(Easy?) Tier 4 Visa Question

Hi. I'm preparing all my documents to send off for when my funds clear the 28-day waiting period. I know that I have to send original documents. Do I also need to send photocopies of every document for them to keep so that they will return my original documents?

I've never applied for a visa before and want to do it right the first time. Plus... it's sort of nearing "crunch time"- I need to get this visa so I can get a ticket and get over there!

Thanks in advance.

I think somewhere in the application or on the website they suggest sending copies, but you don't have to.  In theory, your fee is partially meant to pay for them to make their own copies, so I wouldn't waste the paper.  They'll return the stuff back to you (though they will keep some things like any letter addressed to them, the application form, biometrics sheet, etc.).

Definitely make copies of everything for your own records though.   

Out of curiosity, have you had your CAS issued to you yet? My university (Queen's Belfast) has said they're issuing them "right now", so I'm just curious whether anyone has begun the actual application process yet, or if we're all waiting on those....

Out of curiosity, have you had your CAS issued to you yet? My university (Queen's Belfast) has said they're issuing them "right now", so I'm just curious whether anyone has begun the actual application process yet, or if we're all waiting on those....

It will depend when the course starts.  The CAS is issued maximum 3 months before, so if you course starts on or after 21 September, it can be issued from today.

Do I also need to send photocopies of every document for them to keep so that they will return my original documents?

I think somewhere in the guidance it says you should. Last year, I made two copies of every original document--one for me to keep and one for them to keep. I also did it at a time when OfficeMax/Staples was offering half price B&W copies, so that at least helped to keep the costs down.

Thanks for the responses. Once my bank statements are ready tomorrow, I'm sending everything in! I'm just nervous that I'm forgetting something even though I've gone over it at least 100 times!
Appendix 8 (and copy)
Official Transcript from undergrad university (per CAS)
Letter from School re: loan confirmation (and copy)
Then bank statements (stamped by bank, plus copies)

I think that's it?

I'm most worried about my visa pictures! I had to get them redone because the first time, the people took them passport-sized. They were too big! I had to cut them myself this time and I hope they're right-sized and the eyes are in the shaded area and all of that.

Are you using loans + personal funds to pay? I'm wondering if you're paying for your tuition & maintenance with Federal loans, do you still need to include bank statements as well?

Thanks for the responses. Once my bank statements are ready tomorrow, I'm sending everything in! I'm just nervous that I'm forgetting something even though I've gone over it at least 100 times!
Appendix 8 (and copy)
Official Transcript from undergrad university (per CAS)
Letter from School re: loan confirmation (and copy)
Then bank statements (stamped by bank, plus copies)

Going back from my post from last year, i sent in the following:

  a. my undergraduate diploma
  b. ATAS Clearance certificate (Only if you need one for your course)
  c. Bank statements from June and July
  d. A letter from my university confirming the amount that I'll be receiving in scholarships, and in loans.
  e. My passport and two passport sized photos.
  f. Appendix 8
 
Also, I'm pretty sure that after applying online and attending your Biometrics appointment, you're given something at the Biometrics appointment to include...I can't recall for sure, though..maybe someone who applied for a visa more recently will know..

Lastly, I included a sort of "cover letter" for my $$$Maintenance section, stating the date and the exchange rate of the day I had applied online (using www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ , as per UKBA's guidelines).  Then, I basically made a table with each source of funding (cash, loans, scholarship), and the amount of each both in US Dollars and GB Pounds.  I thought it spelled out everything nice and neat, then they could easily check my forms of "proof".

Hope this helps

1 copy for each n every item you submit is required.

Are you using loans + personal funds to pay? I'm wondering if you're paying for your tuition & maintenance with Federal loans, do you still need to include bank statements as well?

I think you'd probably just need to have a letter from your school re: your financial aid if it covers your tuition and maintenance. Appendix 8 allows you to write out how much you have covered as far as tuition and maintenance and how much you need to prove, and how you're going to prove it. If there isn't anything left to prove (it's all covered), you don't need bank statements.

Thank you so much, PickledSakura- I also included a cover letter of sorts with my bank statements, explaining what I was sending, as my 28-day period was different from the bank statement and I didn't have July available yet. They still approved me. I don't know if the change as of July 4 had something to do with it or not, but I'm grateful it's over with!

I made plenty of copies! Of everything!

Thank you so much, PickledSakura

Happy to help