Choose the information on the tab relevant to your level of study
Each section on this page has guidance which is specific to a group of students. Choose the tab which is relevant to your level of study.
To give you the best chance of having a successful Tier 4 application, you should read both the guide to applying for the Tier 4 visa and the guide to completing the application form. These are updated on a regular basis if there are developments from the Home Office or common frequently asked questions. We advise against searching for our guides on the internet as we are aware that there are outdated versions available.
The guides will help give you an overall view of the process, but each immigration application is specific to the individual. You must read the relevant sections of the Tier 4 Policy Guidance we refer you to as these explain the UKVI expectations.
It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the immigration rules on the day that you submit your application.
Information for Language Centre Students
This information is for students studying the EAP foundation programmes.
Pre-sessional English course followed by full time LSE degree programme
Students with unconditional offer to study at LSE
If you plan to attend a pre-sessional English programme and have an unconditional offer, please inform your admissions team of your plans before they issue you wiith a CAS.
Your offer letter and your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) will show the start date of the pre-sessional course. You will be able to apply for a Tier 4 visa which covers the Language School course and the full length of your degree programme at LSE.
Students with a conditional offer to study at LSE
LSE does not normally issue CASs to conditional offer holders to attend a pre-sessional English language course. You may be advised to wait until your offer becomes unconditional before requesting a CAS . If the outstanding condition is for English language, it may be possible to issue a CAS.
If you are able to obtain a Tier 4 visa for the pre-sessional English course with a conditional offer for your main degree programme, this will only cover the English course. You should be granted a visa until the end of the pre-sessional English course plus one month. Before your visa expires, you will be able to apply inside the UK to extend your stay to study on the full time programme after you have successfully completed your English language programme.
Request a CAS
Check if you are eligible for a CAS here. If you are eligible to apply for a Tier 4 visa, you can request a CAS by completing the online CAS request form for the Language Centre.
Your CAS will be issued by the Graduate Admissions team.
When and where can you apply for your visa?
You can only apply for your Tier 4 visa from three months before your course start date as stated on your CAS ,in a country you are living in (not just visiting as a tourist).
If you are applying for a visa to continue on the same programme, contact us for advice on when and where you can apply.
Guides to Applying for Tier 4
This guide explains the Tier 4 application process for students . It will help you understand the process of applying and the documents you need to prepare for a successful application.
Please check the version you see is for the month listed next to the link. If it is an older version, clear your cached documents.
Applying for a Tier 4 Visa for the Language Centre - PDF ( 25 July 2016)
Guides to completing the application forms
These guides will help you complete the application forms in the UK or overseas. They only explain the application form, so you must use these alongside the guide to applying for Tier 4.
If you only refer to the guide to the application forms you are likely to miss important information and your visa may be refused.
Please check the version you see is for the month listed next to the link. If it is an older version, clear your cached documents.
Completing the application form overseas - PDF ( July 2016)
Completing the application form in the UK - PDF ( July 2016)
Further LSE Guidance
The International Student Visa Advice Team (ISVAT) have produced a number of visa newsletters which you can refer to including advice on Biometric Residence Permits and Meeting the Financial Requirements.
If you have any questions after reading our guidance, you can contact us by completing our online query form.
If you are in the UK, you can attend one of our drop-in session for any quick questions. Details of drop-ins and how to sign-up in advance can be found here.
Disclaimer: Our advice is regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). The advice provided by ISVAT is in accordance with the current immigration rules and policy guidance which is subject to change at short notice. You are therefore strongly advised to check our web pages before submitting any visa application or travelling to the UK. It is your responsibility to read all of the guidance available and ensure that you meet the immigration rules at the point you apply for your Tier 4 visa.
Information for Undergraduate Students
How to get a CAS - new students
Your CAS number will only be issued to you after you have received an unconditional offer, completed the Financial Undertaking Form and checked your pre-CAS statement.
Your CAS will be issued by the Undergraduate Admissions team.
How to get a CAS - registered students
If you are a registered student and there has been a change in your academic circumstances which requires you to apply for a new Tier 4 visa, for example you have repeat teaching, you will need to request a new CAS number from the Registry Visa Queries Team.
Request your CAS using their online form.
When and where can you apply for your visa?
You can only apply for your Tier 4 visa from three months before your course start date as stated on your CAS in a country you are living in (not just visiting as a tourist).
If you are applying for a visa to continue on the same programme, contact us for advice on when and where you can apply.
Guides to Applying for Tier 4
This guide explains the Tier 4 application process for students . It will help you understand the process of applying and the documents you need to prepare for a successful application.
Please check the version you see is for the month listed next to the link. If it is an older version, clear your cached documents.
