Applying for UK Entry Clearance

If you are a non-EEA National and you wish to come to the UK to study for more than six months you need permission to do so and you must apply for a Tier 4 Student (General) visa in your home country before you travel. Permission to come to the UK is called 'entry clearance'.

If you are not sure whether you need a visa or not, use the UKBA 'Do I need a Visa?' webpage to help you find out.

How to apply

To apply for UK Entry Clearance you must complete and submit the current VAF9 application form and VAF9 Appendix 8: Tier 4 and provide the relevant supporting evidence.

Follow the steps below to help you apply for your visa successfully:

1. Download and print the current VAF9 application form and VAF 9 Appendix 8: Tier 4.
2. Use the VAF9 guidance notes to help you complete the form.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) from the University.
4. Apply for your Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate (if required).
5. Make sure you have the required money in your bank account for the required period.

Further help is available from the UKCISA guide to Making a Tier 4 (General) application.

'Low Risk' students

If you are from one of the countries listed below, you may not be required to produce any additional documents with your Tier 4 visa application:

Argentina, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Croatia Hong Kong Japan New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan (if you hold a passport issued by Taiwan that includes the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan) Trinidad and Tobago, USA.

Please note that you are still required to fulfil the requirements (including having sufficient money in your account) even if you are not asked for documentary proof. Click here for more details

Further guidance

Before you make your successful entry clearance application under Tier 4, it is extremely important that you read and understand the UK Border Agency guidance which explains how to apply for entry clearance including advice on the application process and documents you will need.

Help is also available from the UKCISA guide to Making a Tier 4 (General) application.

Things to remember 

• Check that you meet all the requirements before you apply
• Provide evidence in exactly the format required by UKBA (as explained in the Policy Guidance and application form)
• Complete all sections of the form fully and accurately
• Allow plenty of time to make your application and to start gathering documents

If you do not fully meet all the requirements, or you provide evidence which is not exactly what UKBA asks for, it is likely that your application will be refused.

Your family

If you have dependants applying with you at the same time, their application must also be completed. For more information about applying for a Dependant Visa, click here.