1. When and how to apply
When you apply in your home country for a Tier 4 student visa you need to register for and complete an
online application
You must have your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number from Oxford before you apply for
your visa. For information about receiving your CAS, see the Tier 4 webpage. You will receive an email with
your CAS number and other information you will need for completing the online application form. This email
is your ‘CAS statement’.
You cannot apply for your visa more than three months before your course start date as stated on your CAS.
You must apply within six months of the CAS issue date. If your CAS was issued more than six months ago,
contact your department or college to get a new one.
In several places this Guide refers to UK Visas and Immigration’s Tier 4 Policy Guidance which sets out the
exact requirements for a Tier 4 application. You will need to check this and follow the instructions very
carefully.
2. Exemptions for submitting supporting documents with your application
You will not need to provide evidence of your funding or previous qualifications if your application comes
under a and/or b below.
a. Reduced evidence provision for designated ‘low risk’ nationals
If you are a national of one of these countries below you come under these ‘differentiation arrangements’ and
will not have to send documentary evidence of your qualifications and funding with your application.
However, you must make sure you have the required documents ready to send in case you are asked for them
later in the application process (there might be spot checks). Your application could be refused if you do not
provide the specified documents within the requested time limit.
Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, The Dominican
Republic, Hong Kong SAR or BNO passport, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Macao SAR,
Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman, Peru, Qatar, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea,
Thailand, Taiwan (holding Taiwanese passport which includes identification card number), Tunisia,
United Arab Emirates and USA.
b. Reduced evidence provision for Masters students under the Tier 4 pilot scheme
The Tier 4 Pilot Scheme is running at 27 UK Universities, including Oxford, for students starting a Masters
course of 13 months duration or less. As part of the Pilot Scheme you will not be required to provide evidence
of previous academic qualifications or financial information when submitting documents to support your visa
application. You will also be issued with a visa valid for 6 months beyond the end date of your course. Please
note that you must still ensure that your academic qualification and financial evidence meets the Tier 4
requirements and are readily available, as these documents can be requested during processing and spot
checks may be made.
Please read these FAQs for important details about this Pilot Scheme.