Important Notice: New UK Immigration Regulations
From 31 March 2009, most international students coming to study in the UK will be required to apply for a
visa under the new Points Based System. Under the new system students will need to:
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Prove that they have been accepted on to a course run by an institution which is a licensed Tier 4
sponsor
Prove that they have the means to pay their tuition fees and support themselves
Provide biometric details at their local visa application centre
Please note that if you have a conditional offer for your main degree course subject to completion of a presessional English Language Programme, you can apply through one of two routes:
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General Student
Prospective Student
You will not be able to change categories if you are here on a Student Visitor Visa and will have to
return to your home country to do so.
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa
Applying for your visa
The visa application process should be straightforward. For your application to be successful you will need:
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A current passport or travel document
A visa support letter from the University
Proof of maintenance funds
Evidence of the qualifications you submitted to the University
Any other supporting documents relevant to your application
The visa letter issued by the University will refer to pre-payments or deposits made by applicants (including
payments for accommodation). This can be taken into account as part of the required financial support.
Please note that all documents submitted with your visa application must be original – if you submit
photocopies then it is likely your application will be refused. Applicants who lie, withhold information and/or
provide false or fraudulent documentation will be rejected and may be banned from making further visa
applications for up to 10 years.
Applicants who require ATAS clearance must obtain this before applying for a student visa. For full details of
the ATAS scheme please access http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/fco-in-action/counter-terrorism/weapons/atas/.
Students whose studies are supported by a Government, Ministry, employer or other financial sponsor will
be required to provide proof of this financial assistance. Details of the required proof are set out in the
student guidelines.
You’ll also need to make an appointment at your nearest visa application centre to provide your biometric
details (10 digit finger scans and a digital photograph) as part of the application process.
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/newfeesfrom060409
International students with a General Student visa will be able to work up to 20 hours a week during termtime, take full-time temporary work during holidays, and undertake work placements relevant to their course.
If your visa application is successful you will secure a visa for the whole length of your course with some
additional time at the end to allow you to settle your affairs.
After graduation you may be entitled to apply to remain in the UK for up to two years under the Post-Study
Work programme. See further information at
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/poststudy/
Visa conditions
Your visa will be issued for a named university, college or other institution. There are strict conditions
attached to the General Student visa which include:
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The University will need to keep copies of your passport and biometric (ID) card
You must notify the University of changes in your address and personal circumstances
You must enrol and attend as required for your programme of study
Students need to ensure that they do not undertake paid work over the permitted maximum number
of hours
If students want to transfer to or fron another university a new visa will be required
Registration with the police (your entry clearance will indicate if you need to do so)
Universities are now obliged to report students who do not meet these conditions or who are suspected to be
in breach of their visa status. Infringement of visa conditions is a serious offence and may lead to
deportation and additional sanctions being imposed by the UK Border Agency.
You are strongly recommended to read the Policy Guidelines for students (link at
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/)
Immigration Advice
Please note that the International Office is not authorised to provide advice or assistance with regard to
immigration. If you require support with your visa application or are seeking detailed advice that is otherwise
unavailable through any of the links provided here, we recommend that you contact an independent
immigration advisor who is authorised to provide guidance. Alternatively, if you have applied to the
university through an approved educational consultant or agency, colleagues there may be able to signpost
you to a reputable source of independent advice.
Useful Links
Register of Tier 4 Sponsors:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/points/sponsoringmigrants/registerofsponsors/
Information Sheets (UK Council for International Students):
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/information_sheets.php
YouTube video (various languages available): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keBOZ9rFuuk
This information is intended for general guidance only, does not constitute definitive immigration
advice on the part of the University and should not be referred to as such. The University accepts no
responsibility for the results of reliance on this information.