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Extending your Student Visa in the UK (Tier 4)

Note - Old Style Student Visas: If you hold a student visa that you applied for prior to 31st March 2009, the old immigration rules apply to you, whilst you still have a valid student visa. If you need to extend your visa to continue studying in the UK, you will need to extend under the new rules (Tier 4). If you have any query relating to your pre 31st March 2009 student visa please email us at isa@uel.ac.uk

Tier 4 (General) - Student Visa Extension in the UK

Download our handy overview of the Tier 4 Student Visa Renewal Process‎

Extending your Stay in the UK/ Renewing your visa in the UK

To extend your stay in the UK on a Tier 4 General student visa the institution must be on the UK Border Agency Sponsor Register for Licensed Sponsors and you must meet all the Tier 4 requirements.

A sponsor for Tier 4 visa purposes is the educational institution who supports your visa application to study in the UK. UEL has Highly Trusted Sponsor status. You can find the UK Border Agency's list of Tier 4 sponsors here: UKBA Register of Tier 4 Sponsors

In order to maintain our status as a Highly Trusted Sponsor, UEL is required to comply in full with the UK Border Agency Points Based System Sponsor Requirements. It is vital that you are aware of these requirements, as they concern your enrolment, attendance and progress at UEL from the moment you are issued with your Tier 4 visa.

Please read our Tier 4 Compliance leafletTier 4 Compliance leaflet for a summary of the Tier 4 requirements for students as well as the University of East London.

All students over the age of 16 studying at UEL and applying to extend a student visa will need to use the Tier 4 (General) application form.

Summary of the Tier 4 (General) Student Extension Rules

Tier 4 (General) is part of the UK Border Agency's Points Based System for managed migration. Under the Points Based System you need to earn the necessary points in order to be considered for an extension. You are required to have 40 points:

  • 30 for the university Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), and
  • 10 for maintenance (money available to you for your course fees and living costs)

You will need to have money in your own bank account covering your full fees for the current year of your course and specified living costs.

Note: Your visa will be linked to your study at UEL and will only be valid for study at UEL.

General points

Please note that we have also produced guidance documents to help you with the Online Registration process and with making a Pirnt and Send appliction. These can be found

You must ensure that you submit a valid application. You can do this if you meet all the Tier 4 requirements and by submitting a fully completed current application form before your visa expires with a CAS and necessary documents.

You must read the Home Office Tier 4 guidance notes and our Guides to Creating your Home Office account and Guide to Completing the Tier 4 Print & Send Application thoroughly before starting to complete the application form. You should read the UK Border Agency webpages for general information and to check you meet all the requirements.

Once you have completed the application form (to the best of your knowledge) and collected the required documents together, you can visit us at a drop-in session or appointment where we check through and advise on your application.

Application Fee & Process

In most circumstances, applications for a Student Visa Extension in the UK —Tier 4 (General) should only be made using the 'Print and Send' process or by booking a premium in person appointment. Print and Send is a relatively new system and has been introduced to replace the paper forms. You can find a summary of the changes and the introduction of 'Print and Send' on the UK Council for International Student Affairs website.

Apart from Print & Send the other options available are:

See http://www.uel.ac.uk/international/advice/visa-forms-and-guidance/#item1

Application Fee if applying on or after 06 April 2013:

  • Postal and 'Print and Send' application - £406
  • In Person (Premium) application - £781 (inclusive of £100 booking fee)

Please note: It is currently unclear whether the paper application form is still being accepted. We therefore strongly encourage you to use the 'Print and Send' service, unless you are using the Super Premium Service or have already booked a Public Enquiry Office appointment. If you feel you should be using a paper application form please contact isa@uel.ac.uk for advice.

The UK Border Agency have an online booking system for Premium (in person) applications. As of 6 April 2013, an initial payment of £100 towards the application fee is required in order to book an appointment. This fee is non refundable should you fail to attend the appointment.

Note: The PEO in Croydon is the nearest to London but also the busiest. It is therefore sometimes quicker to get an appointment at one of the other PEO's (in Croydon, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool or Sheffield).

Note: Processing postal and 'Print and Send' applications can take a long time. Typically this can be anything from 4 to 14 weeks and sometimes longer. See processing times here. Premium applications can often be processed within 24 hours if application is fully complete and within the rules and documents returned to you within a week.

The International Student Advice (ISA) team have produced Guides to help you create your home office accounts, complete the print and send application and completing the Dependents Print and Send Applications. See our Forms and Guidance Section

Who can apply for a Tier 4 (General) visa in the UK?

