Many people still search online for information about the Tier 4 visa, even though the route no longer exists under the UK immigration system. For many years, the Tier 4 visa was the main immigration route allowing international students to study in the United Kingdom. It formed part of the UK’s Points Based System and was widely used by universities and colleges sponsoring overseas students.
For context on how student immigration fits within the wider UK immigration framework, it can help to understand the broader UK visa system, including the UK visa application process, typical UK visa processing times and UK visa fees.
In October 2020, the UK government replaced the Tier 4 route with the Student visa and Child Student visa under the reformed immigration system. Despite this change, the term “Tier 4 visa” is still commonly used by applicants researching study options in the UK or by former visa holders reviewing their immigration history. Understanding how the Tier 4 visa worked, why it was replaced, and what options now exist is important for anyone studying in the UK or planning to stay in the UK after study.
This guide explains what the Tier 4 visa was, who it applied to, the rules that governed the route, and the immigration options available to former Tier 4 visa holders.
What this article is about
This article provides a clear explanation of the former UK Tier 4 visa route and how it fits into the current immigration system. It examines the historical purpose of the Tier 4 visa, the eligibility requirements that applied when the route was active, and what replaced it under the UK’s modern immigration framework. It also outlines the options available to individuals who previously held a Tier 4 visa and wish to remain in the UK after completing their studies.
Section A: What Was the Tier 4 Visa?
1. Definition of the Tier 4 visa
The Tier 4 visa was the United Kingdom’s main immigration route for international students wishing to study in the UK before October 2020. It formed part of the government’s Points Based System (PBS), which organised immigration routes into different tiers depending on the purpose of entry into the UK.
Under the Tier 4 route, overseas nationals could obtain permission to enter or remain in the UK for the purpose of studying at a recognised educational institution. Applicants were required to secure sponsorship from an approved education provider, demonstrate that they met the financial maintenance requirements, and satisfy English language requirements where applicable.
The visa allowed students to study a wide range of courses in the UK, including university degrees, postgraduate qualifications, further education courses, English language programmes, and certain foundation and pathway courses. The duration of the visa depended on the length and level of the course being studied. In most cases, students were granted leave covering the duration of their studies together with a short period after the course ended.
2. Tier 4 visa categories
The Tier 4 route consisted of two main categories designed to accommodate different types of students.
Tier 4 (General) was the primary student visa route and applied to international students aged 16 or over studying at a UK university, college, or other licensed education provider. Most overseas students studying degree-level courses in the UK entered the country under this route.
Tier 4 (Child) applied to children aged between 4 and 17 who wished to study at an independent school in the UK. Applicants under this route needed parental consent and had to demonstrate suitable care arrangements during their stay in the UK.
Both routes required the education provider to hold a sponsor licence, meaning they had been approved by the Home Office to sponsor international students under the applicable student sponsorship framework.
3. The sponsorship system
A central feature of the Tier 4 visa system was the student sponsorship framework. Education providers wishing to enrol international students had to be licensed by the Home Office as Tier 4 sponsors.
Once a student had been accepted onto a course, the institution would issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The CAS was an electronic reference number confirming that the student had been offered a place on a course and that the institution was willing to sponsor their visa application.
The CAS contained information about the course, tuition fees, and the sponsoring institution. Applicants were required to include the CAS reference number when applying for a Tier 4 visa. Without a valid CAS issued by a licensed sponsor, it was not possible to apply for a Tier 4 visa.
4. What replaced the Tier 4 visa?
The Tier 4 visa route closed to new applicants on 5 October 2020 when the UK introduced a reformed immigration system. The route was replaced by the Student visa and Child Student visa, which now operate under Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules.
Although the overall structure of the student immigration system remained similar, the new Student visa route introduced changes designed to simplify the application framework while retaining the sponsorship model. Importantly, the Student route remains a points-based route, with applicants required to score 70 points, including points for a CAS and meeting the relevant English language and financial requirements.
Today, international students applying to study in the UK must apply under the Student visa route, rather than the former Tier 4 system.
Section A Summary
The Tier 4 visa was the UK’s primary immigration route for international students before October 2020. It formed part of the Points Based System and allowed overseas nationals to study in the UK provided they were sponsored by an approved educational institution and met the relevant immigration requirements. The route included two categories—Tier 4 (General) for adult students and Tier 4 (Child) for younger students attending independent schools. The Tier 4 routes closed to new applicants on 5 October 2020 and were replaced by the Student visa and Child Student visa under Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules.
