STUDENT VISAS UNDER TIER 4 OF THE POINTS BASED SYSTEM
       What is points-based system?
This is the new system for managing entry to the UK for the purposes of Work Study and Training. From 31 March 2009, you need to pass a point –based assessment under Tier 4 for students. This makes the visa application process simpler and easier to understand.

       What changes does Tier 4 introduce?
There are two categories in the new Tier:

• General Student-for post-16 years education and
• Child Student-for children between 4 and 17 years to study in an independent school

Applicants must pass a point based assessment, score 40 points and meet the immigration rules in order to qualify for entry to study in UK.
All education providers in UK must register with the UK Border Agency and be a licensed sponsor before they can recruit international student.

       How do I accumulate the necessary points to qualify for a student visa?
You need to score 40 points for the following:

• 30 points for a visa Letter issued by a licensed sponsor+
• 10 points for showing you have enough money to course fees and living costs
  (Known as maintenance).

       What is a Visa Letter?
You need an unconditional offer from your education provider. The Visa Letter shows that your education provider is confident of doing the course of study for which you have applied, will act as your “immigration sponsor” and accepts responsibility for you while you are in UK .It includes informations about you, the course, and the documents you submitted that led to the offer of a place.

You can have a number of visa letters from institutions to which you have applied. But you can use only one to apply for a visa. The Visa letter does not guarantee that you will be issued with a visa. If you are issued with a general Student Visa, it will be valid for study at a particular institution. If you want to change institutions after you have your visa, you need to ask permission from the UK Boarder Agency by emailing: migrantexporting@ukba.gsi.gov.uk.

       What is a licensed sponsor?
You must study with an education provider that is registered with the UK Boarder Agency as being permitted to recruit international students. You can check whether the education provider is registered by logging on to: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/pointsbasedsystem

       What are the maintenance requirements?
You need to have sufficient funds to cover your course fees and your living costs during the period of your studies. The maintenance you need to show depends on where you want to study and the duration of the course.

Length of Course	Where you will study	Maintenance Funds
9 Months or less	London-based	Course Fees +£800 for each month of the course
9 months or less	Outside London	Course Fees+£600 for each month of the course
More than 9 months	London-based	First Year fees+£7200 for first 9 months
More than 9 months	Outside London	First Year fees+£5400 for the first 9 months

You will need to provide evidence of additional funds to support any dependants coming with you. For more information, please log on to: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbsdependantspolicy.pdf

Evidence must be dated no more than one month before the date of application and you must have held the money for at least 28 calendar days.

You can prove that you have the money if you have:

• Cash in an account in your name or in a joint account with you as one of the named holders
• A loan in your name
• Official financial or Government sponsorship

Shares, bonds, pension funds and similar savings accounts will not be accepted

       What can I study?
You must study full time on one of the following:
A full-time UK Degree level course or above at a higher education institution
An overseas higher education course which is recognized as equivalent to a UK Higher education qualification
A course of study below UK degree level but a minimum of NQF level 3 or equivalent or a course of English language study at Common European Framework for Reference for languages level A2 (such courses must involve a minimum of 15 hours per week organized day time study).

       What are the requirements in if I want to study English Language?
To qualify for a General Student Visa, you must demonstrate that you have already started to learn English Language. English language courses must be set at a minimum level of A2.

       For how long will my visa be valid?
Your visa will be valid for the duration of your course if degree level or above (and maximum of 3 years if the course is below degree level, plus a short (period between 1 week and 4 months at the end of your studies (depending on the level and duration of the course).

       When I apply for my visa, what documents do I need to provide?
You will need to complete the Visa Application form (VAF9 A & B), pay the visa fee and provide:

• Current Passport
• Visa letter from a license sponsor (dated no more than 6 months before the visa application is made)
• Proof of maintenance funds
• Documents assessed by your sponsor when you were accepted onto the course and specified in the Visa letter.
• Your biometric details (finger scans and digital photograph, taken at the visa application centre)
• Original specified documents

Please note that current visa fee can be found at www.vfs-uk.co.in

Please ensure that you provide all supporting documentation with your application. If you do not provide all the mandatory information, your application will be refused. No further evidence can be accepted after a decision has been made on your application. If your documents are not in English, a certified translation must be provided.

       Can I work while I study?
Yes, if you have a Tier4 General Student Visa, you may work part-time (no more than 20 hours per week) during term time and Full time during holidays. You can also undertake a course-related work placement if it constitutes less than 50% of total duration of the course.

You are not permitted to work if you hold a short term Student Visitor Visa.

       Can I extend my Visa?
You can apply to extend your visa in order to complete your course (up to 3 years below degree level) or for a further course of study at a higher level. You must apply before your existing visa expires and you will need a new Visa Letter and proof of maintenance.

       Can I work in the UK when I have finished my studies?
You may be eligible to apply for permission to work under Tier 1 (Post Study Work) or Tier 2. Post Study Work Visa provides a bridge from study in the UK to skilled and highly skilled work. Under this scheme, you may apply to work in the UK for up to 2 years. For further information about your eligibility, log on to: www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs25pbspoststudywork

       What is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)?
If you need an ATAS approval certificate, you must obtain this before you apply for your visa. To apply for ATAS approval you will need to know your course JACS Code. You need to check the website to see whether you need to check the website to see whether you need an ATAS certificate for your course. If you apply without an ATAS certificate and one is needed, your application will be refused. For further information, log on to www.fco.gov.uk/atas

       What are the rules for Student Visitor Visas?
If you intend to come to the UK to study on a course of less than 6 months, you need to meet the same entry clearance requirements as visitors. This category is not affected by the points based system. If you hold this type of visa, you are not permitted to work, extend your visa or switch to another type of visa.

       What are the rules about forged documents?
If you use deception in your visa application, including submitting forged documents and failing to disclose previous visa application refusals; this will lead to your application being refused. It may also result in future visa applications to the UK being automatically refused for 10 years.

       Do I need an agent to make a visa application?
Students do not necessarily require an agent to make their applications, but if they would like assistance, then they should choose an agent carefully. In India, some agents have been selected and trained by VISA Services and the BRITISH COUNCIL. They are entitled to refer to themselves as “Trusted Partners” of the British High Commission and Deputy High Commissions. Their details together with other education agents can be found in the "Agent Zone" on the British Council's website – www.britishcouncil.org.in

       Where do I make my visa application?
You need to attend the visa application centre/ Visa Facilitation Services (VAC / VFS) in person, with your completed forms, supporting documentation and the visa fee. Your finger scans and photograph are taken as part of the visa process. The VAC / VFS is operated by Visa Services’ commercial partner, VFS GLOBAL. Your application will be sent to visa services in your area. When a decision has been made, your passport and documentation are returned to you through VFS.

       What happens if my Visa application is refused?
Under the Points Based System, it will be possible for you to ask for an administrative review. This is a Review of the original decision by an Entry Clearance Manager who was not involved in the original decision. You cannot submit any new information with an administrative review. It is therefore very important that you thoroughly prepare your visa application form and provide all necessary documents when you first apply.

For full guidance, including information about child students, please refer to the following:
www.vfs-uk-in.com
www.britishcouncil.org.in
www.fco.gov.uk/atas
www.ukvisas.gov.uk
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk