UKVI Issues new Tier 4 Interview Rules

Guidance on Tier 4 interviews and genuine student rule used by UK Visas and Immigration when handling applications made outside the UK.

Please ensure you follow the guidance as set out by United Kingdom Visas & Immigration (UKVI) in order to increase your chances of a successful visa application.

• The applicant must, if required to do so on examination or interview, be able to demonstrate without the assistance of an interpreter English language proficiency of a standard to be expected from an individual who has reached the standard specified in a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) assigned.

•  To qualify for entry clearance as a student the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) must be satisfied that the applicant is a genuine student.

• Failure, without providing a reasonable explanation, to comply with a request made on behalf of the ECO to attend for interview will result in a refusal.

• Where false representations have been made or false documents or information have been submitted  there will be an immediate refusal

 The Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) will be looking at and taking into consideration:

• Whether the applicant has credible funds to meet course fees, and living costs for himself / herself and any dependants for the duration of the course in a UK city, with limited or no ability to work in the UK;
• How the applicant was able to acquire the necessary funds for course fees, as well as accommodation in a UK city and living expenses in a UK city for themselves and any dependant;
• The distance between the applicant’s place of study and their proposed accommodation in the UK:
• The average monthly expenditure for the applicant and any dependant in a UK city; or
• The applicant’s personal circumstances, where these would make it difficult to complete a full-time course of study.
• The amount of time that has elapsed since the applicant last studied, and whether the applicant has sound reasons for returning to, or commencing, formal study in this area, particularly after any significant gap;
• Whether the applicant demonstrates sufficient commitment to the course;
• Whether the course represents academic progression;
• The credibility of the applicant’s rationale for, knowledge of, and level of research undertaken into, the proposed course of study and sponsoring institution, and living arrangements in the UK;
• The relevance of the course to post-study plans in the UK or overseas; or
• How the circumstances of any dependant may affect the ability or motivation of the applicant to study.
• Previous visa applications for the UK and other countries, including reasons for any visa refusals;
• The amount of time the applicant has spent in the UK or other countries on previous visas, and for what purpose; or
• Whether the applicant has complied with the terms of previous visas for the UK and other countries. 

 
 

To read more on this from the UKVI  click here 

Study in London - recommended college

Interested in furthering your studies?

Want to  earn additional certification?


Why not try London College of International Business Studies situated in Holborn, Central London.

They are Tier 4 -Highly Trusted college and offer courses in the following areas:

• Sports Management
• Health & Social Care Management
• Business English
• Public Relations
• Marketing Communications
• Business Administration 

You can earn a recognised certificate or diploma via the short term programmes (3 or 6 months) or long term Undergraduate programmes (1 year or 2 years)  or the Graduate Programme.

 Internships are also available

Course fees start from as little as £3500.00

For more info,  email: admissions@lcibs.org

This college holds certification and accreditation from Pearson Edexcel, BAC (British Accreditation Council), QAA(Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) and TIER 4 Highly Trusted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) formerly known as UKBA.

International Students Trapped in UK due to Visa Delays

If you are facing this situation, send us an email britishvisas@gmail.com and we can see how best to assist you at this time.

International Students Trapped in Visa Delays..

Overseas students in the UK are complaining they are trapped in a legal limbo by visa delays which mean they do not have the right either to stay or go back home.

Students claim they have waited for up to five months without their passports.

Hundreds have signed a protest petition claiming their "basic rights" are being denied by delays in processing visas.

The UK Border Agency said applications from students would be "worked through by the end of the summer".

'Complete outrage' The National Union of Students (NUS) says this is becoming a "serious problem" and a "complete outrage" which puts at risk the ability of UK universities to attract overseas students.

A US student, Jordan Junge, who has just finished a £17,000 masters degree at the London School of Economics, says she has been waiting for almost five months for her visa to be processed and her documents returned.

Read more : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-18888210
By Sean Coughlan BBC News education correspondent 

What is Established Presence??

Established presence is the terminology given to a DISCOUNTED amount of maintenance needed to show UKBA when applying for a Tier 4 extension.

In other words, when a student comes to the UK for the first time, they need £7200 maintenance (If studying in London) plus the first year of their school fees

BUT....