Applying for a Tier 4 for undergraduate students - PDF ( 25 July 2016)
Using a Certificate of Deposit to meet the financial requirements
Please read this Info Sheet carefully if you intend to use a Certificate of Deposit as evidence of funds. This document explains what information a certificate must show in order to meet the financial requirements for a Tier 4 visa.
ISVAT info sheet - Certificate of Deposit PDF (August 2016)
Guides to completing the application forms
These guides will help you complete the application forms in the UK or overseas. They only explain the application form, so you must use these alongside the guide to applying for Tier 4.
If you only refer to the guide to the application forms you are likely to miss important information and your visa may be refused.
Please check the version you see is for the month listed next to the link. If it is an older version, clear your cached documents.
Completing the application form overseas - PDF (July 2016)
Completing the application form in the UK - PDF (July 2016)
Further LSE Guidance
If you have any questions after reading our guidance, you can contact us by completing our online query form.
If you are in the UK, you can attend one of our drop-in session for any quick questions. Details of drop-ins and how to sign-up in advance can be found here.
Disclaimer: Our advice is regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). The advice provided by ISVAT is in accordance with the current Immigration Rules and Policy guidance which is subject to change at short notice. You are therefore strongly advised to check our web pages before submitting any visa application or travelling to the UK. It is your responsibility to read all of the guidance available and ensure that you meet the immigration rules at the point you apply for your Tier 4 visa.
Information for General Course Students
How to get a CAS - new students
Your CAS number will only be issued to you after you have received an unconditional offer, completed the Financial Undertaking Form and confirmed your passport details.
Your CAS will be issued by the General Course team.
How to get a CAS - registered students
If you are a registered student and there has been a change in your academic circumstances which requires you to apply for a new Tier 4 visa, for example you have interrupted your studies, you will need to request a new CAS number from the Registry Visa Queries Team.
Request your CAS using their online form.
When and where can you apply for your visa?
You can only apply for your Tier 4 visa from three months before your course start date as stated on your CAS in a country you are living in (not just visiting as a tourist).
If you are applying for a visa to continue on the same programme, contact us for advice on when and where you can apply.
Guide to Applying for Tier 4
This guide has been written specifically for General Course students, based on the immigration rules, frequently asked questions and past cases. Read this in full when preaparing to apply for your Tier 4 visa for LSE.
Please check the version you see is for the month listed next to the link. If it is an older version, clear your cached documents.
Applying for a Tier 4 visa for the General Course - PDF ( 25 July 2016)
Using a Certificate of Deposit to meet the financial requirements
Please read this Info Sheet carefully if you intend to use a Certificate of Deposit as evidence of funds. This document explains what information a certificate must show in order to meet the financial requirements for a Tier 4 visa.
ISVAT info sheet - Certificate of Deposit PDF (August 2016)
Guides to completing the application forms
These guides will help you complete the application forms in the UK or overseas. They only explain the application form, so you must use these alongside the guide to applying for Tier 4.
If you only refer to the guide to the application forms you are likely to miss important information and your visa may be refused.
Please check the version you see is for the month listed next to the link. If it is an older version, clear your cached documents.
Completing the application form overseas - PDF (July 2016)
Completing the application form in the UK - PDF (July 2016)
Further LSE Guidance
If you have any questions after reading our guidance, you can contact us by completing our online query form.
If you are in the UK, you can attend one of our drop-in session for any quick questions. Details of drop-ins and how to sign-up in advance can be found here.
Advice from your Study Abroad Advisor
If you are coming to the LSE from one of our US partner institutions, you may be receiving advice from your Study Abroad Advisor on applying for a Tier 4 visa. We are unable to speak to Study Abroad Advisors on individual cases. If you have any questions about your visa application for the LSE, please contact us directly.
Disclaimer: Our advice is regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). The advice provided by ISVAT is in accordance with the current Immigration Rules and Policy guidance which is subject to change at short notice. You are therefore strongly advised to check our web pages before submitting any visa application or travelling to the UK. It is your responsibility to read all of the guidance available and ensure that you meet the immigration rules at the point you apply for your Tier 4 visa.
Information for Diploma and Masters Students
How to get a CAS - new students
If you are a new student to the LSE your CAS number will only be issued to you after you have received an unconditional offer, completed the Financial Undertaking Form and checked your pre-CAS statement.
Your CAS will be issued by the Graduate Admissions team.
How to get a CAS - registered students
If you are a registered student and there has been a change in your academic circumstances which requires you to apply for a new Tier 4 visa, for example you have interrupted your studies, you will need to request a new CAS number from the Registry Visa Queries Team.
Request your CAS using their online form.