Section B: Tier 4 Visa Requirements and Eligibility
When the Tier 4 visa route was in operation, applicants had to satisfy a number of immigration requirements set out in the UK’s Points Based System. The Home Office required applicants to demonstrate that they had been accepted onto a qualifying course, had sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their studies, and could meet the English language requirements for their programme.
The system was designed to ensure that international students entering the UK were genuine students and capable of completing their chosen course of study. Applicants therefore needed to provide detailed evidence as part of the visa application process, including sponsorship confirmation from an education provider and proof of maintenance funds.
Although the Tier 4 route has now been replaced by the Student visa, the core principles behind these requirements remain broadly similar in the modern student immigration framework.
1. Points requirement under the Points Based System
The Tier 4 visa formed part of the UK’s Points Based System (PBS), meaning applicants needed to achieve a specific number of points in order to qualify for a visa.
Under the Tier 4 route, applicants were required to obtain 40 points, made up of:
- 30 points for a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by a licensed Tier 4 sponsor
- 10 points for demonstrating sufficient financial maintenance
The CAS confirmed that the student had been accepted onto an eligible course at an approved education provider and that the institution had agreed to sponsor the student’s visa application.
The financial maintenance requirement ensured that students had sufficient funds available to cover tuition fees and living costs while studying in the UK.
2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) was an essential requirement for all Tier 4 visa applications.
A CAS was issued by a UK educational institution that held a valid Tier 4 sponsor licence. It confirmed that the applicant had been offered a place on a course and that the institution was willing to sponsor the student under the immigration system.
The CAS contained key information required for the visa application, including:
- the course title and level of study
- the start and end dates of the course
- the tuition fees payable
- details of the sponsoring education provider
Each CAS contained a unique reference number that applicants had to include in their visa application. Without a valid CAS issued by a licensed sponsor, the application could not proceed.
Sponsors were also responsible for monitoring the attendance and engagement of their sponsored students and were required to report certain changes to the Home Office through the sponsorship system.
3. Financial maintenance requirement
Tier 4 applicants had to demonstrate that they had enough funds to support themselves while studying in the UK. This requirement was designed to ensure that international students could meet their living costs without needing to rely on public funds.
Applicants were typically required to show that they could cover:
- outstanding tuition fees for their course
- maintenance funds to cover living expenses while studying in the UK
The amount of maintenance funds required varied depending on the location of the education provider and whether the student had already spent time studying in the UK.
Evidence of funds usually had to be provided in the form of bank statements or other financial documents showing that the required funds had been held for a specified period prior to the visa application.
4. English language requirement
Most Tier 4 visa applicants were required to demonstrate that they had a sufficient level of English language ability to study in the UK.
The level of English required depended on the level of the course being studied. Applicants typically needed to demonstrate English language ability through an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) or through qualifications recognised by the sponsoring institution.
In some circumstances, applicants were exempt from the English language requirement, including where they were nationals of majority English-speaking countries or where their previous academic qualifications had been taught in English.
Education providers sponsoring students under the Tier 4 route were responsible for assessing whether applicants met the relevant English language standards for their course.
5. Course eligibility and full-time study requirements
Applicants under the Tier 4 route were required to enrol on a course that met the Home Office requirements for student visas.
In most cases, this meant the course had to be a full-time course of study offered by a licensed Tier 4 sponsor. The course also needed to meet the relevant academic level requirements set out in the Immigration Rules.
Eligible courses included:
- degree level courses at recognised universities
- postgraduate programmes
- foundation courses preparing students for higher education
- certain further education courses
- English language programmes at approved institutions
The specific definition of full-time study depended on the level of the course. Courses below degree level generally required a minimum number of organised daytime study hours each week, while degree level programmes were assessed based on the structure of the course.
Section B Summary
The Tier 4 visa operated under the UK’s Points Based System and required applicants to meet several eligibility criteria. Students needed to obtain 40 points by securing a CAS from a licensed sponsor and demonstrating sufficient financial maintenance. They also had to satisfy English language requirements and enrol on an eligible full-time course of study. These requirements formed the core framework of the UK’s former student immigration route and continue to influence the structure of the current Student visa system.
Section C: What Happened to the Tier 4 Visa?