Once in the UK, and applying for an extension, it is possible to need LESS money to show to UKBA.  (£1600 pounds if in London - Less if outside London)

Now the recent changes to UKBA rules have changed significantly the Established presence rules.  In order to show LESS money the following MUST be adhered to...

1.   (NEW)  You MUST have a VALID VISA when applying for an extension  (PLUS)

2.  You must have finished six months of a CONTINUING course   (OR)

3.  You must have FINISHED a course, that lasted at least six months, during your last visa

Miss any ONE of the above and you need £7200 maintenance to get an extension.

Now the PROBLEMS we are seeing, is if a student is studying a course, and chooses to leave that course and go to a new Tier 4 sponsor, then,  many do not realise that although they may have a valid visa, they LOSE the established presence (As they have not finished their course) and hence need £7200 to apply.

Give us a call or send a text or email with any questions or if you need an appointment.

EMAIL:  britishvisas@gmail.com

CALL / TEXT:  0794047 6082

'B' RATED COLLEGES - possible closures

As you all may know within the last couple weeks, the UKBA has suspended several college's license AND downgraded others to B rating, which means they are no longer a Highly Trusted Sponsor or have an A rating. 

Please be advised of the following:

1.  Many of these colleges that have been downgraded to B rating have until 20th October 2011 to meet with the strict guidelines and policies given to them by UKBA.

Should these colleges not meet with UKBA approval, the colleges can lose their license and be shut down/closed permanently with immediate effect. This affects you the student.

2.  If you are currently attending a B rated college, you may lose your right to work in the UK.

3.  If your visa is up for renewal and you are at a B rated college, your visa may be held up by UKBA for months or your visa may be refused.

4.  You may be asked to leave the country or find another college that is highly trusted within a certain time frame.

To avoid any complications or uncertainty, we advise that you discuss your visa needs with our dedicated team who will advise you on the best next step.

If your visa is due to expire within September / October we advise that you set up an appointment as soon as possible:

CALL:  079 4047 6082

EMAIL:  britishvisas@gmail.com

Post Study Work Visas

Please remember that the visa category known as Post Study Work (PSW) closes 6 April 2012 
(Last applications to reach UKBA no later than 5PM on the 5th April 2012)

The Tier 1 (Post-study work) category allows the UK to retain the most able international (non-European) graduates who have studied here.

During your permission to stay under Tier 1 (Post-study work), you can look for work without needing to have a sponsor.

If you are in your final year at University or your degree course , contact us NOW for a consultation.

Update on UK Student Visas/Tier 4

The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) is the department responsible for immigration law. The immigration law is published in a document called the Immigration rules and can be found under law and policy on the UKBA web site.

Colleges and Universities have to apply for a license (Sponsorship license) and for students it’s called a Tier 4 sponsorship license. UKBA then visit the college or University and give it a ‘rating ‘ with Highly trusted being the highest rating, followed by ‘A’ rating and ‘B’ rating.

FROM APRIL 2012 ONLY HIGHLY TRUSTED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WILL BE ABLE TO SPONSOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS……IT IS VITAL THEREFORE THAT YOU CHOOSE A REPUTABLE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY THAT WILL STAY IN BUSINESS AFTER THIS IMPORTANT CHANGE. 

NB: Even Highly Trusted colleges and Universities can have their Highly Trusted status taken away, so we encourage all students who are choosing to study at a college rather than at a University to fully research the college, its academic record, and its reputation. 

Did you know that some publicly funded colleges can run courses with a work placement PLUS give you 10 hours a week work permission?

Did you know that you cannot work at all if you study at a private college? 

Did you know that you can work 20 hours a week if studying at a University?

Welcome to British Visas

Our aim is to make your transition/life to and in the UK much easier.

We will be providing you with the most up to date and relevant information regarding the visa you are interested in - including Student visas, Appeals,  Tier 2, Asylum, Fiancé & Marriage and much more.

Our staff can also assist in placing International Students at registered, recognised Highly Trusted Universities.

If you are already in the United Kingdom under a visa, we can assist you when the time comes for your visa renewal.

Our fees are competitive and we explore possibilities and the best outcome for our clients.

Consultations cost less than £200.00 for the initial briefing (costing on a case by case basis) and can be deducted from your overall fee should we be taking your case forward.

Send us an email with the details of your case / requirements and we will respond to you with an appointment date and time if needed.

We look forward to assisting you with all your UK visa needs.