
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) is due to launch the new sponsorship management process for Tier 4 of the points-based system on 5th October 2009. In line with this launch, the UKBA announced yesterday two new policies which will affect students under Tier 4. They centre:
- Extending the maintenance concession for Tier 4 students who are already in the UK.
- All students who apply after the 5th October will have their permission to stay in the UK tied to their Tier 4 sponsor.
The Maintenance Concession
Students applying to study in England under Tier 4 of the points-based system must show that they have enough money to cover all their tuition fees and maintenance costs. Under normal rules, students must show that their available funds have been in their bank account for a minimum period of 28 days, no more than one month before their application date. UKBA have currently been running a concession on students, allowing them to demonstrate that they have the necessary funds on the date that they apply.
Yesterday’s announcement from the UKBA confirms that this concession will now be extended to students already in the UK. If you are making a Tier 4 student application in the UK and apply before February 2010, you will only need to show you have the necessary money on the day of your application.
However, this concession will end for students who are applying outside the UK. From 1st October 2009, all Tier 4 applicants outside the UK will now have to demonstrate that they have held the necessary funds for a 28-day period.
Tying Students’ Permission to Stay to Their Tier 4 Sponsors
On 5th October 2009, permission to stay given to new Tier 4 students will be tied to their Tier 4 sponsor; that is, their education provider. This move by the UKBA is to bring the rules for Tier 4 in line with the other tears of the points-based system.
Following the implementation of this policy, Tier 4 students will find their Tier 4 sponsor’s reference number entered into their passport. For students who want to study with a new education provider and they made their last application on or after 5th October 2009, they will have to apply for a new Tier 4 student visa. Students will not be allowed to start studying with their new Tier 4 sponsor until the outcome of their application has been determined. Any students who do undertake a new course of study while their application is being decided will be committing a criminal offence; one for which you could be prosecuted and/or removed from the country.
For students who want to change schools and who made their last Tier 4 student application before 5th October 2009, they will be allowed to change education providers without applying for a new visa. However, students in this situation must seek permission from UKBA prior to changing their Tier 4 sponsor.
Hi My name is yee, I am studying in new london college, but recently my college is suspended since last year Nov till now. I would like to know if I could change my college by send an email to MigrantReporting@ukba.gsi.gov.uk for ask a permission or I need to re-apply a new visa again. My first student visa was from 11/02/08-31/10/09 and my new extension student visa is from 07/12/2009- 18/07/2011
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hi..i’m currently on a student visa which will expire in june 2011. im studying at a B rated college which is my actual sponsor. i have been offered a place at a high trusted category college which starts in september 2010..as ive applied for the visa extension in may 2010 i would be grateful if you could adviced me on how to swap my sponsor without breaking any rules. and also can the home office reject my application.
thank you
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Hi
I am arian.I am student of uk help4u.My college already suspend.I am come here february 2010.I want to change my college.What can I do now.please tell me about the process.How much money should i diposit in bank.Have nice day.bye
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Hi Arian
You will have to make a new Tier 4 application from within the UK. You will have to show the exact same level of funds as in your original application (unless your switch to a sponsor in a different geographical region that changes your maintenance requirements, obviously).
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we are not working from 6 months and we have children is very hard ..we are still waiting for the visa tier 4 and the collrge says we we have to wait 3 months more for the visa.
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Hi, i have been looking for some advise about my college who has been suspending since january,it(london commonwealth college of law and business studies) will be back or totally removed having long time suspended.
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Hi Daniel,
Access colleged backed to UKBA list and why the this website says ‘suspension lifted between 6 -20th may’
how wil this decision will effect me.
Also my visa been refused on 18th May saying- my college been suspended.pl explain me
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Hi, I want to study BSc in UK at LIBT at Brunel University I know that I must score the 40 PBS to get the visa but I want to know how to score the 10 PBS of the living and accommodation expenses. For your record I reside in UAE
Questions
1-can my relative (sponsor) who lives in London afford my accommodation (living with his house) and living expenses in UK and my father afford the tuition fees?
2-can my relative enrol behalf of me and give them his banck account proove that he can afford my livving expense, accomodation and the tuition fees instade of mine at LIBT would I then get the 40 PBS with out giving my own bank account?