When and where can you apply for your visa?
You can only apply for your Tier 4 visa from three months before your course start date as stated on your CAS in a country you are living in (not just visiting as a tourist).
If you are applying for a visa to continue on the same programme, contact us for advice on when and where you can apply.
Guides to Applying for Tier 4
This guide explains the Tier 4 application process for students . It will help you understand the process of applying and the documents you need to prepare for a successful application.
Please check the version you see is for the month listed next to the link. If it is an older version, clear your cached documents.
Applying for a Tier 4 visa for Masters students - PDF ( 25 July 2016)
Using a Certificate of Deposit to meet the financial requirements
Please read this Info Sheet carefully if you intend to use a Certificate of Deposit as evidence of funds. This document explains what information a certificate must show in order to meet the financial requirements for a Tier 4 visa.
ISVAT info sheet - Certificate of Deposit PDF (August 2016)
Guides to completing the application forms
These guides will help you complete the application forms in the UK or overseas. They only explain the application form, so you must use these alongside the guide to applying for Tier 4.
If you only refer to the guide to the application forms you are likely to miss important information and your visa may be refused.
Please check the version you see is for the month listed next to the link. If it is an older version, clear your cached documents.
Completing the application form overseas - PDF (July 2016)
Completing the application form in the UK - PDF (July 2016)
Double/Joint degree students
If you are studying one of our double/dual degree programmes, please refer to our info sheet for advice on Tier 4 visas for your programmes.
Double/joint degree info sheet - PDF
Further LSE Guidance
If you have any questions after reading our guidance, you can contact us by completing our online query form.
If you are in the UK, you can attend one of our drop-in session for any quick questions. Details of drop-ins and how to sign-up in advance can be found here.
Disclaimer: Our advice is regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). The advice provided by ISVAT is in accordance with the current Immigration Rules and Policy guidance which is subject to change at short notice. You are therefore strongly advised to check our web pages before submitting any visa application or travelling to the UK. It is your responsibility to read all of the guidance available and ensure that you meet the immigration rules at the point you apply for your Tier 4 visa.
Information for Research Degree Students
How to get a CAS - new students
If you are a new student to the LSE Your CAS number will only be issued to you after you have received an unconditional offer, completed the Financial Undertaking Form and checked your pre-CAS statement.
Your CAS will be issued by the Graduate Admissions team.
How to get a CAS - registered students
If you are a registered student and there has been a change in your academic circumstances which requires you to apply for a new Tier 4 visa, for example you have interrupted your studies or you are applying for the Doctorate Extension Scheme, you will need to request a new CAS number from the Registry Visa Queries Team.
Request your CAS using their online form.
Guides to Applying for Tier 4
This guide explains the Tier 4 application process for students . It will help you understand the process of applying and the documents you need to prepare for a successful application.
Please check the version you see is for the month listed next to the link. If it is an older version, clear your cached documents.
Applying for the Tier 4 visa for Research Students - PDF ( 25 July 2016)
Using a Certificate of Deposit to meet the financial requirements
Please read this Info Sheet carefully if you intend to use a Certificate of Deposit as evidence of funds. This document explains what information a certificate must show in order to meet the financial requirements for a Tier 4 visa.
ISVAT info sheet - Certificate of Deposit PDF (August 2016)
Guides to completing the application forms
These guides will help you complete the application forms in the UK or overseas. They only explain the application form, so you must use these alongside the guide to applying for Tier 4.
If you only refer to the guide to the application forms you are likely to miss important information and your visa may be refused.
Please check the version you see is for the month listed next to the link. If it is an older version, clear your cached documents.
Completing the application form overseas - PDF (July 2016)
Completing the application form in the UK - PDF (July 2016)
Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES)
LSE participates in the Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme, which permits successful PhD candidates to work in the UK for 12 months after being awarded. To be eligible to apply for the Tier 4 DES, you must follow these steps:
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Inform the PhD Academy when you submit your thesis that you wish to apply for the Tier 4 DES;
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Attend a PhD Academy drop-in session with ISVAT to confirm the requirements of the visa application;
Further LSE Guidance
If you have any questions after reading our guidance, you can contact us by completing our online query form.
If you are in the UK, you can attend one of our drop-in session for any quick questions. Details of drop-ins and how to sign-up in advance can be found here.
Disclaimer: Our advice is regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). The advice provided by ISVAT is in accordance with the current Immigration Rules and Policy guidance which is subject to change at short notice. You are therefore strongly advised to check our web pages before submitting any visa application or travelling to the UK. It is your responsibility to read all of the guidance available and ensure that you meet the immigration rules at the point you apply for your Tier 4 visa.