In 2009, the UK introduced a points-based system (PBS) for immigration. Tier 4 of this system affects international students from outside the EEA/EU who are applying for entry clearance/a student visa to come to the UK, or those who are already studying in the UK and applying for a new course. Under the points-based system, applicants must be sponsored by an institution that is registered as an official sponsor.
Yes, The University of Manchester is an A-rated and officially licensed sponsor.
This is not a document but a unique reference number given to a student by the University. You need this number when submitting your Tier 4 visa application. It is also referred to as a CAS.
The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is confirmation of your unconditional offer of a place on a course of study with us. You must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies when you make your visa application, or your application will be refused.
You should include:
More information on supporting documents from UKBA
You must be able to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds, in addition to your tuition fees, to live in the UK.
You must normally show that you have held this money for a 28-day period ending no more than one month before your visa application.
Detailed information on the financial requirements is available in the UKBA Quick Guide.
Tier 4 (student) applications have to show funds held as follows:
Prospective students applying inside the UK after 1 February 2010 and those applying from outside the UK must show that they have held the required money for a 28-day period ending no more than one month before the date of their application.
In all cases, the documents showing where the funds are held must not be dated more than one month before the date of your application. For example, if you make your application on 15 February 2010, the bank statement must not be dated before 15 January 2010.
Under the current rules the funds must be held in an account in the name of the student applying for the visa. Funds can also be held in a joint bank account as long as one of the account holders is the student.
In certain circumstances, it may be possible for financial documents from parents to be used.
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From 5 October 2009, new Tier 4 students' permission to stay in the UK is 'tied' to the education provider that is sponsoring them. Every new Tier 4 student will find their sponsor's reference number on the vignette in their passport or on their identity card for foreign nationals.
If you wish to study with a new Tier 4 sponsor and you made your last application for a Tier 4 visa, it is necessary to apply for a new Tier 4 visa. You must not begin to study with the new education provider until you have received a decision on the outcome of your application.
The UKBA has assured that they will make every effort to ensure that applications from students wishing to change education providers are considered within the published service standard, so that they can move to the new education provider as quickly as possible.
UKBA has produced a new FAQ document for students applying under Tier 4.
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Those students returning to continue their studies and needing to extend their permission to remain in the UK can read more on the Crucial Guide for students.
If your query is not covered by the above, please email our PBS Support Team at pbs@manchester.ac.uk.
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