Although the Tier 4 visa was the primary immigration route for international students in the UK for more than a decade, the system was reformed in 2020 as part of wider changes to the UK immigration framework. The government introduced a simplified immigration structure designed to make the system easier to navigate while maintaining the existing sponsorship model for international students.
As part of these reforms, the Tier 4 visa route was formally closed to new applicants and replaced by the Student visa and Child Student visa routes. While the terminology changed, many of the core principles of the student immigration system remained similar, including the sponsorship framework and the requirement for students to demonstrate financial maintenance and English language ability.
Understanding why the Tier 4 visa was replaced and how the new system operates is important for individuals researching historical visa routes or exploring their current immigration options after studying in the UK.
1. Closure of the Tier 4 visa route
The Tier 4 visa route closed to new applicants on 5 October 2020. From this date onwards, all international students wishing to study in the UK have been required to apply under the Student visa route instead.
The change formed part of the UK government’s broader reform of the immigration system following the end of free movement between the UK and the European Union. The previous Points Based System had divided immigration routes into different tiers, including Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4 and Tier 5.
In the reformed system, the government moved away from the tier structure and replaced it with individual immigration routes set out in different sections of the Immigration Rules. The student immigration route is now governed by Appendix Student, which contains the rules that apply to individuals seeking permission to study in the UK.
Although the Tier 4 visa route itself closed in 2020, the rules governing the new Student visa route remain broadly similar in structure.
2. Introduction of the Student visa route
The Student visa replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route and is now the primary visa used by international students studying in the UK.
Under the current system, applicants must still:
- obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor
- demonstrate that they meet the financial maintenance requirements
- satisfy the English language requirement where applicable
- enrol on a qualifying course of study
However, the Student visa route introduced a number of changes intended to simplify the application process and improve the UK’s attractiveness as a destination for international students.
Key reforms included:
- simplified evidential requirements for some applicants
- greater flexibility for switching immigration routes from within the UK
- improved post-study work options through the introduction of the Graduate visa route
- adjustments to the way English language ability may be assessed by sponsoring institutions
Despite these changes, the core sponsorship system used under the Tier 4 visa route continues to operate within the modern Student visa framework.
3. Key differences between the Tier 4 visa and the Student visa
While the Tier 4 visa and Student visa share many similarities, there are several important differences between the two routes.
The most notable difference is the removal of the tier-based immigration structure. The student immigration route is now governed directly by Appendix Student within the Immigration Rules rather than being part of a tier system.
Other differences include adjustments to evidential requirements and the introduction of more flexible switching provisions in certain circumstances.
The following table summarises some of the key distinctions between the two systems.
| Tier 4 Visa System | Student Visa System |
|---|---|
| Part of the Points Based System tier structure | Operates under Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules |
| Divided into Tier 4 (General) and Tier 4 (Child) | Replaced by Student visa and Child Student visa |
| 40-point visa scoring system | 70-point Student visa requirement |
| Limited post-study work options | Supported by the Graduate visa allowing post-study work |
| Sponsorship by licensed Tier 4 sponsors | Sponsorship by licensed student sponsors |
Although the terminology has changed, many universities and applicants still informally refer to the route as the “Tier 4 visa,” particularly when discussing historical visas or immigration records.
Section C Summary
The Tier 4 visa route formally closed on 5 October 2020 when the UK introduced a reformed immigration system. It was replaced by the Student visa and Child Student visa routes under Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules. While the structure of the system changed and the tier terminology was removed, the core sponsorship model used under the Tier 4 route continues to operate today. The modern Student visa route therefore represents an evolution of the former Tier 4 system rather than a completely new immigration framework.
Section D: Can Tier 4 Visa Holders Still Stay in the UK?
Although the Tier 4 visa route closed to new applicants in October 2020, individuals who already held a valid Tier 4 visa at the time the system changed were permitted to remain in the UK until their visa expired. The closure of the route did not automatically cancel existing visas, and students who had already entered the UK under Tier 4 were allowed to complete their courses under the conditions attached to their immigration permission.
For many students, the end of the Tier 4 system created uncertainty about what options would be available once their studies finished. In practice, the UK immigration system now provides several pathways allowing former Tier 4 visa holders to remain in the UK after their studies, depending on their career plans and personal circumstances.
Understanding these options is important for students who entered the UK under the Tier 4 route and wish to continue living, working or studying in the country after their initial visa expires.
1. Validity of existing Tier 4 visas
Students who were granted permission under the Tier 4 visa route before it closed were allowed to continue studying in the UK until the expiry date of their visa.