3-If I request for a Tier 4 student to study international foundation programme at LIBT which last for 8 months, after finishing it must I request for a new Tier 4 studetn to study the secound year Diploma and also the third and the fourth year at Brunel University BSc and must I acheive the 40 points againe?
4-If I got the 40 PBS of Tier 4 student would the embassy refuse my requet for some unreasonable reasons like we are not shure that you want to study or we are not shure that you want to come back?
I am thankfull for your help and for your aspire to make UK’s universities the best in the world that’s why every one who have a certifivate from UK get a big salary in UAE.
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Hi Daniel,
Thank you for providing excellent service on this Blog !
I have now been confirmed by a notice on the door of my college about the loss of licence. I have applied and got my visa in November 2009 and the visa is applicable upto may 2011
Can I now change to another college
Please let me know
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icame london 17 january .after come here my colleg suspended .now i wd like to change my college .what i hv to do now. how much money i hv to show my bank accaunt.
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When were you granted your original student visa, before or after 5 October 2009?
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hai daniel
i was student of brooks college which is suspended last year i send my extention on that time but after i send my documents the college was revoked after five months ukba refuse me and allow me to apeal i did my apeal and also take admission in another college as he is well recognized in tier 4 i am still waiting for my apeal date as they did/t give me the date as they say we are further waitign for ukba decision about brooks college you have any idea what is the situatuion of brooks college and how i can check this and when they give me apeal date
thanks
amer
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Still suspended as of 5 May 2010, I’m afraid.
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Hi Sir,
I would like to ask the status of Majestic College.I am currently enrolled in that school. I heard rumors that their license are already revoked. I would like to ask if that is true or not. What advise could you give in case that is true.Is it possible for us to transfer to other school using the same visa? Are we still allowed to stay in UK just in case the license is revoke/ already revoked eventhough our visa is until next year? I am looking forward for your response.Thank you very much.
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Did you get your original student visa before or after 5 October 2009?
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Hi, I get my visa after October 5. Does that mean that I need to apply for another visa again? Start all over again? thanks for the response
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Hi Daniel,
my school ( Mayfair School Of English ) is withdrawn the licence of Tier 4 sponsorship and my last application was after October,2009. In fact my course is from 11 January 2010-17 December 2010 and my visa will be expired in April 2011. Obviously,I do need to change my sponsor, as far as I know i have to apply for a new student visa.Am i correct?
Now my doubt is, how much funds in my statement that i have to show ? Is it at least 1600 pounds ( 800 pounds x 2 months ) or do i have to show 800 pounds x 9 months ?
Please kindly clarify.
Very much appreciated.
Nicky
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Question is if my college licence is under suspention, will my college allowed to give offer letter for my spouce or dependent? please let me know
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Hi Hasan
When a sponsor’s licence is suspended, they are unable to issue CAS numbers or visa letters until the situation is resolved.
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hi
denial
new london collage which time update in tyre 4 ?
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No news I’m afraid; their licence has been suspended for some time now.
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Hi,
Daniel,
I got visa in oct 2008 and i was studing a college than i changed to new college in may 2009 to london school of business and computing, however it is not in the list but before it came out of tier 4 list i had finished my course there.
And i started my study in masters in greenwich university in Jan 2010.I have visa extansion in apr 2010. and my previous college is not in the list now.
Does it effect for visa extantion if previous college is not listed or they just concider new admission?
Thank You.
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hi Daniel,
Regarding the money that we applicants of student visas should secure in our banks, is there a need for it to display movement in our accounts?
thanx ,badly need your help
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Hi Irish
Are you in the UK or your home country? According to the UK Border Agency, the money needs to be in your account for 28 days before you ask for a statement from the bank. This statement must be dated no more than 1 month before the date of your application.
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Hi Daniel,
I’m in my home country. Well, yeah I am aware of that but my concern really is regarding the movement of money in my account. Is it really important that my bank account needs to reflect a certain movement? Because I know someone who got denied because her pass book does not show any movement at all, she only have the needed amount of money deposited one time and no other bank transactions have been made. Is it possible that we could really get denied from this reason? And another question Daniel, regarding the IELTS, how will I know if it’s the AT that I should take ,not the GT or vice versa? I’m supposed to go there in UK under a student visa.
Thank you so much.
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Hi Irish
A Tier 4 (General) student must show that he/she has held the required money for a consecutive 28 day period (finishing on the date of the closing balance) ending no more than 1 month before his/her application.
