Recent change to UK visa application and immigration processes
03-07-2016
For students from outside of the EU/Switzerland studying in the UK, there has been some recent change to UK visa application and immigration processes.
The UK government explained that the changes are as a result of feedback from applicants, and are part of their commitment to improve the applicant experience for international students studying in the UK.
To help provide clarity on the new situation coming into effect shortly (5th July), please find a show summary of our understanding below.
For the latest and most accurate information always refer to official sources, such as https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/home/welcome (overseas applications) and/or www.gov.uk/visas-immigration (applications from within the UK).
TIER 4 VISAS
All students studying in the UK for more than six months, will need a visa.
- For students under the age of 18 you will need to apply for a Tier 4 (Child) visa.
- If you are studying in the UK for more than six months at a university or college, or more than 11 months at an English Language school, you will need a Tier 4 (General) visa.
- If you are aged over 18 years and studying for 11 months or less at an English language course you will need to apply for a Short-term Study visa.
When applying for your Tier 4 visa you will require the following documents:
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from the institution you will be studying at.
- All requirements on the list the UKVI have provided (for example, previous qualifications, English Language qualifications, financial documents).
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
From 5 July 2015, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is improving how applicants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). If you are not sure what this is, please take a look at our previous blog post on the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
If an IHS reference (or payment) is needed, you will be automatically directed through the IHS process when you complete your online visa application.
To make these changes, you will not be able to make a separate IHS payment for online applications after 18:00 hours (British Summer Time) on 4 July.
To avoid paying twice, or having to restart your online application, if you have started your online application prior to 4 July, you must ensure that you have made any required IHS payment and submitted your online application by 17:59 on 4 July.
If you pay the IHS twice, a refund of the excess payment will be initiated by the visa officer. Please note that where visa application is received without an IHS payment, you will be contacted by the visa office and will need to restart your online application, in order to make the required payment.
Applicants in China
You can apply using the new service if you are in China and are applying for a visa that is a standard visit visa, marriage or civil partnership visit visa, or a permitted paid engagements visit visa. Apply for a visitor visa in China using the new service or continue to use this website for the current service.You must continue to use the Visa4UK services if you want to apply for a visit visa for:
- an ADS visit with a licensed Chinese tour operator
- a visit for private medical treatment lasting more than 6 months
- a visit as an academic on sabbatical or their dependant lasting more than 6 months
- transit
- diplomats and officials
The information provided by Study Links cannot be used as an alternative to legal advice from an appropriately qualified professional. If you have any specific questions about any legal/visa matters please contact the UKVI or Visa and Immigration expert. Information correct at time of publication (July 2015).
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