The UK Border Agency reminded customers today of the change in rules regarding funding requirements for student visa applications.

With effect from 1 October 2009, all applicants who are making a Tier 4 student visa application must hold the required funds in their personal or their parents'/legal guardians' bank account for a minimum period of 28 days prior to making their visa application.

The end of that 28 day period must not be more than one month before the date of the visa application. Applicants must show bank statements or other evidence specified in the official Tier 4 guidance.

The transitional arrangements that were in place allowing funds to be held on the date of application only will no longer apply to applications made overseas on or after 1 October.

Notes for Editors

1. The transitional arrangements for funds have been in place since the points based system for student visas (Tier 4) was introduced on 31 March 2009. The intention to reinstate the rule requiring funding to be held for 28 days has been advertised on the UK Visa Services' website since the concession was introduced.
This change brings the maintenance requirements for Tier 4 into line with other tiers of the points based system.

2. The official guidance for Tier 4 student visa applications.

3. Under Tier 4, applicants for student visas need to acquire the requisite number of points from:

• holding a visa letter, which is an unconditional offer to study by an education provider in the UK, and
• fulfilling the maintenance requirements, that show that the applicant has sufficient funds to support him/herself and pay course fees.

4. Education providers must be licensed by the UK Border Agency to recruit overseas students. It is important that applicants check the register of licensed providers, which is available at UKBA website.

5. The Tier 4 guidance sets out the evidence that must be provided as proof of finances. It is important that applicants follow this guidance and provide the documents specified.

6. Some visa application centres in India have been closed today, 30 September. They will be open tomorrow for business as usual.

30.9.2009

Dan Chugg
Director, Press and Communications
British High Commission
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Tel: 26872161; Fax: 26870065
mailto: Sam.Murray@fco.gov.uk

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