The UK’s hostile environment has one clear aim and that is to reduce the country’s net migration figure by making it difficult for migrants to enter or remain in the UK. Recent figures from the UCAS January deadline have revealed the impact this has had on the number of applications from Tier 4 International Students. If you are a non-EEA national looking to study in the UK then you should get in contact with UK Immigration Experts Immigration team to discuss your circumstances with us and to find out more about applying.
What is the impact of the UK’s Immigration Policy on Tier 4 International Students?
It’s no secret that Theresa May’s immigration policies have led to an increasingly hostile environment for migrants in the UK. Failure to remove international students from the UK’s net migration figure and the end of the Tier 1 Post-Study Work visa are just two examples of the attitude of the Government towards International Students. Both of these examples are designed to deter International Students from remaining in the UK once their studies have finished.
However, this has seemingly not discouraged International Students from applying to study at UK academic institutions has risen by 9% in the last year. Applicants from the EU have also risen by 1%. Figures from the UCAS January deadline also show that a record number of students from China and Hong Kong have applied. This is good news for the UK as there is growing competition from countries like Australia and Canada in terms of being an attractive destination for International Students, therefore the rise in Tier 4 applications signals that the UK is still a popular option to study abroad.
What are the main requirements for Tier 4 International Students?
As part of the Points Based System, Tier 4 International Students need to acquire a certain amount of points to apply for a Tier 4 International Student Visa. Some of the main requirements are as follows:
- Applicants must have an unconditional offer from an institution that holds a Sponsor Licence;
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they can accommodate and maintain themselves in the UK without recourse to public funds; and
- Applicants must meet the English language requirement.
When Tier 4 International Students apply for their visas, they will need a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (“CAS”) which is issued from the academic institution. The CAS is an electronic record with a unique reference number and information about the course and student. A valid CAS should have the same details on it as the Student’s passport, was assigned no more than six months before the date of the Tier 4 application and must not have been withdrawn or cancelled by the Tier 4 sponsor or the Home Office.
It can be a daunting task to work out if you have successfully acquired all the relevant points for the Tier 4 International Student Visa as well as the supporting documents. Therefore Applicants should instruct our specialist points based system team in order to arrange a consultation to speak with our expert solicitors regarding the application.
Using Legal Representation to apply for a Tier 4 International Visa
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa lawyers, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to apply for your Tier 4 International Student Visa.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your UK visa application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful Tier 4 International Visa Applications
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your UK visa application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your UK visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. UK Immigration Experts is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.