Immigration - Tier 4 Super Guide

Question 12: What happens after I have submitted my application?

Applying from outside the UK

The process varies widely from country to country. Check out the country-specific information on the UKVisas website. Processing times vary from a few days to 2-3 months so we recommend that you apply for your visa as early as possible. Keep in mind that students are not allowed to arrive late so you must be granted your visa in time to start your programme or re-register.

Applying from inside the UK

Once you have submitted your postal application, you will receive an acknowledgement letter from the UK Border Agency confirming that they have received your application. This will usually arrive after 1-2 weeks. You will then receive a further letter (after 3-4 weeks) asking you to have your biometric details taken within 15 days. Since April 2012, this is now done entirely through local Post Offices including branches in Exeter, Plymouth and Truro. An appointment is not necessary but you must take your letter with you and will be required to pay a nominal fee.

After you have enrolled your biometrics, the UK Border Agency caseworkers will consider your application and decide whether or not to give you the visa. You will often have to wait a significant period of time after your biometric appointment for your visa to be granted, so please be patient. It can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months to process your application as standard. Applications can take up to 6 months to be processed on rare occasions.

Your visa will be issued on a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which is a separate 'ID' card instead of a sticker in your passport. You will need to carry both the BRP and your passport together when you travel and show them both to immigration officers. If you have submitted your application through the International Student Support Office, your passport, Biometric Residence Permit and documents will be sent back to our office and we will contact you to collect them. Otherwise, they will be posted to the address you wrote on your form.

If you apply for your visa in-person, your application should be processed more quickly. You will enrol your biometrics at your appointment and should be given a decision on the same day. You will then usually receive your BRP within 1 week. Note that this timeframe is not guaranteed, however, and Public Enquiry Offices often keep applications for much longer if they have any queries or concerns. We do not recommend in-person applications for anyone who does not have an entirely straightforward application.

Next: Question 13: What if my application is refused?

Tier 4 Frequently Asked Questions

• SSC Tier 4 Student Visa Application Checklist
• SSC PBS Dependant Visa Checklist
• Question 1: Do I need a visa?
• Question 2: Can I bring my family to the UK with me?
• Question 3: Where do I apply?
• Question 4: What is the application fee?
• Question 5: What application form should I fill in?
• Question 6: What is the UK Border Agency looking for?
• Question 7: How do I prove that I have an offer?
• Question 8: What qualifications do I need to show?
• Question 9: What finances do I need to show?
• Question 10: How do I show the funds available to me and how long do I need to show them for?
• Question 11: What immigration documents do I need?
• Question 12: What happens after I have submitted my application?
• Question 13: What if my application is refused?

If you have further questions please contact us.