The UK Tier4 visa application process varies from country to country (applicant’s country). However, the basic details are generic and our experiences can still be valuable to any student that intend to embark on studies in the UK. It is an exciting opportunity to study in the United Kingdom, whose educational system has been ranked amongst the topmost in the world by various organizations (Link), due to the high standard of educators, facilities and opportunities offered to the graduates. Therefore, it is a bold step already that you are reading this, as you are probably thinking of studying in the United Kingdom already.

The following is the step by step process of applying for a Tier4 (General) student visa:

1. Making the Decision

It is generally a difficult decision to move from one’s comfort zone, for studies in a country we know so little about. Therefore, there should be an utmost conviction on one's decision and the journey ahead. Fully opening up one's mind and deciding on the bold step helps to see you through the challenges that lie in subsequent steps. When the decision is made, you need to fully believe in your own ability and the fact that you are capable, to not only pull through the application process but the study itself. This helps with renewed desire and motivation. Furthermore, whilst it is essential to gather as much information as possible, be careful not to procrastinate and over-prepare, as information overload leads to difficulties in understanding an issue and effectively making decisions (see link).

2. Researching Schools and Courses

The vast availability of information on the internet has made school and program researching quite seamless. Information about programs and schools is just a search button away. In searching for your preferred program and institution, it is essential to consider key factors like your preferred location, as well as the education and lifestyle attraction of the location/city. Additionally, the program and institution’s details can be explored (curriculum and offered modules can be found on the respective websites), to guide you to more informed decision making. The program and institution ranking, research grants received and level of research collaboration by the institution are all essential factors in making your decisions, as they help to determine the standard and quality of the school and their expertise in your target course. Another key factor is the tuition fees for the program/institution and the cost of living in the city of choice. This is particularly essential and would inform your decision, considering your total budget for the program. On average, Institutions with higher rankings and research collaborations would demand higher fees, while less glamourous ones will demand lower tuitions. Additionally, cities closer to London (and largely in the southern part of England) are known for their high cost of living, especially when It comes to rental costs. However, the northern cities are typically less expensive. Cities like Bradford, Huddersfield, and Sheffield are ones to consider when you are on a budget.

3. Applying for Your Visa

The application process for many schools is quite straightforward. You fill up details about your past education and professional experience and supply relevant documentation like a previous transcript, certificates, statement of purpose(this is vital and shows details of your career progression and plans, the reason for your program choice, institution, city, and country), details of international passports. For most undergraduate applications, you can apply through a third-party organization, UCAS. Ensure that you check admission criteria for each program and ensure you meet them. Depending on your country of origin and previous study, an English test might be required. Normally, nationals from major English-speaking countries or those whose previous studies can be proven to have been delivered in the English language are usually exempted from providing results of the English test.

4. University’s Offer

Normally, most universities present their offers within 2weeks of the application, barring any request for additional information. The offers can be conditional, this happens if you failed to provide any of the key documents and this condition must be fulfilled, to receive an unconditional offer. An unconditional offer is a school throwing the ball back in your court, as they have played their own part to present an offer. You need to reciprocate by accepting the offer and work toward the requirement to receive your CAC (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).

5. Applying for a CAS

After accepting the University’s offer, the next step is to apply for a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), which represents your sponsor letter to the embassy. The CAS suggests to the UKVI that you are a genuine student, and the institution is presenting itself as your visa sponsor. Tier4 visa application is largely impossible without a CAS as part of your documentation. Most institutions require that you make an initial payment (in form of an acceptance fee), the amount varies by different institutions but ranges from £1,000.00 to £4,000.00. Having made your intention known with the initial payment, you will be required to provide your proof of funds (which is made up of the balance of your tuition fee, and the stipulated living expenses or its equivalence in your local currency. See link ). You might also be required to provide evidence of tuberculosis test (this is for specific countries, see details here ), if your untended study is for 6months and above. Prospects who are intending to study or research at the postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects, who are originally for specific countries (as per stipulated standards link) are subject to UK immigration control and required to apply for the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS).

6. Applying for the VISA

Securing a CAS and ATAS marks a major milestone in the application process, as your focus now shifts away from the institution to the UKVI and the application consulting body designated in your country. You need to approach your visa application meticulously as it requires utmost care and is usually time-consuming. The required details will normally include your personal information, details of your parents, and information provided by your university. As part of your application, you will be required to make payments for the visa fee and healthcare surcharge. Subsequently to the application is a biometric appointment with the UKVI application consultant in your country. During the biometric appointment, you will have your fingerprints and pictures taken, and your international passport will be retained for review and processing.

7. Decision Making

The decision-making process can seem long and mind-boggling. However, careful documentation during the application helps to be optimistic as decision on the Tier4 visa is largely dependent on the strength of presented documentation. The processing date starts from when the UKVI receives your application and the visa processing times varied considerably, depending on factors such as the type of visa being applied for, the country of application. You have the option of utilizing the standard application option or using the priority or the super-priority option if your resumption date is very close.

8. Visa Issuance

In the middle of the long wait for the approval of your visa, different countries (biometric centers) have varying ways of tracking the stages of your processed visa. Once issued, you will get an email confirming that your application has been processed and your application code/number will be quoted in the email. You will receive your travel documents at the application center (or via post, depending on your selected option). Your passport will have a stamped vignette for an initial three months period and while the BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) will be picked up at the university or a designated post office, on arrival to the UK. This marks the beginning of an exciting journey as a foreign student in the UK. Kindly read up your university’s website for details on your enrollment and for possible information on airport pickup services (most universities in the UK offer this service). The experience at the UK border is usually fast and easy. You will likely be asked about your institution and course of study, as well as where you intend to stay. We hope that the information in this post helps any prospective students on relevant steps involved in the UK Tier 4 Student Visa application. For additional information, kindly visit the visa application process as designed by your respective institutions and do well to make yourself familiar with the gov.uk website. See you in the next blog post.