The conditions attached to the visa remained in force throughout the duration of the visa. These conditions typically included:
- studying at the sponsoring educational institution
- maintaining engagement with the course of study
- complying with restrictions on working hours during term time
- keeping their sponsor informed of relevant changes affecting their studies
Sponsors, such as universities and colleges, remained responsible for monitoring the attendance and academic engagement of students sponsored under the Tier 4 route. Where necessary, they were also required to report certain events to the Home Office through the sponsorship system.
As long as students complied with these conditions, they could continue their studies in the UK without needing to switch immediately to the Student visa route.
2. Extending study under the Student visa route
Students who wished to continue studying in the UK after their Tier 4 visa expired could apply for further permission to stay under the Student visa route, provided they met the relevant eligibility requirements.
This commonly occurred where a student:
- progressed to a higher level of study, such as moving from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree
- began a new course at a different institution
- required additional time to complete their programme of study
To apply for further leave, students would need to obtain a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor and demonstrate that they met the financial and English language requirements of the Student visa route.
Applications for further leave are normally required to be submitted before the expiry of the existing visa in order to maintain lawful immigration status in the UK.
3. Switching to work visa routes
One of the most common pathways for former Tier 4 students is switching into a work visa route after completing their studies.
International graduates may qualify to switch into a number of work-based immigration routes if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria. These routes generally require applicants to secure a job offer from a qualifying employer or to meet specific skill or endorsement requirements.
Common work visa options for former Tier 4 students include:
- the Skilled Worker visa, which allows international workers to take up sponsored employment with a licensed UK employer
- the Global Talent visa, designed for individuals recognised as leaders or potential leaders in certain fields
- the Innovator Founder visa, available to entrepreneurs with an endorsed business idea
These routes may allow individuals to remain in the UK for several years and may also provide a pathway towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if the relevant immigration requirements are met.
4. Post-study work through the Graduate visa
A significant development following the closure of the Tier 4 visa route was the introduction of the Graduate visa in July 2021.
The Graduate visa allows international students who have successfully completed a degree-level course in the UK to remain in the country for a period after graduation in order to work or seek employment.
Under this route:
- graduates can remain in the UK for two years after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- doctoral graduates can remain for three years
- no job offer or sponsorship is required
The Graduate visa provides greater flexibility than many other immigration routes because visa holders can work in almost any role and may switch to other visa categories if they later secure skilled employment.
5. Other immigration routes for former Tier 4 students
In addition to work visa routes, former Tier 4 students may also be eligible to apply for other types of UK visas depending on their circumstances.
Possible options include:
- applying for a family visa if they have a partner or family member with settled status in the UK
- switching into an entrepreneurial visa route such as the Innovator Founder visa
- pursuing further academic study under the Student visa route
Section D Summary
Although the Tier 4 visa route closed in October 2020, individuals who held a valid Tier 4 visa were permitted to remain in the UK until the expiry of their immigration permission. After completing their studies, former Tier 4 visa holders may have several options available to remain in the UK. These may include applying for the Graduate visa, switching to the Skilled Worker visa or other employment-based routes, pursuing further study under the Student visa route, or applying for a family-based immigration route depending on their circumstances.
Section E: Options for Tier 4 Students After Completing Their Studies
For many international students, completing a course of study in the UK represents the beginning of the next stage of their career rather than the end of their time in the country. Individuals who originally entered the UK under the Tier 4 visa route may be eligible to apply for several different immigration routes that allow them to remain in the UK after their studies have finished.
The options available will depend on a range of factors, including the student’s qualifications, whether they have secured employment in the UK, and their personal circumstances. In recent years, the UK government has introduced additional immigration routes designed to make it easier for international graduates to remain in the UK and contribute to the workforce.
Understanding the immigration options available after studying in the UK is important for Tier 4 visa holders planning their long-term future in the country.
1. Graduate visa
The Graduate visa is one of the most common routes used by international students after completing their studies in the UK.
Introduced in July 2021, the Graduate visa allows eligible international students to remain in the UK after completing a qualifying course at a recognised UK higher education provider. The route is designed to allow graduates to gain work experience in the UK and explore longer-term career opportunities.
Under this route:
- graduates who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree can remain in the UK for two years
- graduates who have completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification can remain in the UK for three years
- applicants do not require a job offer or employer sponsorship
The Graduate visa is not extendable, but visa holders may switch into other immigration routes if they later secure qualifying employment. For example, many graduates later transition into the Skilled Worker visa route once they obtain a suitable job offer from a licensed sponsor.
