SCU London Internship ProgramThe new Tier 4 Sponsored Student Visa

Adapted from: Angela Slater and Agnes Butler

Agenda

• What are these terms? (Points Based System, Tier 4, Maintenance, Biometrics)

• How do I apply for a visa?

• Why are applications delayed or refused?

• Where do I send the application?

• How am I informed of the progress of my application?

• Where can I get more information?

• Questions?

Tier 5 Youth mobility and temporary workers

Tier 4 Students

Tier Structure of the Points Based System

Tier 1 Highly skilled individuals to contribute to growth and productivity

Tier 2 Skilled workers with a job offer

Tier 3 Low skilled workers to fill temporary labour shortagesTier 3 is suspended indefinitely

What’s with the Points System?

Tier 4 (Student) Pass Mark = 40 points

• Valid visa letter from a licensed sponsor (FIE) = 30 points

• Maintenance and fees requirement (minimum 800 GBP per month) = 10 points

How do I apply?

• Deposit minimum of 800 GBP per month into Bank Account 28 days prior• Go to www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk and complete a ‘PBS Tier 4 student’ application

form (see sample and SCU London website)• Pay the entry clearance fee (and return mail fee) on line by visa or MasterCard

(£145)• Schedule an appointment on line for biometrics collection at one of over 130

Application Support Centers• Print a copy of the completed on line form and attend the biometrics appointment• Mail the application (and ALL supporting documents) to the applicable entry

clearance issuing post• Allow 5 to 10 days for processing• The passport (and other original documents) will be mailed back to applicant by

UPS.

1. The applicant places the four fingers of their right hand flat on the capture plate, and presses gently downwards.

2. The applicant places the four fingers of their left hand flat on the capture plate in the same way.

3. The applicant finally places both of their thumbs on the capture plate in the same way.

The Biometric Process

Where do I send the application to?

How are applicants informed of progress of the application?

• Fed Ex Tracking – Track the application’s arrival at Consulate

• Processing Email - Upon opening the application (normally one to two days later) the applicant will receive an email informing them of the estimated processing time of the application

• Outcome Email - When the application is resolved, the applicant will receive another email informing them of the outcome of the application and the tracking number of the return UPS package

• We cannot respond to individual status requests

Most common reasons why processing is delayed or application is refused

1. Missing FIE Visa Letter = 30 pts

2. Applicant forgets to send original and valid passport!

3. Application sent to the wrong issuing address

4. Application split up in to several packages

5. Application form not properly completed (insufficient information)

6. Applicant forgets to send photos

7. Applicant unwilling to submit financial documents

8. Applicant applies too late

9. Biometrics do not record properly

10.Applicant’s course does not meet the requirements of the rules

11.Applicant does not provide clear contact details

Information on the web and call centre

•www.visainfoservices.com

•www.ukvisas.gov.uk

•+44 (20) 8099 5462 ($12 flat rate applies)

Questions?

LONDON

Angela Crosby

acrosby@fie.org.uk

SCU

Dennis Parnell, SJdparnell@scu.edu