You you are applying to university or some colleges, you will need to take the Academic IELTS test as it is more robust. For most other things the General IELTS test will be OK. Best to check with your sponsor as they are responsible for confirming your English level.
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thanks a lot!! this site really helps a lot of students especially nonEU =)) keep it up!
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hi
my name is ali, my college is in suspended list can i change it now ? pls reply me thank u
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hi this is botta n im international student in uk since oct 2009..i hv problem wid my univ, i just wanna change the univ do u think is it possible..please help me out wid
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hello daniel sie when is my collage britania college is come foe tier 4 actuley i want to apply for my wife dependant vissa when i was i ask to colage principal to say when is back in tier 4 but he is not good response to me he had say some student is not come in collage i cant say when is come so plz give me best guidence what can i do i am verry apset in this time i am tried so plz give me best solution me ok
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in january again issue vica letter in london sam college .but in 20 february 2010 my college lost licence.in this time,i call my college office,but they said me dont worry.sir what can i do.?when my college get licence again.?
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It can take many months for a college to have their suspension lifted. We’ll all just have to be patient and await the outcome.
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sir ,i am moynul .i am a international student.in november i submet my application in uk office dhaka center in bd.but iam refused because i submet my provesonary certifycate.i can not understand why clearancy officer refuse me.but another student get visa at the same stage.just i want to know sir how it possible?what is my fault?in my b.c.s examination i submet my provesonary certificate,but have no any problem.
in 4 month i fell very tention.
national university in bd,issue our main certifacate
(hons and m.sc)after 10 years.
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Hi Moynul
Without seeing your refusal documents or a clearer explanation, it’s hard for me to make sense of why your application was refused. Can you tell me exactly what their reason for refusal was?
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Dear Sir
i ask some question about my college RIMS COLLEGE WHEN COME BACK LIST i applying for visa but still i waiting when come back ukba list plzzzzzzzz tell me i am in tesion surround bcoz i give fess and lots of expense against my all procedure. i m waiting your reply
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Dear Mr. Salman,
Nobody can say when your college is coming back to the list bcoz you can not make sure the college is complying with terms and conditions of UK Border Agency or failing to compensate the breaches they have already made. You better try another college which is currently in the list as you know there are so many good institutes in the UK. Thanks and good luck!
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Hi Salman
I have contacted RIMS for an official update. I don’t think the schools are very ethical as their website still claims they are licenced to sponsor migrant students.
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Hi Danie,
I had mail to UKBA FOR MY query regarding college suspension and traveling to U.K., on following email id, but after 10-15 days i have not got any reply from UKBA side, can u pl reconfirm the email id or as like me UKBA never given answer to anyone.
UKBApublicenquiries@ukba.gsi.gov.uk
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Hi Salman
No update on Rims College I’m afraid. It does generally take several months to be re-included on the list – especially if the college is big; there’s more to check. It seems the UKBA are checking attendance records when they inspect with a fine toothcomb.
Keep checking the Register; we’ll post an update when it is re-included.
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My name in all my academic record including BBA Hon;s, Intermediate and metriculation is Zahoor Ahmed S/O Hamayun while in my NIC and passport my name is Zahoor Ahmed S/O Muhammad Hamayun..so now I want to apply for study visa in UK so I want to clarify that whether embassy can make any objection regarding my name. ?
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Dear Mr. Zahoor,
You realy don’t need to submit your National ID Card if you are applying for a UK visa. By the way, you can easily amend your father’s name in the passport office.If you think you need more info about this you can call me on 01819908977 in Bangladesh.thanks and take care.
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Don’t you think colleges are simply blood suckers?
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
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Tawhidul Islam’s comment about blood sucking colleges certainly applied during the previous mess of scam colleges, mostly run by NON-BRITISH individuals whose only aim was lining their pockets. Many of them were working here on work visas … others were here illegally (and indeed some still are – but the clock is ticking). However, the UKBA has finally responded to many cries over the years and the new system will soon, when fully implemented, weed out any other undesirable blood-suckers from our UK Colleges.
Hang in there, Mr Islam – but, if you do not like the new system then may I suggest you study elsewhere.
The UKBA is getting its act together and thankfully the road ahead is much brighter than before.