2. Skilled Worker visa
The Skilled Worker visa is one of the most common immigration routes used by international graduates who wish to continue working in the UK after their studies.
Under this route, applicants must have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence. The job must meet the required skill level and salary threshold set out in the Immigration Rules.
In most cases, the role must meet the general salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route, although lower thresholds may apply in certain circumstances, including where the applicant qualifies as a new entrant to the labour market.
The Skilled Worker visa allows individuals to live and work in the UK for up to five years at a time, and visa holders may eventually become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they meet the relevant residence and eligibility requirements.
3. Further study under the Student visa route
Some students may choose to continue their education in the UK after completing their initial course. In these cases, it may be possible to apply for further leave under the Student visa route.
This commonly occurs where a student progresses to a higher level of study, such as moving from an undergraduate degree to a postgraduate programme, or from a master’s degree to a doctoral qualification.
To apply for further study, the student must obtain a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor and meet the financial and English language requirements for the Student visa route.
Applications for further leave must normally be submitted before the existing visa expires in order to maintain lawful immigration status.
4. Global Talent visa
The Global Talent visa is designed for individuals who are recognised as leaders or potential leaders in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, digital technology, arts and culture, or academic research.
Applicants must normally obtain an endorsement from an approved endorsing body before applying for the visa, although certain prestigious award holders may qualify without endorsement.
The Global Talent visa offers considerable flexibility, allowing visa holders to work, change employers, or engage in self-employment without the need for employer sponsorship.
In some cases, individuals granted a Global Talent visa may become eligible for settlement in the UK after three or five years, depending on the endorsement category.
5. Family visa
Former Tier 4 students who form a relationship with a British citizen or a person who has settled status in the UK may also be eligible to apply for a family visa.
The family visa route allows individuals to live in the UK with their partner or spouse, provided they meet the relationship requirements and financial thresholds set out in the Immigration Rules.
In many cases, applicants are initially granted permission to remain in the UK for 30 months, after which they may apply to extend their leave. After completing the relevant qualifying residence period, individuals may become eligible to apply for settlement in the UK.
Section E Summary
International students who originally entered the UK under the Tier 4 visa route may have several options available to remain in the country after completing their studies. These options include applying for the Graduate visa to gain post-study work experience, switching into the Skilled Worker visa route for sponsored employment, continuing further study under the Student visa route, or applying for other immigration routes such as the Global Talent visa or family visa depending on their personal circumstances.
Section F: Tier 4 Visa FAQs
Even though the Tier 4 visa route closed in 2020, many students and graduates still have questions about how the visa worked and how it relates to the current UK student immigration system. Searches for “Tier 4 visa UK” remain common because many former students held this visa and the term still appears in older immigration documents, university guidance and visa histories.
The following frequently asked questions address the most common issues raised by individuals researching the Tier 4 visa and the options available after the route was replaced.
Is the Tier 4 visa still available?
No. The Tier 4 visa route closed to new applicants on 5 October 2020. It was replaced by the Student visa and Child Student visa routes under the UK’s modernised immigration system.
Anyone wishing to study in the UK today must apply under the Student visa route, which is governed by Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules.
What replaced the Tier 4 visa?
The Tier 4 visa was replaced by two new routes:
- the Student visa, which applies to students aged 16 and over studying at a licensed UK education provider
- the Child Student visa, which applies to children aged between 4 and 17 studying at independent schools in the UK
These routes operate under Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules but retain the same core sponsorship model that existed under the Tier 4 system.
Can I still stay in the UK if I previously had a Tier 4 visa?
Yes. Individuals who held a valid Tier 4 visa before the route closed were allowed to remain in the UK until their visa expired. The closure of the route did not invalidate existing visas.
However, once the visa expires, individuals must apply under another immigration route if they wish to remain in the UK.
Can Tier 4 visa holders apply for the Graduate visa?
Yes. Individuals who completed a qualifying degree in the UK under a Tier 4 visa may be eligible to apply for the Graduate visa, provided they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
The Graduate visa allows international students to remain in the UK for:
- two years after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- three years after completing a PhD or other doctoral qualification
The visa allows graduates to work or look for work without needing employer sponsorship.
Can I switch from a Tier 4 visa to a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes. Many former Tier 4 students switch to the Skilled Worker visa after completing their studies.
