The Tier 4 (General) student visa is for individuals who are over 16 years of age and want to study English language in the UK for longer than 11 months or a course at or above foundation degree level. All applicants must meet the Home Office English language proficiency requirements for visa purposes only. For example, the applicant should submit publicly accredited English test scores corresponding to CEFR B1 or higher (IELTS 4.0) to enrol in college preparation or degree courses.
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Visa Requirements
- In order to apply for a visa to study in the UK you must be accepted on a course with an education provider recognised by the Home Office.
The UKVI classifies South Korea as low risk and therefore it is not necessary to meet the maintenance requirements.
However, the UKVI can request evidence of your finances at any point during the application process, even if you are a Low Risk applicant so you must prepare these before submitting your online application.
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Conditions of Stay
- As a Tier 4 (general) student your leave to remain in the UK is dependent on your continued engagement with your course of study.
If you wish to make changes to your programme of study, you may need to go home and apply for a new Tier 4 visa before you can make the change.
If you hold a Tier 4 visa, and your visa states that work is permitted, then you can work.
If you are doing a full-time degree-level course, then you should be able to work 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during your vacations.
If you are doing a course that is below degree level (such as a foundation course or Pre-sessional English course), then you should be able to work 10 hours per week during term time, and full-time during your vacations.
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Length of Stay
- Students can apply for their visa no more than 3 months before the scheduled start date of thier course, and successful applicants will be granted a visa in line with the length of their initial course of study, with some additional time before the course starts and after the course ends.
Visa extension in the UK is possible provided students apply no more than before the start date of thier course and no later than 6 months after getting a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS).
