25 minute read
Guide to Completing the Tier 4 Application Form from Overseas
Guide to Completing theTier 4 Application Formfrom Overseas
Advertisement
If you are a non EU/EEA/Swiss national, and will be studying for longer than 6 months, you will require a Tier 4 (General) visa. This guide provides some basic information about completing the online application form for your visa application.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORTQUEENS UNIVERSITY BELFAST
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Contents
STARTING THE FORM .......................................................................................................................... 3 CONFIRM YOUR VISA TYPE ................................................................................................................ 4 REGISTERING FOR AN ACCOUNT ..................................................................................................... 5 COMPLETING THE APPLICATION ....................................................................................................... 7 Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies .................................................................................... 7 Passport and Planned Date of Travel ................................................................................................. 9 Your Planned Travel Information ...................................................................................................... 10 English Language ............................................................................................................................. 11 Family Details ................................................................................................................................... 12 Family Who Live in the UK ............................................................................................................... 15 Travelling As Part of an Organised Group ....................................................................................... 16 Travelling with another person ......................................................................................................... 16 Accommodation in the UK ................................................................................................................ 17 UK Travel History .............................................................................................................................. 19 Medical Treatment ............................................................................................................................ 19 UK Leave to Remain......................................................................................................................... 20 National Insurance Number .............................................................................................................. 21 International Travel Details ............................................................................................................... 21 Problems with Immigration ............................................................................................................... 23 Problems with immigration to the UK ............................................................................................... 24 Problems with immigration to countries other than the UK .............................................................. 25 Convictions and Penalties ................................................................................................................ 26 Your Previous Employer ................................................................................................................... 27 Tier 4 Student ................................................................................................................................... 28 Official Financial Sponsorship .......................................................................................................... 30 Maintenance Fees ............................................................................................................................ 31 Course Information ........................................................................................................................... 32 Accommodation Payments ............................................................................................................... 32 Course Fees ..................................................................................................................................... 33 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 34 DIFFERENTIATION ARRANGEMENT ................................................................................................ 34 DOCUMENTS ....................................................................................................................................... 35 DECLARATION .................................................................................................................................... 36 IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE (IHS) .................................................................................... 37 SELECT VISA APPLICATION SERVICE ............................................................................................. 38 BIOMETRIC RESIDENCE PERMIT (BRP) COLLECTION .................................................................. 39
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
This guide is to demonstrate how to apply online for a Tier 4 general student visa before completing the application form.
Before beginning the form, please ensure that:�
�
�
�
You have read our Entry Clearance Tier 4 (G) Student Application guidance, which you received with your CAS statement;
You only use the form to apply from outside the UK;
You have your CAS statement and your passport beside you;
You contact International Student Support for advice if you have been previously refused an immigration application for the UK, or if you have ever remained in the UK beyond the expiry date of your visa.
The information provided relates to the most frequently asked questions, if your situation is more complex please contact us by email immigration@qub.ac.uk.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
STARTING THE FORM
Open your web browser and go to the following website:https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/apply
Choose the “Apply online” link in the “Apply outside the UK” section.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
CONFIRM YOUR VISA TYPE
Select “Tier 4(General) student visa” unless you have been advised otherwise. This guide is for Tier 4 (General) student visa applications only. If you need assistance completing a Short-term student visa or Tier 4 student visa (for Chevening, Marshall and Commonwealth scholars) please contact us.
Start typing the name of the country where you will be making your application 1 and select from the generated options.
1
You can apply in a country in which you are not a national of if:- You are living there*, or
- If the British embassy in your own country is closed and you must apply at an alternative British embassy
* If you are unsure of whether you have the right to apply in a country which you are not a national, please contact International Student Support as soon as possible before submitting your application. Please note, having tourist or visitor permission does not meet the requirements of ‘living’ in a country.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Confirm that you can attend an appointment at the visa application centres listed. You will not select your chosen visa application centre until you have completed the application form.
Once you have answered these questions you will need to confirm the information is correct.
Select “Apply now”.
Once you have selected “Apply now” you will not be able to edit or change your previous answers.
REGISTERING FOR AN ACCOUNT
You must register for an account by entering email address and choosing a password. Your password must be 8 characters or longer and include a letter and a number or symbol.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Choose the email address you use most frequently as these details will be automatically saved on the application form.
Remember to note your password somewhere safe.
You will be sent an automatic email once your account has been created / you must open this email and click on the link provided to activate your account. You can then log in using your email address and password.
If you already have an account, you “Sign In” instead. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset your password by providing the email address used to register for your account.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
COMPLETING THE APPLICATION
Once you have signed into your account, you are ready to start your application. You will need your passport and CAS Statement to complete the application.
You must state your name exactly as it is shown in your current passport or travel document.
Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
Enter your CAS number carefully. It is 14 digits long and shown on your CAS statement. Please use capital letters.
