The Tier 4 (General) student visa is intended for international students seeking to pursue a course of study in the UK that lasts at least six months. It permits students to work part-time during their studies and remain in the UK for a period of time following the completion of their course. The visa is valid for up to five years, depending on the duration of the course.
To be eligible, applicants must possess a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK-recognized or listed educational institution and a valid passport. As part of the application process, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees and living expenses. Additional requirements, such as English language proficiency and tuberculosis (TB) tests, may also be necessary.
Applicants must apply for the Tier 4 (General) visa before traveling to the UK. Once the visa has been granted, it must be collected from the UK embassy in the applicant's country of residence. Upon arrival in the UK, the applicant must bring their passport and visa and demonstrate that they are attending the course for which they applied. The UK Home Office may conduct random checks to ensure that visa holders are adhering to the conditions of their visa. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in the individual being denied entry to the UK or being removed from the country.
English language requirements vary depending on the course and type of Tier 4 (General) visa being sought. If the individual is applying for a long-term study visa, they may need to demonstrate a certain level of English language proficiency by taking a recognized English language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Furthermore, in the event that an individual is seeking to obtain a Tier 4 (General) visa for a program that extends beyond a duration of six months, it is imperative that they furnish evidence of having undergone tuberculosis (TB) testing and possess a valid TB certificate. This certificate must be procured from a clinic that has been sanctioned by the government, within a month prior to the submission of the visa application.