 4 CAS Check your CAS – ‘Evidence Provided’ section. DO NOT send any documents not listed on the CAS. Original documents only. If the original is not in English then a suitable translation will be required. Page 23-25 Common types of evidence include: Evidence of previous study (UG, PG, A-Levels etc.) IELTS/TOEFL or other English language test. Copies and provisional certificates are not acceptable Certificates should include: Name Title of award Date of award Name of awarding institution Or The transcript of results. Each document must be the original (not a copy) and must clearly show: • your name; and • the name of the academic institution; and • your course title; and • the confirmation of the award. This transcript must be original unless the applicant has applied for their course through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), and: • the applicant is applying in the UK to study at a Higher Education Institution which has Highly Trusted Sponsor status, and • the qualification is issued by a UK awarding body for a course that the applicant has studied in the UK.

ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) Check your CAS – ‘Course Details’ section. If you haven’t applied already, apply as soon as possible. Applications can take 6 weeks + to be decided. See the ATAS website for further details: www.gov.uk/academic-technology-approval- Page 25

How much money is needed? Money to pay your course fees minus any course fees already paid Money for your living expenses minus any money already paid for halls of residence fees (up to a maximum of £1,020) Page 27-30

Do I qualify for established presence? You can show a lower amount of money if you have a current visa and you have finished a single course that was at least six months long within your last period of entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain, or you are applying for a continued study on a single course where you have completed at least six months of that course. Page 29 Established Presence £1,640 required Non Established Presence £7,380 required Most pre-sessionals will have non established presence.

Examples – Non Established Presence Tuitions fees due £16,000 Maintenance required £7,380 Subtotal = £23,380 Minus money already paid Tuition fees paid £5,000 Hall fees paid £500 Total money required £17,880 Example 2 Tuitions fees due £16,000 Maintenance required £7,380 Subtotal= £23,380 Minus money already paid Tuition fees paid £16,000 Hall fees paid £0 Total money required £7,380

Financial Evidence – Bank statements Your bank statements Your parents bank statements Dated no more than 31 days before the date of application. Money needs to have been held for 28 days consecutively. The statement must include name, account number, date of statement, banks name and logo, and amount of money available. Page 33-35 you will also need to supply: a letter from your parents confirming their relationship to you and that they give their consent to you using their money. Your original birth certificate. Currency converter http://www.oanda.com OANDA – currency conversion if required – date of statement Money can be in more than one account if needed. Reminder about translations

Financial Evidence – Official Financial Sponsorship Who can be an official financial sponsor Evidence required If Loughborough University is financially sponsoring you then details can be on your CAS. If another organisation is sponsoring you then they will need to supply a letter which meets the UKVI guidance. Her Majesty’s Government Your home government The British Council Any international organisation or international company A university or an Independent School Page 31-32 Note, if previously sponsored but no longer then may need sponsors permission for further LTR. Guidance states; Any other sponsor will need to provide a letter confirming; you name, their name and contact details, date of letter, length of sponsorship. The letters should be on the official letter-headed paper or stationery of the organisation which must have the official stamp of the organisation on it. The letter also needs to state how much money they will be providing you with or state that your official financial sponsor will cover all of your fees and living costs.

Financial Evidence – Money already paid to Loughborough University This can include money paid for tuition fees or halls of residence fees (but up to a maximum of £1020 for accommodation). Details can be included on your CAS or you can obtain an official receipt from Student Enquiries, Rutland Building. Page 31-32

English or Welsh Translations Any supporting document not in English or Welsh will need to be accompanied by a suitable translation. The translation should include: Details of the translators/translation company’s credentials, Confirmation that it is an accurate translation of the original document, The translators/translation company’s contact details, Dated and include an original signature of the translator. Page 3 Translations previously used may not meet all these requirements – check Refer students to list of local agencies in packs if they need to make further translations.

Missing documents If any documents are missing or unavailable when you apply then you will need to write a covering letter explaining why it is missing and when you will be able to send it to UKVI. We strongly advise you to seek advice from the Student Advice and Support Service if you are in this situation. DO NOT let your current visa expire while you wait for documents.

Student Batch Scheme An adviser checks your application and supporting documents. We accept your application to post to the UKVI on your behalf and issue you with a receipt. If the UKVI has any questions they will contact your adviser. All your documents and new visa will be returned to the Student Advice and Support Service. A copy of you passport and visa will be sent to the Academic Registry. The receipt can be used a proof that your application is with the UKVI.

Request to attend a ‘credibility’ interview After you have applied You should receive… You may receive… Biometric letter- Keep this safe and arrange to give your biometrics as soon as possible (photo, fingerprints and signature) You may not receive a decision on your application until after Christmas – do not make travel plans, outside the UK, until you have received your passport and BRP back. Request to attend a ‘credibility’ interview Other correspondence/phone calls/e-mails – take details and let your adviser know as soon as possible. BEWARE scams and frauds – the UKVI will NEVER ask you to pay more money to decide your application. Credibility interview https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/326559/T4_v23.0_EXT.pdf Page 74 Beware scams requesting money

Giving your biometrics Read biometric letter carefully and take it with you when you give your biometrics. Must be done within 15 working days of the date of the letter. Visit the Post Office Costs £19.20, payable by cash or debit card. They do not except credit cards.

When I receive my application back Everything should be sent to your adviser (unless you have sent it yourself) Your adviser will check all the returned documents and then you will be notified that they are ready for collection. Check that all your documents have been returned and read the letter from the UKVI. Check the details on your BRP are correct. Register with the police or update your Police Registration Certificate. You will need to go to Leicester for this.

That’s all, but please remember… Prepare well in advance of when you know you visa needs renewing- start organising your evidence. If you are using our service to help you, you MUST come to your appointment with the form completed to the ‘check tab’, all your documents translated correctly, bank statements and photos all ready. We have hundreds of students who need to renew their visas, and very few appointments. If you do not come prepared we may not be able to see you again. Once you have prepared, book an appointment by calling into the Bridgeman Building, or call 01509 222058. For all pre-sessional students, you have to have attended a Visa Workshop before you will be allowed to book an appointment.