Search

How can we help?

Icon

Tier 4 Visa Checklist

If you are a non-EEA national and wish to study in the UK, then you can do so through the Tier 4 visa route. If you are applying from outside of the UK, then here is a quick checklist of documents required for the application.

DOCUMENT COMMENT  ✓
Online Application Form which has confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) 14-digit reference number which is issued to applicant by the university upon acceptance of an unconditional offer.

 

Valid Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable) If applicant has resided in any of the Home Office listed countries and intends to come to the UK for more than 6 months, then they must take the test.
Original current passport and previous expired passports Must have at least one blank page in current passport.
Passport sized photograph This must be a recent photograph.
ATAS certificate (if applicable)

 

Applicant may be required to provide an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if they intend to study a science and technology course. However, the offer letter and CAS will specify this.
All qualifications listed in CAS statement

 

Applicant will need to provide their academic certificates or transcripts. This will enable the university to assess the applicant’s suitability for the course.
Certificate of IETS for UKVI

 

If the course is below degree level then the applicant will need to obtain a IELTS for UKVI certificate. If the course is at degree level, then the sponsor will assess the applicant’s English language proficiency.
Parental Consent Letter If the applicant is under the age of 18, then the parents must provide a letter to confirm their relationship to the child, that they consent to the application and consent to the applicant’s living arrangements.
Evidence of the applicant’s finances that meet the requirements of Tier 4 for applicant and any dependants Applicants will be required to provide evidence that they have adequate funds to maintain themselves in the UK and to pay for their tuition fees.
Parent’s consent letter and birth certificate if using their bank statements Birth certificate or adoption certificate must be provided to show evidence of relationship.
Letter of confirmation from financial sponsor if being financially sponsored. The applicant can receive official financial sponsorship from Her Majesty’s Government, applicant’s home government, British Council, an international organisation, an international company, university and a UK independent school.
Immigration Health Surcharge Applicant will be required to pay £300 per year. If visa is for 3 years the total of £900 will need to be paid upfront.

 

If you are a non-EEA national and wish to study in the UK, then you can do so through the Tier 4 visa route.

Disclaimer
This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full General Notices on our website.

Author profile

Monica Atwal

Managing Partner

View profile

+44 118 960 4605

About this article

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

art
  • 23 October 2026
  • Litigation and dispute resolution

Section 172 Companies Act 2006: Key lessons from Saxon Woods v Costa

The Supreme Court’s decision in Saxon Woods v Costa UKSC 21 clarifies directors’ duties under Section 172 Companies Act 2006, confirming that good faith requires both honest belief and appropriate conduct.

art
  • 22 October 2026
  • Corporate and M&A

Shareholders’ Agreements for Founders and Investors – SHA Series Part 3 of 5

A shareholders’ agreement is arguably one of the most valuable corporate governance agreements (along with articles of association) in any private UK company with more than one shareholder.

art
  • 19 October 2026
  • Immigration

Right to Work Checks: Are UK businesses becoming immigration enforcement officers?

The UK’s Right to Work regime has undergone a significant expansion, with changes taking effect from 1 October 2026.

art
  • 15 October 2026

Clarkslegal celebrates continued success in Chambers and Partners UK 2027

Clarkslegal is delighted to announce that we have once again been recognised by Chambers and Partners UK 2027, celebrating continued success across the firm and a number of enhanced individual rankings.

Pub
  • 15 October 2026
  • Privacy and Data Protection

Data breaches and ICO investigations: Responding with confidence

In this podcast Harry Berryman and Zahra Navarro discuss recent ICO enforcement action, common causes of data breaches, and the practical steps organisations should take to respond effectively when incidents occur.

art
  • 14 October 2026
  • Litigation and dispute resolution

London Court of International Arbitration v International Chamber of Commerce: Key differences

Compare LCIA and ICC arbitration rules, costs, confidentiality provisions and expedited procedures. Learn the key differences between these leading international arbitration institutions and how to choose the right option for your commercial dispute.