You can apply for a student visa extension in the UK to study at UEL if :

  • You are currently studying at UEL on a programme of study or have an unconditional offer of a place on a programme and
  • You have been issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies for UEL and
  • You currently hold a valid student visa or one of the other types of visa which allows you to switch to Tier 4 in the UK (see below)

Only the following categories of visa allow switching to Tier 4 in the UK:

  • Student visa (old style or Tier 4)
  • Prospective Student Visa
  • Tier 1- Post Study Work only
  • Work Permit holder or Tier 2 - General (sponsored skilled workers)
  • Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer) or Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
  • Participant of the International Graduate Scheme (IGS), Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme or Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme -(SEGS)

Note: If you are not in the UK as one of the above categories, you must leave the UK and apply for Entry Clearance from your home country. See applying for Entry Clearance.

Note: If you are moving from one course to another and there is a gap of more than 28 days between the end of your visa and the start of your new course, you must leave the UK.

Please note: The time spent on study at degree level by Tier 4 (General) Students is limited to five years, with some exceptions. Click here for more information.

When to Apply for an Extension

You must make your application in the UK before your current visa expires. UEL is very unlikely to issue you with a CAS if your visa has expired. In addition, if you submit your Tier 4 application more than 28 days after your visa has expired, your application will automatically be refused by the UK Border Agency.

We always advise that you apply for your visa extension as early as possible, ideally around 3 months before your visa expires, if you meet the requirements.

You can apply for an extension in the UK under Tier 4 if you are:

  • currently studying and continuing on the course that you have already started (this does not include students who are on a break) or
  • moving on to a new course which starts no later than 28 days after your visa expires

If you do not meet these rules, then you must return to your home country and you may be able to make an application from there.

Note: You cannot apply in the UK if you are not currently studying (i.e. you are on a break). If you are unsure as to whether this applies to you please contact isa@uel.ac.uk

 

Limit to amount of time spent in the UK

The amount of time you can study at degree level (NQFL 6 or above) on a Tier 4 visa is limited to five years.

When applying for a Tier 4 visa, the amount of time you have previously spent studying in the UK will be considered. When calculating whether or not the five year limit applies to you, all time spent studying in the UK at degree level or above, whilst on a Tier 4 visa or pre-Tier 4 visa (student visa issued prior to 31March 2009) will be taken into account.

This does not apply to:

  • Architecture students
  • PhD students*
  • Students whose UG course was 4 or 5 years in duration who are now applying for a Masters course NB this does not apply if you take longer than expected to complete your course, for example to undertake re-sits.

Only time spent studying is included - the period of leave granted after the course end date is not included. However, you are advised to be cautious about time counted towards the five year limit.

*PhD students and applicants: You be exempt from the time limit while you study for your PhD. However, you will not be granted any further leave under Tier 4 once you have completed your PhD if this further grant of leave would result in you spending more than eight years in the UK as a Tier 4 (General) student.

If you are unclear as to whether this applies to you, please email isa@uel.ac.uk.

Acceptable Courses of Study

To qualify for a Tier 4 Student Visa extension, your course of study at UEL must be one of the following:

  • Full time Degree level or above.
  • Full time Pre-sessional English
  • Full time Pre Masters course
  • Full time International Foundation Programme
  • Other course of 15 hours + a week (organised daytime study) leading to a recognised qualification at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 3 or above.

Full Time Study: Tier 4 visas are only issued for full time study (except in very specific circumstances - see the Changes in your study circumstances section below).

Note: Courses with elements of organised work placement are acceptable if the work placement is an integral part of the course and is no more than 50% of the course. If you are unsure as to whether your course meets the requirements contact us at isa@uel.ac.uk

Maintenance Requirements (Money)

You must show that you have held the required amount of money in your bank account for the last 28 days without dipping below at any point. Evidence must be dated less than one month old. All evidence should be original and meet all the criteria as stipulated in the Tier 4 Policy Guidance.

If you are on the UKBA's list of 'low-risk' nationals, you are not required to submit this evidence with your application, but will be required to provide it if the UKBA request it at a later date. Please see low risk nationals for more information.

(A) Extending in the UK (lower money requirement)

This situation will typically apply to students who wish to extend their student visa in order to continue with the same course or moving from undergraduate to postgraduate course.

