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


The Taylor Partnership


Mark Taylor
www.ttplaw.co.uk
E mail: mark@ttplaw.co.uk