As you may be aware the rules for getting a UK visa are going to change:
- From March 3rd 2010 students will need to be level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in order to qualify for a student visa. Level B1 is equivalent to an IELTS score of 3.5 – 4.5, which means between a good pre-intermediate level and intermediate. There is still some confusion about this.
- From March 3rd, students on GSVs will only be allowed to work 10 hours a week, not 20 hours.
- Make sure you don’t get refused by the embassy or at the airport because you can’t speak English. You can do this by ensuring that you:
- a) complete any online English test yourself; and
- b) check that you can answer basic questions about yourself and your reasons for wanting to study in the UK. Recently, some students who had actually got their visas had them cancelled at the airport in Britain when they arrived. Checking your spoken English before you apply for a visa will help to prevent this.
- At the beginning of April a ‘Highly Trusted Sponsors List’ will be issued. All schools wanting to offer courses to students needing a visa will have to apply to be on it.
I hope you will agree that it is in your best interests as well as your education provider’s to try to ensure that students have a high enough level of English to get a visa.
Please note: until March 3rd sponsors can still accept students at A2 level as usual therefore I would suggest that you send any applications that qualify as soon as possible so that they can be processed before the 3rd March deadline.
Dear Sir,
I am doing post graduate course in UK for one year under Tire-4 visa status. My course will be finished within next 10 months and my visa will be expiring within 11 months. In this situation is my wife is eligible to apply for dependent visa? Currently she lives in my home country.
Thanking you,
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Hi, I am a post graduate student, studying in UK for one year under Tire-4 VISA status which will expire by 22nd December 2011 and I have never visit my home country in that time. Last month I got married, who lives in my home country and now staying in my home country as well. I have given power of attorney to my father to sign in my marriage agreement, which is allowed in Islamic law. Now, can my wife apply for dependent visa, from my home country (as she is there now) biased on my marriage agreement which is done on my absence?
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dear daniel hope u will be fine i m studying in uk college of arts and technology manchester i want to change my college to scotland and i came in uk 6 october 2010 and i m doing level 6 course but work is allowed 10 hrs how can i change it kindly email me
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Dear Sir/Madam
I am Fatema Sultana.I applied for student visa at 5th october 2009.I got a 4years student visa at 26th november 2009.I came in 15th december 2009.My visa sponsored by Brit college.Now,Brit college does not continue my course LLB(open Learning)under Northumbria University.So,I want to take admission from wales university.Wales University gave me a offer letter.But problem is that if i take admission from Wales University then will need to again apply for new visa.If will need to apply for new visa then would you please tell me,what is procedure.I am really scared about new visa.
If need to again apply for new visa then its really a unexpected bad news for me.
Please,give me a suggestion with detail as soon as possible.I am looking forward to your email.
Thank You.
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Hi, I am Applying for the Tier 4 visa (general).
I already got a university in the uk to sponsor me.
I have a question, I printed the papers to fill out and in point 2.10 they ask me to :
provide a letter of consent to this application from your parents or legal guardians.
Do you iknow what I have to include in this letter?> is it only to show that my parents are aware of this application??
thank you
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Hi..
I am in a great problem.so.pls can u help me. i want to know normally how long does the college takes to refund the fees after the application for visa has been refused.
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I am waiting since April 2009 for my application to be decided. I just want to know that my course is finish and now I am taking admission for further study for MBA Top up, I just want to know that do I need to submit my CAS reference number and new document or shall I wait for my design to be decided
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Hi Sam
Am I right to assume you are in the UK and have applied for a visa extension that has not yet been decided? What college were you studying at when you made your application?
Also, on what date did you receive your original student visa?
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hi i am a diploma student in tour and tourism. My husband arrived uk after this new rule 2010. In my husband visa there is employment prohibited . So, in this situation can he work or not. Please give us some advice.
jasmine
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Hi Jasmine
Employment prohibited means that your husband does not have permission to work.
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Hi, I am Applying for the Tier 4 visa (general).
I already got the university of uk to sponsor me.
I have a question, I printed the papers to fill out and in point 2.10 they ask me to :
provide a letter of consent to this application from your parents or legal guardians.
Do you iknow what I have to include in this letter?> is it only to show that my parents are aware of this application??
thank you
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Hi I am currently studying Undergraduate studies from Middlesex University, I want to shift my course in Coventry, I applied through UCAS and admission is in process.
i want to ask regarding visa matters, as some one told me that i have to apply for new visa, any one know what are the procedure and requierement for Bank statements or Visa fee which form i need to fill, Please guide me if any one has already done this procedure
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Hi Usman
When did you get your original student visa, before or after 5 October 2009?
If you got your tier 4 student visa before 5 October 2009
You will have to obtain permission from the UK Border Agency to change education provider. You can ask for this permission by sending an email to MigrantReporting@ukba.gsi.gov.uk. You must include the following details:
- the new sponsor’s name, address and contact details; and
- details of the new course, including the start and end date; and
- if the new course is shorter or longer than your current course
The UK Border Agency will write to you confirming they’ve received your request. As long as they can confirm the following information, you will be given permission to change tier 4 sponsors:
- your new education provider is currently licenced under the Tier 4 Register of Sponsors; and
- your new school has accepted you and wants to be your new sponsor; and
- your new planned course of study meets the necessary requirements to qualify under the Points Based System
Once you have emailed the UK Border Agency with the above information and have received an acknowledgment from them you can actually start your new course without waiting for the result of your request.
