Tier four is exclusively for students hoping for study within the UK. Migrants hoping to study within the UK under tier four of the new UK immigration system will require the need to get sponsorship from a university or other qualified UK educational institution. The sponsorship certificate is a statement from a college or university etc declaring that the potential student will abide by the rules and requirements set out by their course. These educational institutions will also be to report non-enrolment and non-attendance.

The system that is currently in place grants visas for an initial period of one year and tier four is expected to come into effect in 2009. Tier four provides a more transparent route to studying in the UK. It also provides special migration options as when a student graduates after studying in the UK they have the option of being able to apply for tier one status under the sub-category of post-study. This transition will allow them to stay in the UK for two years after graduating. However if you don’t apply for tier one status you are obliged to move out of the UK once your studying is complete.

Tier four is split into three sections:

• General student – this is when you are studying at or above degree level. This includes 15 hours of studying per week and you are permitted to be able to work for 20 hours a week, which raises to full time during holiday periods
• School – covers students who are in full time study at an independent school and goes up to the age of 18
• Study through work – this refers to students who are on courses or work experience/placements. Whilst undergoing this you are also permitted to work for 20 hours a week.

If whilst you are studying in the UK you decide you want to change your course you will not require a new sponsorship application; however, changing a sponsor or obtaining a UK tier visa extension will require a further application to be lodged.

See Tier 5