Supporting documents

Supporting documents

It is essential that you include exactly the documentation required by the UKBA with your Tier 4 visa application; otherwise it is likely that your application will be refused. You must include the originals of all documents specified (unless stated otherwise), as well as a copy of each document if you are applying from outside of the UK.

All documents must be in the correct format, as outlined in the Tier 4 Policy Guidance.

Tier 4 Policy Guidance (PDF)

If any of your documents are not in English or Welsh then you must submit both the original and a full translation that meets the requirements contained in paragraphs 14-15 of the Tier 4 Policy Guidance.

Differentiation arrangements

If you qualify for the UKBA’s Differentiation arrangements you will not have to submit as many supporting documents with your application. The documents that you do not need to submit are marked with an asterisk (*) in the lists below.

However, please note that you will have to provide these documents if requested to do so by the UKBA. It is therefore advisable to obtain these documents anyway, or at least be certain that you can obtain them if necessary. The UKBA will refuse your application if they request supporting documents from you and you do not provide them within the specified period of time.

CAS statements

You do not need to submit your CAS statement with your application. Instead you must enter your CAS number on your application form in answer to the relevant question(s). The CAS statement is for your information only to help you to complete your application form.

Students applying from outside of the UK

If you are applying from outside of the UK you must submit the following documents with your application:

Passport(s) – you must submit any passports that you have ever used to travel to the UK.

Visas/BRPs – you must submit any current or previous UK visas or Biometric Residence cards, (unless these have been retained by the UKBA).

Photographs – you must submit one photograph that meets the UKBA’s photograph guidance.

TB certificate – if applicable (see Completing an application form overseas for more information).

Documents submitted to St. George’s to obtain your offer* – if your CAS statement lists qualifications and/or documents that were used to obtain your place at St. George’s then you must ensure that you submit the originals with your application. If St. George’s has the originals then please contact us as soon as possible so that we can return them to you.

email: visaadvice@sgul.ac.uk

English language qualification – if you are going to be studying a course that is at degree level or above (that is NQF level 6 or above – this will be listed on your CAS statement), then you do not need to submit evidence of your English language level with your application. It will be listed on your CAS, which is sufficient.
Please refer to the English language requirements section for more information, particularly if you are going to be studying a course below degree level, or if your CAS was assigned before 21st April 2011.

Financial documents* – please refer to the Financial documents section for information about which financial documents are acceptable. This section also includes details of the additional documents that you will have to submit if you will be using funds held in your parents’ name(s).

Additional evidence for students who receive official financial sponsorship – if you had permission to be in the UK in the last 12 months as a student, Tier 4 Adult (General) or (Child) Student, student nurse, student re-sitting an examination, student writing up a thesis or postgraduate doctor or dentist and you are currently receiving official financial sponsorship from a government or an international scholarship agency, (or you have previously been sponsored by a government or an international scholarship agency and this sponsorship ended within the last 12 months), then you must submit written evidence that your financial sponsor gives their unconditional consent for you to re-enter the UK.
The evidence must be original, on the official letter-headed paper or stationery of the organisation and have the organisation’s official stamp on it. It must have been issued by an authorised official of that organisation.

ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate – if your course requires an ATAS certificate then you must submit a a print-out of the ATAS clearance certificate with your application. See ATAS certificates for more information.

Further information about which documents you must submit with your application if you are applying from outside of the UK can be found on the UK Visas website here and here.

You should also read the UKBA’s Guide to supporting documents checklist.

Students applying from inside the UK

If you are applying from within the UK you must submit the following documents with your application:

Passport(s) – you must submit any passports that you have ever used to travel to the UK. If any of these have been lost or stolen, you will need to provide a police report and provide additional details on your Tier 4 application form.

Visas/BRPs – you must submit any current or previous UK visas or Biometric Residence cards, (unless these have been retained by the UKBA).

Photographs – you must submit two photographs that meet the UKBA’s photograph guidance. As instructed on the Tier 4 application form you must write your full name on the back of each photograph, place them in a small, sealed envelope and attach this envelope to the application form, taking care that the paperclip or pin that you use to attach the envelope to the form does not damage the photographs.

Police Registration certificate – if your current visa required you to register with the police then you must submit your police registration certificate with your application. Make sure that your police registration certificate contains your current address.

email: visaadvice@sgul.ac.uk

Please refer to the English language requirements section for more information, particularly if you are going to be studying a course below degree level, or if your CAS was assigned before 21st April 2011.

Additional evidence for students who receive official financial sponsorship – if you have permission to be in the UK as a student, Tier 4 Adult (General) or (Child) Student, student nurse, student re-sitting an examination, student writing up a thesis or postgraduate doctor or dentist, (or you have had permission in one of these categories in the last 12 months), and you are currently receiving official financial sponsorship from a government or an international scholarship agency, (or you have previously been sponsored by a government or an international scholarship agency and this sponsorship ended within the last 12 months), then you must submit written evidence that your financial sponsor gives their consent to your Tier 4 application.

The evidence must be original, on the official letter-headed paper or stationery of the organisation and have the organisation’s official stamp on it. It must have been issued by an authorised official of that organisation.

Any questions?

We hope that having read the information above you understand which documents you need to submit with your Tier 4 application. However, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your supporting documents then please contact us.

email: visaadvice@sgul.ac.uk

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Please note that the above information is subject to change; please check the UK Border Agency’s website for updates. The information herein provided is given in good faith for information only purposes. The information herewith provided is not intended to nor does it constitute legal advice. St. George’s, University of London does not warrant the accuracy of the information provided and accepts no liability whatsoever as any claims arising from reliance thereon.

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