Refusals
Very few visa application that are made by legitimate students coming to the University of St Andrews are refused, but it does happen on occasion. However, if you follow the guidance provided in the document and the Tier 4 Policy Guidance about required documents, level and term of funds, and format of all documents your application should be accepted and your visa granted.
The most common reasons for refusals are
- Applicants not including all the required documents (the most common omission is the passport).
- Documents not being in the correct format.
- Applications not meeting the points requirements because of insufficient funds; or the funds not having been in the account for the correct term; or funds not in cash.
- Applicants not providing any previous qualifications that have been highlighted in the CAS.
Refusal of Entry Clearance
If your application for Entry Clearance is refused, in most circumstances, you will be notified by email in the first instance; this will be followed shortly after by your documents and the refusal notice. The refusal notice will detail the decision and why the Entry Clearance Officer has refused your application. If you feel that the decision is incorrect then please scan the notice and any supporting documents that you sent with your application and send them to advint@st-andrews.ac.uk, we will have a look at the documents and advise you on how to proceed.
Administrative review
This process can only be used if you have submitted all the correct information at the time of application and you are absolutely sure that it is an incorrect decision by the Entry Clearance Officer. You cannot submit new information at the point of applying for an Administrative Review. If you unsure how to proceed please contact the International Student Advisers at the University.
Refusal of a Tier 4 Application in the UK
If you have applied through the Student Services Office, the International Advisers will look at the refusal notice to assess whether it is correct. If it is correct then you will be contacted to come in and discuss your options. If it is an incorrect decision you will be assisted to fill in an appeal form and the International Student Adviser will contact UKBA to discuss the decision. It is important that we submit an appeal to maintain your rights as a student whilst negotiations with UKBA are taking place.
If you have applied independently please make contact with the International Student Advisers as soon as possible. We will give you all the help and advice you need to protect your immigration rights in the UK.
Please be aware that you will be referred to an Immigration Lawyer if the refusal is going to be heard by the Immigration & Asylum Tribunal.