However, this is at your own risk as the UK Border Agency may well decide to refuse you permission to switch sponsors.
If you fail to ask the UK Border Agency for their permission to switch sponsors you’re permission to stay in the United Kingdom as a student will be limited.
If you got your tier 4 student visa after 5 October 2009
It is much simpler to change education provider in this situation. You just have to make a new Tier 4 (General) Student visa application supported with a new visa letter of confirmation of acceptance for studies from your new tier 4 sponsor.
You will not be able to start your new course until your new visa application is approved by the UK Border Agency. You are free to leave your current sponsor but do so entirely at your own risk, as the UKBA may refuse your application meaning you may not be able to return to your original course.
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The person supposed to sponsor me is neither my parent or legal guardian but is simply a friend.
The guidelines state that ur sponsor must be either a parent or legal guardian Is it acceptable to use a friend as a sponsor. Iam a 36 year old female who does not have parents or legal guardian but has a close friend who is willing to meet my expenses. How should i explain this to UK border agency?
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Hi Mercy
You will have to show the required funds in a bank account in your own name. You will not be able to use a friend’s bank statements. No amount of explanation will change this fact.
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dear sir
can i show my brother as a sponsor for my maintenance in uk under tier4. OR
can i show the bank statement of my brother under tier4 general student
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Hi Abbas
You can only show your own statements, your parents’ or legal guardian(s)’s.
You will not be able to use your brother’s statements.
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Hello sir,
i have completed my PG certificate from university of greenwich on 22nd march and my visa expires on 12 june i got offer from kensington to do masters which is starting from 1st july. now iam making fresh application from uk but on visa guidance it state that student cannot start the new course untill they get the permission to stay.as my course starting soon can i start the course before i get visa decision.
and is it must to show the remaining fees in the bank statement for 28 days or just the maintainace money.
and i gave my toefl CBT in 2007 can that score still be valid.
thanking you in advance.
Kind regards,
Abdul
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Hello sir,
I have planned to get my master degree in UK this year. In fact, I have been admitted to the program (11 months) that I want to study and I have received the formal letter.
Nonetheless, I have some doubts about my spouse(wife)visa. During my studies in England, can she study english or work part time?
Thanks in advanced for your help.
Best regards,
Pedro
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Hi Daniel,
I have previously been refused an application for leave to remain as a Tier 4 General Student Migrant. i know that the old rules apply to my case but am unable to find a copy of policy guidance for the older rules. all i can find now are those that have recently come into force in April 2010.
Do you know where i would be able to find the rules which explain what funds, needs to be shown to satisfy the £600 per months for 2 months rule?
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Hi Ash
Am I to understand you are applying from within in the UK? And are you applying for a visa extension or is it a fresh Tier 4 application?
Can I have a few more details about your situation please?
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Hellor Sir.
Im from Colombia and I got a Visa student in UK. I was wondering if is possible overstay 20 days more (after my visa expires) because i would like to finish a Business Course which I enroled after my College class were completed (without extend my visa). Can I have any problems leaving UK in the airport?
Kind regards and Many Thanks!
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Hi Mercedes
No, you will have to extend your visa.
If you overstay, you could face problems applying for any type of UK visa again, including a tourist visa. You may also have problems applying for visas to countries such as USA, who scrutinise your immigration history.
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Please let me know if BTEC Higher National Diploma in Hospitality Management is a foundation degree, because I am planning to apply for a Tier 4 student visa and would like to know if the new rule of working hours for students, which was effected on 03rd March 2010 would apply for the above mentioned course.
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hi daniel,
im alex,
im srilankan,i explain my details,
My college:city business college
Course:1 1/2 years include IELTS
Course start date:01.02.2010
Dead date:15.02.2010
Funds maintain in my name for 28 days.
Lodged my application on 02 0f feb.
09th of feb i got a message, ur application is under process.
Still im not received the visa.on the same date(02 feb) 6 students were lodged the documents including me.all were very similar i.e same college same course, duration, starting date.
After 14 working days 2 students got the visa.after 2 weeks one student got refused stating that ur course is started(5th of march)09 th of march he got refused.and that is unreasonable he make a review sending the offer letter to chennai as review.
me and other 2 students still not receive the visa.
what will happen to my visa.i have allthe abilities to study.i go good results in o/l, a/l ‘s.Even i complete 3 stages of cma(srilanka).i.e local management of srilanka very similar to CIMA(UK)
Already 50 days passed, i think they will release my documents in end of April to next semester(june).My all documents are very clear,college is A rated.still im thinking im very unlucky guy.
Help me daniel what to do,ur comments please..
Thankyou.
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Hi Alex
I think you should complain to the Embassy and find out why your application is taking so long. Maybe they are having some trouble verifying your documents.
VFS aims to provide a professional and efficient service to all its customers and welcomes feedback that will help improve the services they provide. VFS will investigate all complaints fully. It will acknowledge receipt and then provide a full reply within 20 working days.
