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United Kingdom has always been the fantasy world for immigrants across the world. United Kingdom has so much to offer to the immigrants, as in the last few years UK has introduced a number of new visa categories naturalization, visa, work permit and UK working visa. The UK Border Agency introduced Highly Skilled Migrant Program,in January 2002.The points based skilled immigration category proved to be very successful for the country’s economy.
UK Student Visa
The UK is a multicultural society that comprises of an amalgamation of people from diverse backgrounds. For students wishing to study in the country, there is a great scope of learning about new cultures and meeting people from all walks of life. Most UK universities and colleges have separate cells for international students, to help them adjust and share their grievances if any.
UK is among the most sought-after destinations for higher studies, especially for Indian students because of a similarity in the education system. Having outstanding teaching facilities and faculty, UK educational institutes offer a state-of-the-art education system that is highly acceptable by the global economies.
The recommended age for higher education in the UK is 18 years and above. Studying in the UK helps in learning and understanding the English language.
UK Study Visa
For studying in the UK, a student requires a study visa that has been duly approved by the immigration authorities.
There are two types of visas that a student can apply:
There is a Tier 4 (General) student visa and the Tier 4 (Child) student visa that can be acquired to study in tier 4 licensed sponsor institutes in the UK. For those wishing to study in the UK for a short period, there is a short-term study visa that one can apply for.
The undergraduate and postgraduate courses in UK are usually of a lesser duration and this helps cut the tuition fees and living expenses. The full-time undergraduate courses are generally of three years, while the postgraduate courses are usually of one year or more duration.
English Language Proficiency Requirement:
For Undergraduate, IELTS 6.0 band overall with each module 5.5 band.
For Bachelor’s & Master’s, IELTS 6.5 band overall with each module 5.5 band.
IELTS waiver: Minimum 10+2 passed in English medium with First Division + 65% above in English subject.
Studying Under Tier 4 of the Points-Based System.
The most common visa for international students entering the UK is the Tier 4 Student Visa. This is a points-based system.
As a Tier 4 (General) student, you must have 40 points to qualify.
You can score:
30 points for having a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies, which you get for studying a course at an acceptable level with an approved education provider (also known as a ‘Tier 4 sponsor’), and for having acceptable English language skills; and
10 points for having enough money (also known as maintenance or funds) to cover your course fees and living costs.
UK VI has confirmed these changes do not affect you if you are entering directly at degree level or higher at an institution in the UK listed as Tier 4 Sponsors (previously known as Highly Trusted Sponsors). UK universities currently choose their own method of testing students’ English language ability and this will not change.
All British universities and colleges accept IELTS results. This means that you do not need to take the IELTS test under UKVI specified condition, unless required by your institution.
Tuition Fees
The average tuition fees for studying in UK are £3,000 and £9,000 per year approximately for most institutes. Apart from this for students coming from another country, the fee is more as international costs are involved. The tuition fee varies for the course and institute that one wants to study at.
Jobs & Employment
International Business Management, Computer Information System, Finance & Accounts, Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, MBA, Graphics Design, Website Designing, Computing, Networking Technology, Hardware Technology, Psychology, Physiotherapy, Human Resource Management are some of the most sought-after sectors for employment. The salaries are quite high and the future is bright for professionals who meet the requirements of the employers
Tier 4 - Student (Adult) Visa
The student visa under this category is for students who intend to participate in a full time course at a UK institution of any post-16 education program. The Tier 4 – Student (Adult) visa is a flexible visa type that permits the applicants to undertake both short and long-term courses given that the course duration is at least 6 months.
Qualifying candidates must have a valid offer of enrolment from an affiliated educational institution. The applicant must demonstrate the efficiency to sustain and accommodate his/her self (or be sustained and accommodated by a host) in the UK during the study trip. The candidates are also required to prove that they are capable of paying the course fees.
Tier 4 – Student (Adult) Visa Requirements
An array of specific requirements are set by the UK Home Office that all applicants must meet in order to apply for a Student visa under the Tier 4 (Adult) category.
The candidates are required to submit a proof of acceptance in to a recognized course of study at an approved UK institution (sponsor), licensed by the UK Home Office. Applicants are also required to provide evidence of having sufficient maintenance funds to support their stay in the UK without undertaking employment, other than part-time and vacation jobs allowed as per the regulations for adult students.
Tier 4 – Student (Adult) Visa Entitlements
The UK Home Office grants a Tier 4 – Student (Adult) visa to the eligible candidates in line with the duration of the initial course of study.
The visa under this category offers student the benefit of strengthening their academic base in the UK. A Tier 4 – Student (Adult) visa allows the applicants to work between 10 to 20 hours per week during term periods, depending on the course of study. Visa holders may also undertake full-time jobs in vacation periods.
After fulfilling the additional eligibility criteria, graduate level students may be able to apply for a working visa category. This might eventually lead to settlement in the UK.
UK Visitor Visa
United Kingdom, the birthplace of the Shakespeare and The Beatles is a majestic place to live, work and explore. A globally influential centre of culture and finance, UK is also the site of neolithic Stonehenge, Bath’s Roman spa and centuries-old veteran universities at Cambridge and Oxford. Anyone planning to pay a short visit to the idyllic nation of United Kingdom to study, seek business opportunities, explore the historic locales or get a medical treatment must apply for a UK visitor visa.
Basic Requirements:-
There are certain basic requirements that must be fulfilled by individuals in order to be considered for a UK Visitor visa:-
You shall leave the geographical boundaries of the UK at the end of your visit.
You have enough funds to support your stay in the nation without having to work or seek help from the public funds.
You will be able to pay for your return or journey onwards and any other costs associated with your visit.
You shall conduct business activities in the nation that are only allowed by the Visitor Rules
Extended stay
All visitors to the United Kingdom, whether for social, business or study related reasons, can only stay in the nation for a period of six months. However, if you have been granted a visitor permit for less than six months, then you can file an application for extension for up to six months in total. Individuals from certain nationalities have the liberty of applying for different visa types to extend their trip in the UK.
There are many other situations, wherein individuals may be able to stay for longer. These may be cases if:-
You shall leave the geographical boundaries of the UK at the end of your visit. you have applied (and paid an extra fee) for a long-term visit visa and prove that you need to pay a visit the nation on a regular basis over a longer period of time
you are coming to the nation for a private medical treatment – up to a period of 11 months
you are an academic on sabbatical and visiting the nation for research work – you, your civil partner or spouse may also be able to stay in the UK for up to a period of 12 months.
Long Term UK Visitor Visa If you are applying for a long-term UK visitor visa, then you must prove that:-
you have an ongoing and frequent need to visit the UK,
the reason behind your consistent visit to the UK is unlikely to change while your visitor visa stands valid
you plan to leave the nation at the end of each visit.
Application Requirements
In order to make an application for a UK Visitor Visa, you will need:-
a duly completed VAF1- Non-settlement application form
two recent passport sized photocopies, 45 mm x 35 mm in size with a white background
pay the visa fee ( generally non-refundable in nature). The fee is usually required to be paid in the local currency of the country where the application shall be filed.