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Extending your student visa through International Student Support

A comprehensive guide to extending your student visa under Tier 4 of the Points Based System is available to collect in hard copy from the Student Support Centre (50 Park Place). Alternatively you can download the guide, together with the Stop Press information below

It is essential that you read this guide carefully.

A guide to extending your student visa [372.5 Kb]

 

Stop Press: Recent amendments to the guide to extending your student visa
  • Correction to page 4 of the guide: There will be an administrative charge of £25, payable to the Post Office, when purchasing postal orders (worth £386)
  • UKCISA have produced an interactive version of the PBS dependant application form.
  • On the 6th April 2012 the UKBA are increasing the charges for immigration applications. A Tier 4 postal application will cost £394 (an increase of £8) and a premium in-person application will cost £716 (an increase of £14). A PBS dependant postal application will cost £197 (an increase of £4) and a premium in person application will cost £358 (an increase of £7).
  • On the 6th April 2012 the maintenance requirements are increasing to reflect the cost of living in the UK. The level of funds required will increase from £600 to £800 per month. Dependants will be required to show £450 per month instead of £400.

Where can I get the Tier 4 (G) application form and policy guidance?

You can download and print a Tier 4 (G) application form and policy guidance from the UKBA website. Please note that currently, the correct version of the application form and policy guidance is 04/12.

How do I complete the Tier 4 (G) application form?

UKCISA have produced  a very useful information sheet called 'Completing the Tier 4 (G) application form'. It is strongly recommended that you use this resource to ensure that you are completing your application form correctly.

Step by step guide to using the Student Batch Scheme

International Student Support (ISS) operate the 'Student Batch Scheme' for student visa extension applications. We would strongly encourage you to send your application through this scheme as ISS is able to support you through the application process. Most applications are processed within 14 weeks from the date of posting, although it can take longer at busy times such as October or January, or if the UKBA make enquiries.

We strongly advise you not to book any travel until your documents are returned as we cannot guarantee how long the process will take.

Step 1

Fill in the Tier 4 (G) application form in black pen and BLOCK CAPITAL letters using the interactive form above as a guide and gather the required supporting documentation. You should take photocopies of all your supporting documents for your records.

Step 2

Book an appointment to see an International Student Adviser by going to the Student Support Centre (50 Park Place) or by calling 02920 874844. Please note that appointments:

  • must be attended at least one week before your visa expiry date;
  • will be subject to availability.

Students attending an appointment less than one week before visa expiry will not be able to benefit from the Student Batch Scheme and will have to make an application independently.

 

Is there a more urgent service?

ISS can assist you in making a premium in-person application at the UKBA Public Enquiry Office (PEO) in Cardiff. This costs £702 and can take approximately a week from the day you give your biometric details at Cardiff. Please note that Cardiff University have been given a limited number of appointments each week at the PEO. These will be available on a first come first served basis.

You will need to book an appointment with an International Student Adviser to get your application form and documents checked. Once your application is complete it will be sent to the PEO the following Monday. You will then normally have your biometric appointment on the Thursday or Friday of that week. All your documents and your Biometric Residence Permit will be returned to the Student Support Centre a week later and we will contact you to let you know that you can collect them.

If you are unable to benefit from this service due to limited availability you can apply independently by arranging an appointment yourself at a UKBA Public Enquiry Office. More information is available on our extending your student visa independently page. If you are not able to get an appointment at a Public Enquiry Office quickly and have an urgent reason for getting your application processed quickly, please contact International Student Support.

 

Is there a template letter that my parents could use?

If your parents are providing financial support you will need to submit additional documentation as outlined on page 8 of our guide. To assist you we have produced a template letter that your parents could complete: 

Parental financial support template letter [11.2 Kb]

 

Don't forget that the letter must be signed and it must be an original document. Scanned copies, faxes or emails are not acceptable.