Tier 4 Visa Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Visas are often annoying and complicated but very necessary. I have had the experience in applying for residence permits, student visas, and tourist visas. Compared to other visas I have applied for, the student visa to study abroad in the United Kingdom was not only more expensive but it was also a lot more difficult. Don't fret I'm about to divulge everything about the process and what my experience was like.

Do you need a visa?
If you are an international student who is planning on studying in the United Kingdom for a course, you will probably need a visa unless you are from a European Union, or European Economic Area country. There are two types of student visas: the tier 4 student visa, and the student visitor visa. The student visitor visa is usually for short courses. Unless you are doing a short course such as an English language course, or a training course you will probably need to apply for the tier 4 student visa. I'm going to be mainly discussing the tier 4 student visa, because that is the visa I had to apply for to study abroad as a masters student.

Cost
- £310 if you are applying from outside of the UK (as of July 2014)

Before You Apply 
- Passport: If you don't already have a passport, make sure you apply for one before starting the visa process and if you already have a passport, check to see if you have at least one blank visa page.
- Institution:  Verify that you have been accepted to study in the UK by a fully trusted tier 4 sponsor. You can check and see if your school is on the list of trusted and registered sponsors on the UK Visas and Immigration's (UKVI) website.
- Tier 4 Visa Guide: The visa guide is gigantic but it is extremely helpful. Think of it as your tier 4 visa bible. Almost every question I had was answered by reading the guide. The visa guide can also be found on the same website mentioned above and I will include all the links that helped me at the bottom of this blog.
-Time: I was informed by UKVI that it can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 months for a decision to be made on my visa and this is after they received my application at the British consulate. You can also estimate how long it may take to receive your visa on their website.

Tier 4 Visa Application Timeline

March 15th- Sent in my online application to the University of Leicester.

March 19th- Received an offer of place! Pretty quick right?

July 14th- Accepted my unconditional offer to study at the University of Leicester.

July 15th- Received an email from my university to verify all my personal details, which I did before I sent off my CAS request.

July 16th- My university emailed me my CAS.

July 17th- Applied online for my visa and paid for the visa fee.

July 24th- Attended my appointment at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) center to provide my biometric information.

July 26th-  I went to the UPS store to mail in my application to the British Consulate. I used one day shipping and I also had to include a return shipping label.

Application Documents Included:

1. Printed Application with a stamp from USCIS on the front page stating that I have provided my biometric information.
2. Original diploma & transcripts
3. Current passport along with old passports
4. Bank statement
5. Passport picture (UK size)
6. If you are unsure on whether or not you need it in your application I would just send it.

July 28th- Received an email saying that my visa application has been received by the consulate.

August 18th-  The consulate sent me an email stating that they have approved my visa and that it should be shipped in the next 24 hours. 

August 19th- Finally received my visa!

Things to Think About Before Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is not only a great opportunity but its also an enriching experience that will help you grow as an individual and gain new perspectives. However, there are a lot of things to consider before you decide to go abroad. If it is something you want to pursue, make sure you begin actively researching and planning for your trip at least six months to a year in advance. The whole process is going to take a long time and you definitely don't want to wait until the last minute which could make things extremely stressful not to mention expensive.

1. Finances- There is a common misconception that in order to study abroad you have to have a trust fund or wealthy parents. However, if you start the process early you can look at different funding options such as getting scholarships or using student loans. I was able to fund my study abroad experiences with a combination of a scholarship, student loans, and working. If you are paying out of state tuition or if you are thinking of getting your masters you may even find that a semester or year abroad ends up being cheaper than what you pay at home!

2. Duration- One of the major concerns I hear from individuals who are considering studying abroad is that they are afraid that if they go abroad they won't be able to graduate on time. During my undergraduate study abroad experience in China, going abroad helped me graduate. The program I participated in was a faculty led program through my university in partnership with a local university. All the credits from my classes abroad transferred to my home university. I was even able to take some classes that were not offered at my school along with studying Chinese and learning about the local culture! There are a variety of different study abroad programs that I will discuss below and they run from a couple months to a year. Even if you are bit wary, as long as you do your research you should be able to find a program that meets your needs, and helps you graduate on time. 

3. Program Types- There are several different program types for students who want to go abroad such as: faculty led, exchanges, direct enrollment, internships, or third party programs. 

• Faculty Led: Conducted and supervised by the faculty at your educational institution for its students to study abroad. It's an attractive choice because the credits from your courses are more likely to transfer along with your grades.

• Exchange: Allows you to trade places with another student from a university abroad. Exchange programs usually fill up fast and have a limited number of places. The tuition is generally the same as what you would pay at your home institution. 