You should not submit your visa application until you have received your CAS Statement.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Your gender and relationship status
The information you provide here will determine the questions you will need to answer in the application. If you are married or in a civil partnership, you should confirm this regardless of whether your spouse/partner will travel with you to the UK.
Your Nationality, date and country of birth
Hong Kong, British National (Overseas) and Taiwan (those who hold a passport issued by Taiwan that includes the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan) nationals should state their nationality as such.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Passport and Planned Date of Travel
The information provided in your application form must match the information that is provided on your CAS. If your passport details have changed or there is an error in your CAS, contact the team that issued your CAS to get it updated.
Enter your personal details carefully and exactly as shown in your passport.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Not all countries have National identity cards, you can select “No” if you do not have a card.
Your Planned Travel Information
You should enter the date on which you have booked your flight, or a date a few days before your course start date as shown on your Queen’s offer letter or CAS statement.*
Enter the duration of your course, for example, one year.
* Please note, if you are arriving to begin your course in September or January the ‘Course Start’ date listed on CAS Statement will most likely be the first day of the compulsory International Welcome and Orientation to allow students to travel in time to attend.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
English Language
You will only see this question if you are applying as a national of a non-English speaking country.
We recommend you select “English”.
Select the method by which your English language was assessed for your offer of study.
This will be shown on your CAS statement in the “Evidence Provided” section.
If you CAS statement has listed specific English language qualifications or tests in the ‘Evidence used to obtain offer’ section, you must include the qualifications or evidence of your English test with your application.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Family Details
In this section you must enter your family’s details even if they are not travelling with you to the UK.
Please be aware, providing this information does not mean that a dependant visa application has been made. This will need to be applied for separately.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
If you are married or in a civil partnership you should enter your spouse/ partner’s details here.
If you have any dependants, regardless of whether they will be travelling to the UK with you, you should enter their details in this section.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
You will be asked to provide details of both your parents.
There is an option to select if you do not have your parents’ details.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Family Who Live in the UK
This question is about close family relations who live in the UK.
If you answer “Yes” you will be asked to provide details of your relative including their immigration permission for the UK.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Travelling As Part of an Organised Group
The “organised group” stated refers to group travel arranged through a travel company or university etc. not a group of friends.
Travelling with another person
If you are travelling to the UK with a companion you should include their details. This question refers to a friend or parent for example, not a spouse/ partner or dependent.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Accommodation in the UK
You will see this screen if you provided information about a family member living in the UK you will be asked whether you will be staying with them. If you are not staying with a listed family member do not tick the box(es) and click “save and continue”
If you select “Yes” you will be asked to provide the address of your accommodation.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
If you select “No” you should give as much detail as possible about your plans for accommodation in the UK.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
UK Travel History
In order to answer the questions in this section, you will need to have your current passport and any previous passports available.
Answer each question in this section carefully and honestly, providing extra information about your travel and immigration history when prompted.
Medical Treatment
If you have ever received any medical treatment in the UK you must give details here. If you were required to pay for your medical treatment, but NHS records show that you have outstanding debts of at least £1000 (before 6 April 2016) or £500 (after 6 April 2016), your application will be refused. If you have any questions about this please, contact us before proceeding.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
UK Leave to Remain
Only answer ‘Yes’ if you have applied to extend your stay whilst in the UK.
If you select ‘Yes’ you will be asked to provide more details about your application.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
National Insurance Number
This question is asking people who were previously in the UK whether they have a UK National Insurance (NI) number.
Only answer ‘Yes’ if you have previously worked in the UK and successfully applied for a National Insurance number. Even if you no longer need it or you have lost it, answer ‘Yes’.
International Travel Details
This question specifically relates to travel to the listed countries. If you have not visited these countries in the past 10 years you should select “Zero”
Please note, the Republic of Ireland is not part of the Schengen area.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
If you select any option other than “Zero” you will be asked to provide details of your visit(s).
You will now be asked to provide details of travel to any other countries in the past 10 years.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
If you have travelled in the past 10 years to the Republic of Ireland, you should include details of these visit(s) in this section.
Problems with Immigration
You should answer the following questions truthfully. The following questions ask whether you have ever had problems with immigration. Failure to declare any problems may be perceived as an attempt to deceive and will be grounds for refusal.
‘Refused entry’ means that you were not permitted to enter the UK, for example, at the airport. This does not refer to visa application refusals or extension refusals. You should answer this question truthfully, for example, if you were initially refused entry but were then given temporary admission, we advise that you declare this.
List all visa refusals, including those where your visa refusal was later overturned at appeal or administrative review. ‘Reason for refusal’ will be stated in the refusal notice.
If you would like to provide further details about any of your problems with immigration, you can do so in the Additional Information section at the end of the application.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Problems with immigration to the UK
If you select ‘Yes’ you will be asked to provide more details of the immigration problem.
