Tier 4 visa requirements
When applying for a Tier 4 visa, you’ll need a number of documents, including your passport and evidence of qualifications and finances.
When applying for a Tier 4 visa, you’ll need a number of documents, including your passport and evidence of qualifications and finances.
- your original, valid passport
- one passport-sized photograph which meets the UKVI requirements (please note not all visa application centres will require this)
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- evidence of English language proficiency
- financial requirements*
- evidence of qualifications*
- translations
The Home Office considers some nationalities as 'low risk'.
Immigration Rules - Low risk nationals
If you are a low risk national you do not need to send points-scoring evidence (financial and educational qualification documents) with your visa application.
You will need to sign a declaration in the Tier 4 visa application form to state that you have the necessary evidence available to you. Even if you are a low risk national, we strongly recommend that you obtain points-scoring evidence. This is because the Home Office can request it as part of their decision process and they will refuse your application if you are unable to provide it within the specified timeframe.
You will still have to send your original passport and all other relevant supporting documents.
The University of Edinburgh has been selected as one of 23 universities in the UK to take part in a scheme which streamlines the visa application process for certain masters degree students.
If you are applying to study a full-time masters programme starting in or after September 2019, which lasts for no more than 13 months, you are eligible for the streamlined service.
The service allows you to:
- Stay in the UK for 6 months after your programme has ended
Submit fewer documents with your application (you will submit the same documents as a low-risk national - i.e. you do not need to submit evidence of your qualifications or finances)
We have been made aware that UK Visas and Immigration intend to close the Tier 4 Pilot Scheme on 5 October 2020 (to coincide with changes to the Tier 4 route as well as the intruduction of the Graduate Route in the summer of 2021). If you apply after the Pilot Scheme has been closed, you will no longer be eligible for its benefits.
Document checklist
You can download a checklist of the documents required for the Tier 4 visa below.