To qualify, applicants must normally:
- have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence
- work in a role that meets the required skill level
- be paid a salary that meets the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route
If these requirements are met, the applicant may switch into the Skilled Worker route from within the UK.
Can Tier 4 students work while studying?
Students studying under the former Tier 4 visa were allowed to work in the UK, although restrictions applied.
Students studying at degree level or above were typically permitted to work:
- up to 20 hours per week during term time
- full-time during official university holidays
Students studying on courses below degree level were normally limited to 10 hours of work per week during term time.
Certain types of employment were restricted, including self-employment and professional sport.
Is the Tier 4 visa the same as the Student visa?
No. The Tier 4 visa and the Student visa are not the same, although the modern Student visa route replaced the Tier 4 system.
The Tier 4 visa was part of the UK’s Points Based System tier structure, while the current Student visa operates under Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules.
Despite this structural change, the core sponsorship system used by UK education providers continues to operate under the modern student immigration framework.
Section F Summary
Although the Tier 4 visa route is no longer available, many of the principles behind the system continue to operate under the modern Student visa framework. Individuals who previously studied in the UK under a Tier 4 visa may still have several immigration options available after completing their studies, including switching to work routes such as the Skilled Worker visa or applying for the Graduate visa.
Section G: Conclusion
For many years, the Tier 4 visa was the primary immigration route used by international students wishing to study in the United Kingdom. Operating under the UK’s former Points Based System, the route enabled overseas students to undertake courses at licensed UK educational institutions provided they met requirements relating to sponsorship, finances and English language ability.
Although the Tier 4 visa route closed to new applicants in October 2020, its core framework continues to influence the modern UK student immigration system. The current Student visa route retains the same sponsorship model, requiring universities and colleges to hold a licence and issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) before an international student can apply for entry clearance.
For individuals who previously studied in the UK under a Tier 4 visa, the closure of the route has not removed the opportunity to remain in the UK after graduation. A number of immigration pathways now exist that allow international graduates to continue living and working in the country, including the Graduate visa, the Skilled Worker visa, and other immigration routes depending on an individual’s qualifications, employment prospects and personal circumstances.
Understanding how the Tier 4 visa operated and how it connects to the modern immigration framework remains important for former students, employers and educational institutions. Many graduates who entered the UK under the Tier 4 route now form an important part of the UK workforce, and the transition from study to employment continues to play a significant role in the UK’s immigration system.
Section H: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Tier 4 Visa | A former UK immigration route that allowed international students to study at licensed educational institutions. It was replaced in October 2020 by the Student visa and Child Student visa routes. |
| Student Visa | The current UK immigration route for international students aged 16 or over who wish to study at a licensed UK education provider. |
| Child Student Visa | A visa route for children aged between 4 and 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK. |
| Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) | An electronic reference number issued by a licensed student sponsor confirming that a student has been offered a place on an eligible course. |
| Licensed Sponsor | A UK education provider approved by the Home Office to sponsor international students under the student immigration system. |
| Graduate Visa | A post-study work visa that allows international students who have completed a degree in the UK to remain for two or three years to work or seek employment. |
| Skilled Worker Visa | A UK work visa allowing foreign nationals to work for a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence, provided the role meets the required skill and salary thresholds. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permanent residence status allowing a person to live and work in the UK without time restrictions. |
| Points Based System | The immigration framework previously used by the UK that divided visa categories into tiers, including Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4 and Tier 5. |
| UKVI | UK Visas and Immigration, the Home Office department responsible for administering the UK immigration system. |
Section I: Useful Links
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| UK Immigration Guide | Overview of the UK immigration system and key visa routes. |
| Student Visa UK | Guide to the modern Student visa route which replaced the Tier 4 visa. |
| Graduate Visa | Explanation of the UK post-study work visa available to international graduates. |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Guide to the main UK work visa route used by international graduates. |
| Sponsor Licence | Explanation of how UK employers obtain a licence to sponsor overseas workers. |
| Student Visa (GOV.UK) | Official Home Office guidance on the Student visa route. |
| Graduate Visa (GOV.UK) | Official government guidance on the Graduate post-study work visa. |
| Skilled Worker Visa (GOV.UK) | Official government information on the Skilled Worker visa route. |
| UK Study Visas | Overview of UK visa options available for international students. |
| UK Visas and Immigration | Government department responsible for UK visa and immigration applications. |