If you are unsure of the nature of your immigration problem to the UK, please contact us before submitting your application.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Problems with immigration to countries other than the UK
If you select ‘Yes’ you will be asked to provide more details of the immigration problem.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Convictions and Penalties
Answer each question in this section carefully and honestly, providing extra information when prompted.
It is your responsibility to provide details of any convictions and other penalties in the UK or another country. If you are unsure of the nature of your conviction or other penalty, we recommend you seek advice from a legal professional. International Student Support is unable to offer advice on convictions or penalties.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Your Previous Employer
This question refers to paid or unpaid work in the types of organisation listed. This includes mandatory military service and is not restricted to work undertaken in the UK or your home country.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Tier 4 Student
Please ensure that you have your CAS statement in front of you to complete this section, and enter all details exactly as shown on your CAS.
Enter the Queen’s University sponsor licence number: 25N2W99V3. This number is shown on your CAS statement. Your visa sponsor is Queen’s University Belfast.
Then enter the Queen’s University Belfast sponsor address which is:Queen’s University Belfast,University Road,Belfast,BT7 1NN
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Queen’s University Belfast is a higher education institution; you should choose this option.
For the primary site of study chose “Yes” for the Queen’s University Belfast address. Only select “No” if a different primary site of study is stated on your CAS Statement.
For the primary site of study chose “Yes” for the Queen’s University Belfast address. Only select “No” if a different primary site of study is stated on your CAS Statement.
You will be asked to provide your UCAS number if you applied for your course through the online UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) site – this is not related to your CAS number.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
If you are required to apply for an ATAS certificate, answer ‘Yes’ here.
You must remember to submit your ATAS certificate with your other supporting documents. The Admissions and Access Service at Queen’s University Belfast will inform you if you are required to have an ATAS certificate or not.
Official Financial Sponsorship
If you are receiving official financial sponsorship, for example a scholarship or studentship from Queen’s University Belfast, home government or international scholarship agency, you should give details of your funding here.
Information about what constitutes an Official Financial Sponsorship or Government Sponsor can be found in the Tier 4 Policy Guidance. Please also contact International Student Support for further advice on the documentary requirements for official financial sponsorship.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Maintenance Fees
If you are using financial evidence in your own name, select ‘Yes’.
If you are using your parent’s financial documentation, select ‘No’ and give details of what documents you are providing in the box below.
For more information about the Maintenance Fees, including the acceptable financial evidence, please see our entry clearance guidance.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Course Information
Enter the details exactly as stated on your CAS Statement.
Accommodation Payments
If you have made a payment to the Queen’s University Belfast Accommodation department, you can select ‘Yes – Paid to overseas Higher Education Institution.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
Course Fees
Enter the total amount of course fees owed, as stated on your CAS statement under the section “Course fees charged for first year of the course (in pounds sterling)”.
If you have paid some or all of your course fees, select “Yes”.
If you have made any payment towards your tuition fees which is NOT shown in your CAS and you are relying on your CAS statement as evidence of fees paid, do not complete further than this section. Please contact the department responsible for issuing your CAS statement: International Admissions (intl.student@qub.ac.uk) or International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) for an updated CAS statement. Please note, tuition fee payments do not show automatically on your Queen’s University Belfast student record and we cannot update your CAS statement until we receive confirmation from our colleagues in the Student Finance Office (studentfinance@qub.ac.uk)
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have any further information which you wish to be considered as part of your application, for example travel details which could not fit in the Travel History section, give details in the box provided.
DIFFERENTIATION ARRANGEMENT
You can submit your application under the differentiation arrangement if you are a national from one of the countries listed in Appendix H of the Immigration Rules, and if you are applying from the country where you lawfully live.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
The information provided at time of application must be true and correct, evidence of your money or qualifications may be requested by an Entry Clearance Officer at which point you must provide them.
DOCUMENTS
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
DECLARATION
Read the Declaration carefully before you chose ‘Sign Declaration’.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE (IHS)
You will need your CAS Statement to complete the details required for the Immigration Health Surcharge payment.
When you click ‘Go to IHS website’ you will be redirected to the following screen.
The surcharge costs £300 per year and is calculated on the basis of the length of leave you will be granted not the length of your course. Dependants will also be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their application. Once you pay the fee you will be emailed your Immigration Health Surcharge number.
More information about the Immigration Health Surcharge can be found on the https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application website.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
SELECT VISA APPLICATION SERVICE
You can now book an appointment at a processing centre and pay for your visa application.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
BIOMETRIC RESIDENCE PERMIT (BRP) COLLECTION
You are given the option to collect your biometric residence permit from a UK Post Office or an alternative location. Queen’s University Belfast is an Alternative Collection Location (ACL). To collect your Biometric Residence Permit at Queen’s University Belfast – select “Collect from an alternative location” and input the following ACL code: 2HE572
Please be aware that International Student Support cannot change your collection location from the Post Office to Queen’s University Belfast after you have received a decision on your visa application.
International Student Support (immigration@qub.ac.uk) – V3 (01/2019)