You can submit your feedback or complaint in the following ways:-
Email: FeedbackUKLK@vfshelpline.com
Fax: +94 11 4516322 and mark it for the attention of the ‘visa application centre manager’
In person: At the visa application centre. The visa application centre also has a complaints register. If you wish to make a comment in the register, please ask the supervisor or manager to provide it to you.
You will need to provide the following information:-
your name
address
telephone number and
a clear description of your complaint and as much detail of names, dates, places and other background as possible.
If you are a visa applicant you should also provide
your date of birth
type of application and
any application reference number(s)
UK Border Agency – feedback & complaints
You may also make a complaint to the UK Border Agency about the service you have received from VFS or the UK Border Agency. You can do this in the following ways:-
Email: Chennai.visaenquiry@fco.gov.uk (marked to the attention of the Visa Operations Manager)
In writing: UK Border Agency, Visa Operations Manager, British Deputy High Commission Chennai, 20 Anderson Road, Chennai 600 006 India.
You will need to provide the following information:-
your name
address
telephone number and
a clear description of your complaint and as much detail of names, dates, places and other background as possible.
If you are a visa applicant you should also provide:
your date of birth
type of application and
any application reference number(s)
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hi i need to speak about my brother.he got his visa and enroled in the plymouth college this month, the course is level nvq6 leading to bachelor degree .but due to some problems he wants to change his course can he change his course and apply for another college. what are the requirements if he wants to chnage course and wanna apply in birmingham.
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Hi Ayesha
Where is your brother? In his home country or already in the UK? Changing college now is going to be impossible without financial loss. And in this case I think it’s justified, as your brother has used up 1 CAS allocation from the college and now doesn’t want to study there any more – the college has lost 1 place, so you would have a very hard time convincing them to refund you!
You can change sponsor; his visa will be canceled and he will have to make a fresh application. He is unlikely to get any refund, but check the college’s terms & conditions.
Why does he want to change college at such a late stage?
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hi daniel,
My friend want to apply for a course in health and care in uk. she is an undergraduate but has relevant experience in working as a health care assitant. I want to know what is the minimum level of course one can apply for??(NVQ) and is there any college providing such course???
Thanks
Sweta
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hi daniel
my case is such that i am doing my diploma part 2 and advanced diploma in business management this year and i am renewing on this basis.I have been notified by my college that the advanced diploma is equivalent to an NQF level 6 which is a second year degree.Will i still be affected by the 10 hours working during term time or not?please could you shed some light as to who are going to be affected and on which types of courses.plzzzz????thanks a lotxxxx
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Hi Daniel
I agree – here was cheting somewhere along the line. My guess is that someone else sat the test. However, it will all come in the was when lectures start in April!
Coul dyou let me know the criterion to become an accredited Test Centre for English level admission, please?
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You will still be able to work 20 hours per week I believe.
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Hi Daniel
I have just interviewed a student who will be starting at a college in April.
The student had an IELS 7 for listening: IELTS 5 for writing; IELTS 5.5. for reading and 5.5. for speaking. The test was taken just over one-year ago in Bangladesh. His average was IELTS 6.
I have never had problem with students understanding my English. This impresionable and earnest young man could not, on various occasions undertand my questions and I had to rephrase some because the wording was out of his vocabulary range.
This again illustrates the problem about English competency and the college has now changed its admission policy to a MINIMUM IELTS 6 for reach module – not just an average 6.
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Hi Bruce
My colleague’s reaction to this was the student surely must have cheated. IELTS 6 across for each module is a good policy, although discretion should be kept as a useful tool, especially if the student has been interviewed. Unconditional offers still have their place.
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HELLO BROTHER HOPE U FINE THERE
WELL I HAVE ONE COLLEGE IN MY MIND CLC CITY OF LONDON COLLEGE FOR ACCA BUT I DONT WHAT IS THE REQUIRMENT AFTER 3 MARCH PLZ U TELL ANY COLLEGE WHICH IS VERY GOOD FOR ME THX
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Hi Daniel,
I am with a registered sposor studying ABE course in information system. But i want to change the subject from information system to business mngt.They are both at same level and finish at same time. What should i do ??? Should i inform UKBA first…my college agreed to it..but i want to get a clear picture of how to follow this up?? Please help me on this…thanks
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Hi Sweta
As far as I understand the situation from the UKBA, I don’t think you have to inform them as you are not changing sponsor, you are only changing course. All the other details are the same.
Did you get your visa with a visa letter or CAS?
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sorry for a late reply as i lost this site.. I got my extention through a visa letter when i applied.
Thanks
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hi daniel hope u fine i am just confuse that ielst is must or not after 3 march i have no ielts can i get the admission in uk ACCA subject
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Hi Fakhar
The majority of schools and colleges will now require proof of English ability. You should seriously consider studying for the IELTS or equivalent. The score you will need will vary from school to school. The minimum for a student visa is 3.5, but this is for language courses. Providers of ACCA courses should require a higher score than that.
Do you have any colleges in mind already and I can check for you? If not, perhaps I could suggest some for you?
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