Tier 4 Entry Clearance Visa

This page has general information regarding applying outside of the UK for a Tier 4 Student Visa. 

When you apply in your home country to get a Tier 4 visa, the visa you will get is called an ‘Entry Clearance’ visa. It will be written on the top of your visa and looks like this example. 

For more information visit the Home Office Tier 4 - Applying Outside of the UK webpage  
www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/apply-outside-uk/

Visit our Tier 4 Visa Requirements webpage for the requirements in applying for a Tier 4 visa.
 

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How to Apply

Applying for an Entry Clearance visa from outside the UK:

1.  Research how to apply, when to apply, what the requirements are, and what the rules are.  You will then be prepared and make the application process easier.  Read the Home Office Tier 4 Policy Guidance, the Home Office website, and use the ISAT online resources to help.

2.  Prepare to meet all the requirements.  Preparing your finances is the main requirement that you need to do in advance.  If you are using a bank account, you need to show the total funds required for 28 days.  Other financial documents may also take time to prepare, so start early.  You must also get all the required documents ready to apply.

3.  Get a CAS Statement from UEA.  If you are required to have an ATAS Certificate, you must apply for this before you able to get your CAS.

4.  Complete the application form.  The application process can be different from country to country.  You can find more information on how to apply in your country on the Home Office website country finder www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/ .

Most countries now allow you to apply online www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx

If the online option is not available for your country, you will need to complete application forms VAF9 – PBS Migrant and PBS Appendix 8 (General) Student. 

5.  Submit your application and supporting documents.  Follow the instructions when you apply.  You will either have to post your documents, including your passport to the UK Consulate or Visa Application Centre, or you will need to take your documents with you to your interview appointment.  You must submit the all original documents and photocopies.  Your originals will be returned to you.

6.  Attend an interview appointment - All students applying for a Tier 4 visa will be required to attend an interview appointment, where you will also give your biometrics (a photograph and your figure prints).

7.  Your visa will be in your passport.  Most students will get their visa and passport sent to them in the post, however depending on the process you may get it at the same time as your appointment.

Check that all the information is correct, including your expiry date and where you will be studying.  UEA’s Sponsor License number is XNU1YRCC2 and should be on your visa.

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Required Documents:

1. Application Form
2. Application Fee
3. 2 Passport sized photographs - the correct size
4. Passport(s) and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (if you have one)
5. CAS Statement
6. Bank statements, or proof of your finances
7. Degree certificate and/or transcripts
8. Receipts for payments made to UEA (if required)
9. Financial Sponsor Letter (if required)
10. Police Registration Certificate (if required)
11. ATAS certificate (if required)

 

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Entry Clearance Start Date
If you apply as a Tier 4 (General) Student and the course is 6 months or more or is a pre-sessional course less than 6 months, your entry clearance visa will start 1 month before the course.

• If your course is less than 6 months and is not a pre-sessional course, than it will start 7 days before the course.
• A pre-sessional course is described as a course that prepares you for your main course of study in the UK.

After you receive your Entry Clearance visa
Check your visa carefully, make sure:

• your name and date of birth are correct,
• it is a student Tier 4 visa to study at UEA, 
• It has UEA's Sponsor Licence Number (XNU1YRCC2),
• the start date is on or before you plan on travelling,
• the expiry date is correct,
• if you are required to register with the police after you arrive in the UK. 

If anything is wrong or incorrect on your visa:

• Try to get it corrected immediately before you travel to the UK 
• It can be difficult to get your visa corrected after you are in the UK 
• If you do notice anything is wrong including your expiry date after you arrive in the UK, you should make an appointment with one of the International Student Advisors in the Dean of Students' Office.  We might be able to help, but the process can take a long time and cannot be guaranteed, so it is best to do it before you leave. 

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Warning: Do not allow an agent or other representative to send off your application unless you have checked through the completed forms and all the documents that are enclosed with it.  Errors made by an agent or representative, or attempts to deceive can result in you being banned from entering the UK for up to 10 years.

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Entry Clearance Refusals 

If your visa application is refused and you feel it was wrongly rejected then you will need to email us at isat@uea.ac.uk with a copy (scanned or faxed) of the rejection letter from the Entry Clearance Officer and we will do our best to help.  There is no full right of appeal, but you can ask for an Administrative Review of the decision.  You must make your request within 28 days for the date you receive the refusal notice.  The process is explained in the Policy Guidance.  It is advised that you seek legal advice at this point.

Administrative Reviews do not usually result in a change in decision, because in most cases you cannot submit new or different documents.  That is why it is very important to submit all the correct documents at the time of your application.

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More Resources

The Home Office Tier 4 Applying Outside the UK website
www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/apply-outside-uk/

The UKCISA information sheet 'Making a student immigration application in your home country'  www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/applying_home_country.php

The Home Office Country Finder - for specific information about applying in your country
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/

The Home Office Applying Online from Outside the UK
www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx

Dean of Students' Office Tier 4 Requirements webpage
www.uea.ac.uk/services/students/international/visasupport/t4requirements