Tier 4

Tier 4, the student route, was launched on 31 March 2009. UK education providers will act as the sponsor for students from outside the UK/EEA. If you are accepted onto a course, you will be issued with a confirmation of acceptance for studies.

For the purposes of immigration rules, the term student healthcare professional means a person accepted for training as a healthcare professional leading to a registered qualification. You will need to meet the requirements set out by the UKBA to obtain a student visa.

All students need a visa to enter the UK for the purpose of study, except those on a course of study of six months or less who may qualify for leave under the new student visitor category. For further information visit the UKBA website.

There are two types of visas available under tier 4:

• Tier 4 (general student) - for all those wishing to come to the UK for their post-16 education
• Tier 4 (child student) - for children between the ages of 4 and 16 wishing to continue their education at independent schools in the UK.

Supplementary work for students

If you are over 16 and hold a general student visa, you will be allowed to work whilst in the UK under certain conditions:

• no more than 20 hours a week of part-time work during term time
• full-time work during vacations
• work placements as part of their course
• postgraduate doctor or dentist on a recognised Foundation Programme
• The work must not fill a full-time permanent vacancy, must not be self-employed and must not be as a doctor in training (with the exception of Foundation Programme training)

You will not have to seek approval from the UKBA before you commence supplementary work.