Tier 4 – UK Student Visa
Opportunity Knocks has been providing student visa services to all nationals since 2003; we pride ourselves on the high level of successful applications and excellent service we provide. Over the years we have followed the immigration rule and policy changes and therefore have been successful in sending over 2000 students to the UK to study.

This category applies to students who want to study abroad in the UK at Universities and other Educational Institutions.

Under the Points Based System all tier Visas (besides Tier 1) require a certificate of sponsorship from the relevant sponsor. The sponsor in Tier 4 applications is the educational institution in the UK; each sponsor institution is now required to assure the potential student’s ability to study at the institution.  As a tier 4 student visa applicant you will be given the permission to enter the UK for the purposes of completing the course.

Benefits
Tier 4 Student Visas allows overseas students the chance to attain recognized qualifications from government authorized British Universities and Colleges. Applicants under Tier 4 may take part –time or holiday work but cannot:
•       Work for more than 20 hours a week during term (except in Vacation) unless it is a work placement part of a study programme and the education sponsor agrees
•       Carry out business, be self employed  or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
•       Work Full time in a permanent capacity

Duration
The duration will depend on the time needed to complete the course and attend the graduation, however please note that any time spent on a Tier 4 –Student Visa will not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain or Residency.

Qualifying Criteria

• Under the new Points System Tier 4 applicants must:
• Have confirmed evidence of previous studying in the UK
• Have recognized qualifications equivalent to National Qualification Framework (NQF) in the UK education system
• Demonstrate evidence of sufficient funds to pass a maintenance test
• Produce documents used to obtain an offer from the University or sponsoring college, example qualification certificates

At the end of March 2009 all adult students must pass a point’s based assessment and score 40 points
All Tier 4 applicants need to show:

• Visa Letter from education provider = 30 points
• Maintenance fees to cover course fees and living expenses = 10 points
• Visa Letter = an offer letter from your educational sponsor/provider including information about you, your sponsor, the course details and your personal finances
• Licensed Sponsor = The UK University or College that you choose to enroll with.
• Dependents

Married partners will normally be granted a visa for the same period to the main applicant/student. While in the UK they must be able to support themselves with or without the help of the main applicant