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Dear Mr. Bruce,
Thank you so much from Bangladesh for your response. In fact, both big universities and NON-BRITISH colleges are cutting pocket of International students. In the name of imparting education, the universities & colleges are taking money from International students which is almost tripple than the amount paid by EU students. It is, as we see in the UK, a product, not a service any more.
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Dear Mr Islam
You are quite correct. Those outside the EU family do pay more.
I have a solution … give students equitable education to that which they would receive in the UK, in their own countries, and then they will not have to come to the UK.
Nobody forces or begs students to cross our borders – they come of their own free weill – they have made an informed choice. That is their right.
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Dear Mr. Bruce,
Thanks a lot for such a wise and reasonable reply. For years, you people have developed a good education system that you are so proud of. If every nation could ensure quality education like yours, there would be no international student in the UK and it could not be the second biggest source of foreign remittance in your country. Can you imagine how much the 3rd world countries pay each year to flourish your economy? What is the role of your universities to provide quality education to the poor people coming from countries exploited by British Emphire for almost 200 years?
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Dear Mr Islam
To live in the past is not conducive to health and prosperity. The UK’s colonisation and “rape” of its greedy conquests will foever be a stain on our past history.
However, we have moved on and cannot forever live with the guilt of the past misdemenours of our people. In similar vein the Pakistani people cannot live with the guilt that might be their lot – for “occupying” the great nation of Bangladesh until the courageous change brought about by Sheik Haseena’s charismatic father. Importantly, we cannot bring education into the equation – history records that what the British gave in education went rapidly downhill after they left many of their colonies! It is a pity that much of British education has been sacrificed on the alter of “independence”.
Importantly, Britian does not owe education to the world. The UK is not a charitable organisation always having to give hand-outs to so many who do not appreciate or value their OWN identities.
We are not the nanny of the world. We are not a free haven for those who cannot make it in their own countries.
Just as countries export their commodities, Britain exports its educaton – and at market value. Our strong trade rests in education – our second best income earner. Similarly, your country gains income from its exports – cloth et al. If we want to buy your products then we must pay your price – if we do not like it then we must go somewhere else!
Foreigners who want to buy our education must pay the going rate or go elsewhere.
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Dear Mr Bruce,
While your arguement is reasonable, i have to point out to you the fact that the UK Government showed immense greed and arrogance during 2008-2010 when they opened the Point Based System that allowed absolutely any college to sponser anyone who thereafter would have certainty in getting a visa. You can not argue that this was done solely for money… The 3rd world countries are called 3rd world countries because of their lack of education, students from such countries SHOULD NOT be held accountable entirely for their decision to come into the UK on a student visa only to work, the UK Government knew better yet they duped many thousands of students into bringing their hard earned money only to find out that they were not welcomed here!!
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bruce, you are absolutely right in saying UKBA has finally responded to many cries over the years and the new system will weed out undesirable blood-suckers from the uk colleges. i would just like to say that UKBA as whole has always been quite inefficient in long term vision, why would they change rules in every two minutes otherwise? i still cant believe student from all over the world come here to study and dont even speak english. i think every students should have at least 6.5 in ielts before they even think about studying in the uk. this way , uk would have got quality students and contribution to uk economy would have been greater..just a thought really..
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I cam to UK on a degree course before 5th October 2009 but the college when i enrolled is both far from the place i live and I don’t like the management of the college because they gave me tough time when I needed papers for my visa application. They asked me to pay £1000 which i did and the next time i need another set of the same papers they asked me to deposit another £1000 due to some changes in UKBA rules. It turns out those rules were not applicable to me.
Can I now change my college without to another one without getting in contact with my college?
Thanks,
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Hi Bilal
You can definitley change college whilst your are in the UK. If you’d like more details you can email me on: daniel@adviceforyou.org.uk and I can help you with everything from finding a new college to officialy changing your sponsor under Tier 4 of the Points Based System.
As you got your original 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.
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Hi, Daniel..
I am a student ( Tier 4) in uk. I came to UK in october 2010. my visa experis in january 2012. I want to extend my visa. I am doing Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management. Which course should I take for my further Studies an is it possible to extend visa while staying in uk or I will have to go to my home country.
I’ll be waiting for your reply…..
Thank you…..
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Dear,
Actually I do’nt know what can i do now. cas my previous college is close before 60 days. but i dnt move in any college. But now i want 2 study in best college in the uk. can u give me some information about my reason.
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