This Points Based System tier for students has two
sub-categories. The 'general' sub-category applies to adult
students and the 'child' sub-category applies to those aged
4-17.
The Government has restricted the courses that can be offered to
non-EEA nationals and placed restrictions and compliance
responsibilities on the establishments that can offer the
courses.
To be a Tier 4 sponsor, you must be an education provider that
offers courses of study to students. The only exceptions are as
follows:
- The Foundation Programme Office is the sponsor of all migrants
on the two-year Foundation Programme for postgraduate doctors.
- Where the migrant's programme of study forms part of an
overseas degree course, the prospective sponsor in the UK can
be an organisation linked by common ownership or control to the
overseas university. The UKBA will require proof of these links
before granting a sponsor licence.
State schools, including those with sixth forms, cannot be Tier
4 sponsors.
Tier 4 (general)
- This category is for people who want to come to the UK for
their post-16 education.
- Students aged 16 or 17 can apply under Tier 4 (general) if they
want to take a course at or above National Qualifications Framework
level 3 (or equivalent) that lasts more than three years.
- Students aged 16 or 17 must apply under Tier 4 (General) if
they want to study for an English language qualification at Common
European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level A2 or
above.
- There are increased maintenance requirements and proposals to
limit the ability of dependants to accompany students and their
ability to work in the UK. It is important to take professional
advice before making an application.
Tier 4 (child)
- This category is for children between 4 and 17 years old.
- To be able to apply under Tier 4 (child), a child between 4 and
15 years old must be coming to the UK to be educated at an
independent fee-paying school.
- Students aged 16 or 17 must apply under Tier 4 (child) if they
want to take a course below National Qualifications Framework level
3.
- There is strict control regarding the establishment that can
sponsor general students and the courses they can offer.
This immigration permission is secured in two stages.
First, the sponsor issues Certificate of Acceptance of Studies
("CAS"). The second stage involves an application to the UKBA
or as an entry clearance visa application to a UK consulate
overseas and all original supporting documentation needs to be
submitted in support.
