Immigration (Tier 4)

Immigration (Tier 4)

In March 2009, the UK immigration rules for students changed and the student category became Tier 4 of the Points Based Immigration System (PBS). If you do not hold a British passport and are from outside the EEA (please see Do I need a visa? for a list of EEA countries), or Switzerland and want to come to the UK to study with us, you will need to apply to the UK immigration authorities in your home country for entry clearance (that is  a visa) under Tier 4 before you travel to the UK to commence your studies.

We have designed the following pages to help answer all of your questions about the Tier 4 immigration process. The visa application system is complex, so we recommend using the information below as a guide only. In these pages we will often refer to specific paragraphs in the UK Border Agency's Tier 4 Policy Guidance so it is important that you have a copy of this to hand.

We recommend that you read all of the following pages before you begin to make your Tier 4 (General) student application:

• Do I need a visa?
• What is Tier 4?
• Where, how and when to apply
• Students already in the UK
• English language requirements
• ATAS certificates
• Financial requirements
• Financial documents
• Completing an application form overseas
• Completing an application form in the UK
• Supporting documents
• Differentiation arrangements
• Biometric information
• Once you have received your visa
• Bringing your family to the UK

Other useful sources of information

There is also a lot of useful information on the UK Border Agency website and the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.

Who to contact for help

Goldsmiths has two fully trained immigration advisers who will be happy to help with your application. If you have any queries about the process, please email us via student-advice@gold.ac.uk

Immigration advisors at Goldsmiths are regulated under OISC guidelines to give immigration advice. The OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) is an independent organisation that monitors immigration advice and services. Advisers have to attend regular training to be able to provide immigration advice.

You might also like to know that UKCISA has an advice line which is open from 1-4pm, Monday to Friday. It can be reached on +44 20 71079922 (outside the UK) or 020 7107 9922 (inside the UK).

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Please note that the above information is subject to change; please check the UK Border Agency’s website for updates.  The information herein provided is given in good faith for information only purposes. The information herewith provided is not intended to nor does it constitute legal advice. Goldsmiths, University of London does not warrant the accuracy of the information provided and accepts no liability whatsoever as any claims arising from reliance thereon.