UK Visas: a guide to

successful applications

By

Mark Taylor

Executive Director, The Taylor Partnership

For ICEF, Berlin – 2nd November 2014

www.ttplaw.co.uk

Is the UK “open for business”?

Some people say:

1. The Tier 4 system has made it difficult for students to apply;

2. The incentive to study in the UK has been damaged by the loss of the Post Study Work Permit;

3. Other countries are more welcoming to students;

4. International students are important only as a source of revenue

5. The political situation in the UK is unwelcoming to migrants.

Tier 4: the problems

1. Document requirements;

2. English language test;

3. Delays in processing applications;

4. Interviews;

5. Inconsistent decisions by British Embassy /High Commission

6. No independent judicial right of appeal if the application is refused

Tier 4: the reality - documents

1. On line application

2. Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies;

3. Original personal bank statements demonstrating availability of outstanding fees for 28 continuous days;

4. English language test (over 18s)

5. Birth certificate (if using parental bank statements);

6. Consent letter (if under 18 or if using parental bank statements)

7. Translations into English (if necessary)

8. TB certificate (if necessary)

Tier 4: maintenance

1. A notional monthly amount relating to living costs

2. A new student entering the UK for the first time

3. Maintenance is 9 x £820 = £7,380 (outside London)

4. Maintenance is 9 x £1020 = £9,180 (inner London)

5. Where all accommodation fees have been paid – a credit of £1,000 from maintenance;

6. Where the student has an “existing presence” – just 2 months;

7. If a Child Student at an independent boarding school – no maintenance requirements

English Language

1. Is it fair for an international student to start a course when he/she cannot speak English?

2. A greater understanding of the language gives the student a greater chance of academic success

3. If a student is struggling with English – why not come, first, as a student visitor?

4. Attend a pre-sessional course?

5. Embed English language as part of the course

Genuine test

1. It is subjective

2. But it is not unreasonable

3. Like any interview – prepare!

4. Questions:

i. Why do you want to come to the UK?

ii. What course are you studying?

iii. Describe the modules in your course?

iv. Why did you choose this school / College / Uni?

v. How do you think coming to the UK helps your education?

vi. What do you intend to do in the future?

If the application is refused …

1. Ensure that the application as thorough as possible;

2. If there are any “grey” areas – explain them in a covering letter;

3. If the application is refused, further evidence cannot be submitted;

4. Mistakes do happen – administrative review;

5. Alternatively, a new CAS and visa application is required;

6. Tier 4 sponsors – refusal rate reduced to 10%;

7. No right of appeal in the UK – administrative review

UK students – the numbers

1. Between June 2013 and June 2014

2. 218,295 international students came to the UK;

3. An increase of 7% on the same period last year;

4. Between June 2013 and June 2014

5. 78,109 student visitors came to the UK;

6. An increase of 8% on the same period last year

After study….

1. Permanent residence after 10 consecutive years;

2. Tier 2 – work: employed by a Tier 2 licence holder;

3. Increase in the number of licence holders;

4. Between June 2013 and 2014 – 159,302 visa granted – up 10%

5. Tier 1 Entrepreneur - £200,000

The alternatives ….

1. Tier 1 Investor – a minimum investment of £2 million

2. Permanent residence after 5 years

3. EU passport – a minimum investment of £1 million

4. Citizenship granted in 8 to 12 weeks!

Welcome in the UK?

1. Some of the best education in world

2. Including independent boarding schools, vocational FE Colleges and Universities;

3. Specialist schools – eg Priory Group

4. Vibrant, multi-cultural towns and cities;

5. A growing, stable economy

6. The role of migrants in UK economy and society

7. Enriching the lives and academic careers of international students

Contact

Mark Taylor

The Taylor Partnership

www.ttplaw.co.uk

E mail: mark@ttplaw.co.uk