An education provider who wants to teach non-EU international students may be required to become a Tier 4 sponsor. This is the case when they want to take on international students for longer than six months. This Tier 4 sponsor guidance has been put together to help shed some light on the process of becoming a student sponsor.

You will need a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence if you are an education provider looking to take on students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). If you are only looking to bring in international students from within the EEA you will not need a Sponsor Licence. The same goes for if you want to take in students for six months or less.

How can IAS help?

Our immigration lawyers offer one-to-one Tier 4 sponsor guidance if this is something you are interested in. This process involves you being assigned a lawyer. Your lawyer will then work with you and your institution to guide you through each stage of your Tier 4 Sponsor Licence application process.

Our services include full document inspection and compilation and a personal written Letter of Representation. This letter is written by your lawyer directly to the Home Office. It pleads your case and sites relevant case-law in support of your application. Get in touch on 0333 363 8577 or using our online contact form to arrange your first meeting.

Make an enquiry

FAQs

What are the duties of a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence holder?

There is a long list of duties expected of Tier 4 Sponsor Licence holders.

These include:

  • Maintaining contact with the Home Office to inform them of any changes to student situation
  • Acting honestly and opening in their communication with the Home Office
  • Taking responsibility for Tier 4 students
  • Issuing the correct CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) to students
  • Ensuring all HR roles are filled and responsibilities carried properly

Do EU students need a Tier 4 Visa?

Students who live within the European Economic Area (EEA) do not need a visa to study in the UK.

The EEA includes all the countries in the EU, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Switzerland is not included in the EU or EEA, but Swiss nationals are given the same rights.

Where is the list of Tier 4 sponsors?

You can find the register of licensed sponsors under Tier for on the GOV.UK site.

This list details every institution which currently holds a Sponsor Licence.

What services does IAS offer?

Our team are dedicated to offering expert Tier 4 sponsor guidance.

Your assigned lawyer will work closely with you.

They will:

  • Assess your eligibility/need for a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence
  • Take charge of all correspondence with the Home Office
  • Oversee your entire application process
  • Gather and organise your documents into an evidence portfolio
  • Write a detailed Letter of Representation to support your case
  • Assess and improve your HR processes
  • Prepare you for an immigration audit from the Home Office if necessary

Contact us now on 0333 363 8577 or make an enquiry online to speak with an immigration lawyer about your Tier 4 Sponsor Licence query.

Make an enquiry

Our Sponsorship Packages

Advice Package

Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals

Select

Application Package

Designed to make your visa application as successful, smooth and stress-free as possible

Select

Fast Track Package

Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline

Select

Appeal Package

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any hearings/tribunals

Select

A few of

our experienced

immigration lawyers

Case studies

We are proud to have changed lives for the better. Here are some of their stories:

Ben finds employment whilst visiting the UK

Ben is a Brazilian national. While he was visiting the UK for business, he was offered a placement with a UK company.
He needed help as soon as possible and… Read More

Guy: Switching from Tier 4 to Tier 1

Guy was an international student about to finish his university course and had his sights set on starting a company in the UK. His spare time was very limited and… Read More

Ahmet: Bringing his mother to the UK

Ahmet wanted to bring his Turkish mother to the UK to care for her. He knew that the application would be difficult so came to IAS for expert advice.
IAS… Read More

Joe: Student Visa

Joe, a Japanese National, was accepted into a UK university on a Tier 4 Visa at short notice and needed help to gain entry to the country as soon… Read More

Working in the UK after Brexit

Gosia, an EEA national, wanted to tour the UK while seeking work, however, she was unsure if she was permitted to do so.
Gosia contacted IAS and arranged a… Read More

Samy: Tier 4 Student Visa

Samy from the Democratic Republic of Congo was accepted into a UK University. However, he had a wife and two daughters and was unsure about leaving his family behind so… Read More

Latest reviews

Anonymous
Applying for a visa, any kind of visa is an arduous process. IAS was recommended to me by a friend… Read More
Emilly
Our visa was approved! We had Irfan Waheed and he was very thorough and always available to help. Very happy… Read More
Jan S
Nasreen Ali was very helpful and supportive regarding my indefinite leave to remain application and travel document. I always feel… Read More

Latest news

Scheme for agricultural workers opens Read More

High Court suspends immigration deportations after legal challenge Read More

All information on this page has been reviewed by an OISC accredited immigration adviser and was

Last Updated on