Tier 4 of the Points Based System (PBS) applies to overseas students from the age of four onwards who wish to come to the UK to be educated. The two categories under Tier 4 will be child student which allows for children between the ages of 4 and 16 to come to the UK to be educated at independent schools in the UK and the general student category for those wishing to come to the UK to further their post -16 education.
In order to be able to teach overseas students, educational establishments in the UK will need to obtain a licence as a Tier 4 sponsor. Although the sponsor register has been open since July 2008 for colleges and universities to apply to UK Border Agency to become licensed sponsors, Tier 4 will open in March 2009. Sponsorship duties: As sponsors, educational establishments will need to ensure that their students comply with their immigration conditions. Establishments will need to be able to show that they keep records on each student, and report any changes to UK Border Agency, such as if they do not show up for their studies. Educational establishments that do not comply with their sponsorship duties will risk having their licences withdrawn.
Establishments will also need to demonstrate that they meet certain sponsorship duties which comply with UK Border Agency policy in relation to record keeping, reporting and compliance. Educational establishments will need to show that they have been inspected, audited or are subject to review by an appropriate body, hold valid accreditation, or offer short term 'study abroad' programmes at their premises in the UK. As part of their compliance duties under Tier 4, establishments will need to:
- keep copies of passports for all non EU students clearly showing their entitlement to study in the UK
- maintain up to date contact details for each student;
- report to UK Border Agency any student who fails to enrol on their course, any unauthorised absences, any students who discontinue or defer studies and any changes in a student's circumstances;
- maintain any appropriate accreditation;
- offer courses to international students which comply with UK Border Agency conditions.
Educational establishments will need to ensure that prospective students score a total of at least 40 points across the different criteria as outlined below before issuing them with a certificate of sponsorship or confirmation of acceptance for studies:
| Criteria for points | How points are awarded | |
| Sponsorship Up to 30 points | A valid confirmation of acceptance for studies, which is issued if an establishment believes that the student is capable of doing and intends to do the course and the course is at the appropriate level | 30 |
| Maintenance 10 points | £800 per month, plus the course fees, for students on courses of less than 12 months. £9,600 to cover the first year, plus the course fees, for students on courses of more than 12 months. £535 per month per dependant. | 10 |
If you would like any information on Tier 4, please contact us
For full details of the documentary requirements and a breakdown of the whole application process specific to your case contact us by email: info@definitive-is.com or call one of our experienced UK Immigration Consultants on 0870 240 7825.
Alternatively forward an online enquiry.
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