• Direct Enrollment: Studying at a foreign institution and gaining admission by directly enrolling in your chosen course or program. Your course fees are set and collected by the institution you attend abroad. 

• Internship: Gaining valuable work experience and sometimes academic credit abroad. 

• Third Party Programs: Educational programs run by companies usually in conjunction with a foreign academic institution.

4. Destination- Picking a country is one of the most difficult decisions when deciding to study abroad. My main concerns were finances and safety when it came to my first time studying abroad so I was automatically able to rule out developed countries and countries with a lot of crime. I remember spending a lot of time looking up countries by homicide rate, researching different countries, and looking at exchange rates before I finally decided on studying in China!

5. Language-If you are keen on learning a language studying abroad is a must. It's a lot easier to learn a language when you are forced to speak it all the time versus studying at home or in a classroom.  

6. Student Visa-Depending on where you go, getting a student visa can be a major hassle. Make sure you don't make any travel arrangements before you get your visa, or if you do make travel arrangements, give yourself plenty of time. When I worked as a travel agent I had plenty of students who had to change their flights because of visa issues. Flights can get expensive. If you do book your flights before you get your visa make sure you read your ticket rules carefully. Even if it is a bit pricey, try to purchase a flight that has low change fees or is refundable. 

7. Travel Insurance & Health Coverage- You are probably going to get sick at some point when you go abroad. Make sure to look at your program to see if health coverage is included. In some countries you may even qualify for universal health care coverage since you are a student. Depending on your existing health insurance policy at home you may even get reimbursed if you get sick abroad so it doesn't hurt to call your insurance company. If you aren't covered make sure you purchase travel insurance. Most travel insurance policies include health coverage as well as protection for stolen possessions or lost luggage. You may want to purchase travel insurance separately if your program already includes health coverage. There are several different travel insurance policies so make sure you do your research and carefully check the policy rules before you purchase. 

Top 10 Practical Study Abroad Essentials to Pack

I'm sure many of you are wondering what to pack. This is just a list of essentials you should bring with you when you are studying abroad not including your passport and other travel documents! All of these are very practical suggestions as to what you should have with you. Depending on where you are going things such as clothing will vary but this is just a general list of things you should have regardless of you're destination.

1. Unlocked Cell Phone- If you're studying abroad you will probably need a cell phone. Save yourself some money and get your cell phone unlocked while your at home. When you are abroad you'll just have to get a new SIM card.

2. Bring Some Cash- It might take you awhile to figure out how you are going to get your funds but in the mean time make sure you have some cash. Once you get to the airport you should be able to exchange your money.

• Tip: Many banks have alliances with local banks in other countries. Check your banks website and see if it has a sister bank. Usually if your bank has a sister bank it will allow you to withdraw money with a debit card without charging you an ATM fee. Make sure that if your bank does have a sister bank that you are aware of the all the rules as well so you don't get charged any extra fees. Also if you are taking any debit or credit cards with you make sure you call your bank to tell them you are going to be traveling so that you are able to use your card abroad. 

3. Tennis Shoes- Chances are you are going to be walking to and from school or doing some traveling. Save your feet and invest in some tennis shoes. 

4. Backpack- Even if you don't have to use your backpack for school you might still need it if you plan on traveling. 

5. Travel Guide- There are a lot of different guide books out there but make sure you have one so that you can learn more about where you are studying abroad. Also, guidebooks are great to read when you are stuck on a long flight. Plus, if you decide to take a weekend trip a good guide book will save you having to do all the planning and researching especially if its a spur of the moment trip.

6. Travel Plug Adapter- Chances are you're going to be bringing some electronics with you. Make sure you have a travel adapter so that you aren't left with a bunch of dead gadgets. 

7. Camera-Whether you are using the camera on your phone or a digital camera make sure you have something to record your trip and all of your experiences. Also, pictures make great gifts if you are staying with a host family. Its an inexpensive gift that is thoughtful as well. 

8. Laptop- Since you are studying abroad this is an essential because your going to have to do at least some school work while you're abroad. Try to get a net-book or a relatively small computer so its easier to travel with.  Plus, its the cheapest way to keep in touch with family and friends back home.

• Tip: Before you leave you can setup a Google voice number in the US. If you have a Google voice number you can text and call land lines back in the states for free as long as you are in a country with good internet. 

9. Money Belt- Getting your money or your bank cards stolen can definitely ruin your trip. Make sure you have a good money belt with you to secure all of your important possessions. 

10. Toiletry Kit- Make sure you get a TSA approved toiletry kit to fill up with all of your personal hygiene products. You might not know where to shop when you go abroad and you will definitely want to maintain your personal hygiene.