GUIDE TO COMPLETING THE TIER 4 APPLICATION FORM
Applications made outside the UK
Updated March 2018
This booklet should not be used as a stand-alone guide. Before beginning your visa application you must ensure that you read the UKVI Tier 4 Policy Guidance and the information on the RCM’s Visas and Immigration website.
UKVI regularly makes updates to the Tier 4 Policy Guidance, so it is essential that you check the latest information before applying. Whilst the information in this guide is provided in good faith, and every effort is made to keep it up to date, the RCM accepts no legal responsibility for its accuracy.
A FEW THINGS TO NOTE BEFORE STARTING
Ensure that you read the RCM’s guidance on applying for a Tier 4 visa thoroughly. This is available at
Have your passport and any other immigration documents to hand, well as your CAS Statement, as you will need to copy information from them.
Once you progress to the “Declaration”stage of the form, you will not be able to make any further changes, so make sure you check your answers thoroughly first. Our immigration advisors will be very happy to check your application for you, and we encourage you to request this. Please e-mail a pdf of your application .
The date that the application fee is paid is considered to be your “date of application”. This will be shown on your payment receipt. Your evidence documents (e.g. bank statements) must be dated on or before this date, or your application will be refused.
The Visa Application Centre will retain your passport whilst your application is being processed, so you must not plan to travel overseas during this time.
Applicants under the age of 18
UKVI will calculate your age on the date of application. If you will be under 18 on this date, you must include a letter from your parents or legal guardians confirming they give permission for you to live and study independently in the UK, along with proof of your relationship (e.g. your birth certificate).
Tuberculosis tests
Applicants from certain countries must have a tuberculosis test and include the test certificate with their visa application. You can check whether you require a test and view the list of approved testing centres for your country at
Dependents
If you wish to bring a spouse/partner or dependent children with you to the UK, they must complete a separate application at Only applicants on courses lasting 12 months or longer at RQF Level 7 (Masters)or above are eligible to bring dependents. You can find more information at
If you have problems answering any of the questions on the online application form, and cannot find the answers in these guidance notes, contact for assistance. An incorrect or missing answer could result in your visa being refused, so please do not guess. We are here to help!GETTING STARTED
Begin your application at
If you are applying to extend a current Tier 4 visa from INSIDE the UK you cannot use this application form.Go to to applyYou will now be asked to enter some personal details, incluing: your address and contact telephone number, how long you have lived at that address, your gender and relationship status.
If you answer “yes” you will not see the next question.
You should now check your answers so far before going onto the next section.
Documents
Don’t forget that if you were required to have a tuberculosis test you also need to submit your test certificate!Do not continue past this point until you have thoroughly checked your answers and documents.
We strongly encourage you to get your application checked by one of our international team. Please e-mail a pdf of your answers to .
This is the last opportunity to make changes. After this point your answers will be lockedPAYING THE IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE
We recommend that you print off the payment confirmation with your IHS reference number for your records.
PAYING FOR YOUR VISA APPLICATION
In most counties you will now be taken through to the online application payment service. There are a few countries where this is not available, in which case you will pay your application fee on the date you attend your appointment at the Visa Application Centre.
UKVI’s normal service standard for processing applications made outside the UK is 15 working days. However, there may be quicker priority services available at your local Visa Application Centre. Check whether these are offered and make sure you pay the correct fee.
Once you have made your payment, you will be able to print your visa application. We suggest that you print two copies: one to take to your appointment and one to keep for reference.
BOOKING YOUR APPOINTMENT AT THE VISA APPLICATION CENTRE
You should now be taken through to the booking system to make your appointment at your closest Visa Application Centre.
On the day of your appointment, you will need to take along a print-out of your application and all of your supporting documents. These must be originals, not photocopies. You will have your “biometrics” taken (i.e. a digital photo and your fingerprints). You may also be asked to undertake a short interview via video-link with a member of UKVI staff in the UK. This will be in English and you will be asked questions about your course and where you plan to live in the UK, so make sure you know this information.
BRP COLLECTION
Your visa will take the form of a “Biometric Residence Permit” (BRP), which is a plastic card the size of a credit card. These can only be printed in the UK, so initially you will be given an Entry Clearance sticker in your passport. This will be valid for 30 days to allow you to travel to the UK. Once you arrive, you will need to collect your BRP from the designated Post Office within 10 days. When your visa is granted your decision letter will tell you when and where your BRP will be ready for collection.
Your BRP will either be delivered to the nearest Post Office branch to the RCM (on Kensington High Street) or the nearest branch to your accommodation.
Applicants under the age of 18 should note that they are not permitted to collect their BRP without a responsible adult. If one of your parents will be travelling to the UK with you to help you settle in, you can nominate them to collect your BRP for you. You need to nominate them at least a week before you plan to collect your BRP, using the form at If you are travelling to the UK alone, please contact and we will arrange permission for one of our staff to attend the Post Office with you. It is helpful if you arrive a few working days before the first day of term if you require this, as our staff are extremely busy during Induction Week.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Have you prepared…?
Passport
Current UK visa or BRP card (if applicable)
Academic qualification used for admission to your course as listed on your CAS (original certificate, with certified translation if the original is not in English).
Financial evidence
Letter of permission from your parents if you are under 18, plus evidence of your relationship such as a birth certificate
Original up to date Police Registration Certificate (if you have previously lived in the UK and were required to register with the Police)
Tuberculosis test certificate (if required for your country of residence)
Check your financial evidence
If you are using a bank statement as your financial evidence, check that:
The account holds cash funds and there are no restrictions on withdrawing the money (shares, bonds, credit cards and pension funds are not permitted, nor are family business accounts)
The letter is printed on the bank’s original headed paper
If you are using electronic printouts, they are stamped on every page by the bank OR accompanied by an original letter from the bank confirming they are genuine
The statement shows the account holder(s)’ legal name(s)
The statement shows the account number and the financial institution’s name and logo
The statement was issued no more than 31 days before the date of application
The statement shows you have held the required amount of funds for at least 28 consecutive days
You enclose a certified translation if your statement is not in English
If you are using a bank letter, check that:
The account holds cash funds and there are no restrictions on withdrawing the money (shares, bonds, credit cards and pension funds are not permitted,nor are family business accounts)
The letter is printed on the bank’s original headed paper
The letter shows the account holder(s) legal name(s)
The letter shows the account number and the financial institution’s name and logo
The letter was issued no more than 31 days before the date of application
The letter shows you have held the required amount of funds for at least 28 consecutive days (the letter must state that the funds have been held “from X date to Y date”: it is NOT sufficient to simply state the amount of funds in the account on the date of issue)
You enclose a certified translation if your letter is not in English
If you are using a bank account in your parent(s) or guardian(s)’ name, ensure you enclose:
Evidence of your relationship (e.g. original birth or adoption certificate), with a certified translation if the original is not in English
Original letter from your parents confirming they give you permission to use the money for your studies
Final tip! Keep photocopies of all documentation you submit. You may need to rely on these if there is a problem with your application.1