Shabana Bukhari 
In this blog readers will gain valuable advice on how to navigate extending your Tier 4 student visa in Reading with our expert services. We ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.
What is a Tier 4 Student Visa Extension?
A Tier 4 Student Visa Extension is an application made to increase the amount of time an applicant can stay in the UK for the purpose of study. This incapsulates a need for extension if you wish to change the academic course that you are currently on or to continue your current course.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for extending a Tier 4 Student Visa are described below:
- Currently hold a Tier 4 Student Visa.
- Have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) which proves that you hold an unconditional offer on a UK course. Importantly, it shows that this UK course is with a licensed student sponsor.
- Prove that the studies which you plan to take are at a higher academic level than the current course you are on (for those that are currently studying a course in the UK). This is termed the ‘academic progress requirement’. Please speak to our team at Henleaze Law which can offer guidance on exceptions to such a requirement. Also for more information on whether you must prove this requirement follow the link: Student route: caseworker guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Fees
The fees for a Tier 4 Student visa extension are £490. Importantly, you will also be required to pay the healthcare surcharge which varies.
Application Process
- Ensure that you meet the above eligibility criteria and have all the documentation needed as evidence. For instance, ensure that you have your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
- Proceed to making an application which crucially must be before your current visa expires, a maximum of three months before your course begins and within six months of receiving your CAS.
Your application will be made online by following this link: GOV.UK – The best place to find government services and information (homeoffice.gov.uk).
- Whilst making the online application you must prove your identity which will either be in the form of a biometric residence permit or through the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app which scans your documents proving your identity. Discuss with our team at Henleaze Law on which route you are likely to need to take.
- Pay the fee which is £490 in addition to the varying healthcare surcharge.
- Await to hear back on the success of your application for extension which is estimated to be within eight weeks if you have not paid for a faster decision to be made.
- If your application is successful, you will either receive a biometric residence permit or a digital immigration status.
FAQs
Why would I need an extension on my Tier 4 Student Visa? – An applicant may want an extension on their Tier 4 Student Visa because they wish to change the academic course that they are currently on or to continue their current course.
Is there an alternative to extending my Tier 4 Student Visa? – Yes, there is an alternative to extending your Tier 4 Student Visa as one may be able to apply for a Graduate visa instead. This allows successful applicants to remain in the UK for a minimum of two years after the successful completion of their academic course. For more information on this visa follow the link: Graduate visa: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
What does a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) prove? – A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) proves that you hold an unconditional offer on a UK course and that it is with a licensed student sponsor.
On a Tier 4 Student Visa extension am I able to bring my partner or children? – Yes, on a Tier 4 Student Visa extension you can bring your partner or children. However, they must apply separately for an extension of their own visa which can either be at the same time of you making your extension or before their current visa’s expiration date.
What is the academic progress requirement? – The academic progress requirement is part of the eligibility criteria for a Tier 4 Student visa extension whereby applicants must show that the studies which they plan to take are at a higher academic level than the current course they are on.
When can I make an application for the extension of my Tier 4 Student visa? – You can make an application for the extension of my Tier 4 Student visa a maximum of three months before your course begins. It is crucial that an application is made before the expiry of your current visa.
How much does it cost to make a Tier 4 Student visa extension? – It costs £490 to make a Tier 4 Student visa extension, as well as the varying healthcare surcharge.
How long will I have to wait to hear back on the success of my extension application? – It is estimated to be within eight weeks before applicants will hear back on the success of your extension application. Talk to our expert team at Henleaze Law who can advice you on whether paying for a faster decision may be to your benefit.
If my application for Tier 4 Student visa extension is successful, what will I receive? – If your application for Tier 4 Student visa extension is successful you will either receive a biometric residence permit or a digital immigration status.
Summary
In this blog readers have gained valuable advice on how to navigate extending your Tier 4 Student visa in Reading with our expert services.
Please contact our expert team at Henleaze Law which have a wealth of experience on Tier 4 Student visa extensions on 0117 908 4625 or via email.