You will be required to show the lower money requirement if:

  • you are applying in the UK
  • you have a current valid visa (not expired) as a Tier 4 migrant, as a student, or as a Post-graduate Doctor or Dentist

and

  • you are continuing a course that you have already started (and have been studying on that course for at least 6 months) OR
  • you are moving to a new course and have finished a single course that was at least 6 months or longer (within your last period of leave)

You will need to show that you have the following finances available to you:

  • full year's tuition fees (minus any fees that you have already paid)
  • £2,000* for living expenses
  • If you have already paid some of your tuition fees and you have provided evidence, this will be deducted from the amount of funds you are required to show available to you.
  • If you live in University halls of residence in Docklands campus, up to £1000* of the accommodation fees you have already paid will be deducted from the amount of funds you are required to show available to you, if you have provided evidence.
  • If you have official sponsorship which does not cover the full tuition fees for the (first) year and your living costs for the relevant time, you will need to show evidence in your bank account covering the remainder of the funds available to you.

Note: You must ensure that this rule for lower living costs applies to you before submitting your application. Otherwise your application may be refused due to lack of funds available to you. All evidence should be original and meet all the criteria as stipulated in the Tier 4 guidance notes.

If you have interrupted your studies because your sponsor's license was revoked, and you had completed at least six months of your course before the interruption, the UKBA have confirmed that you are eligible to show the lower maintenance requirement. However, this is confirmed in the UKBA's Modernised Guidance and not in the Immigration Rules, so we still recommend that you show the full maintenance provision if you can. However, if you need to rely on these provisions, we recommend that you print out a copy of the relevant page of the documents linked to above, and include it with your Tier 4 application.

If you are unsure whether you are required to show the lower or higher maintenance requirement, please contact isa@uel.ac.uk

(B) Extending in the UK (higher money requirement)

This situation will typically apply to students who are moving from a pre-sessional to main course or those who are in the UK on other types of visa which allow switching into student visa. You will be required to show the higher money requirement if:

  • you are extending your student visa in the UK and are moving to a new course (and the previous course was less than 6 months long)
  • you are in the UK on another type of visa which allows you to switch to student visa
  • your visa is no longer valid/ has expired

You will need to show that you have finances available to you:

  • full year's tuition fees (minus any fees that you have already paid).
  • £9,000* living expenses (or £1,000* for every month of the course if course less than 9 months).
  • If you have already paid some of your tuition fees and you have provided evidence, this will be deducted from the amount of funds you are required to show available to you.
  • If you live in University halls of residence in Docklands campus, up to £1000* of the accommodation fees you have already paid will be deducted from the amount of funds you are required to show available to you, if you have provided evidence.
  • If you have official sponsorship which does not cover the full tuition fees for the (first) year and your living costs for the relevant time, you will need to show evidence in your bank account covering the remainder of the funds available to you.

Note: Part months are counted as full months by the UK Border Agency. Therefore if your course is 4 months and 2 weeks in length, the UK Border Agency will require you to show 5 months of living costs. All evidence should be original and meet all the criteria as stipulated in the Tier 4 guidance notes.

Types of funds available to you

You must have the relevant amount of funds available to you through one of the following:

  • Money in your own bank account (an account in your name).
  • An agreed bank loan (see below).
  • Official Government financial sponsorship (UK or other government).
  • Official International Scholarship Agency financial sponsorship.
  • Official International Company sponsorship.
  • Official University financial sponsorship.
  • Parental bank account (in your parents name) along with additional evidence (see 'Bank Accounts' below).

Note: Most students do not receive official financial sponsorship. If this is your case, you will have to show the full amount of the required funds available to you in your bank account and/or loan agreement or parent's bank account. All evidence should be original and meet all the criteria as stipulated in the Tier 4 guidance notes.

Acceptable Financial Institutions

The UKBA has a list of financial institutions that they do not consider to be reliable and therefore cannot be used for financial evidence for TIer 4 applications. This list will be updated regularly so please visit the UKBA website for the most up to date information. At the time of writing the list covers institutions in Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Iran, Pakistan and the Philippines.

Before you start preparing your financial evidence, please check the UKBA list of acceptable financial institutions here.

Bank Accounts

  • You can use more than one bank account in your name.
  • You can use UK or home country bank accounts in your name.
  • You can use joint bank account where you are one of the account holders named.
  • You can use your parents bank accounts if they have the full funds. In this case you will have to produce evidence of your relationship such as birth certificate along with a letter from them consenting to your using their bank account and confirming your relationship (birth certificate) and letter of consent.
  • You cannot use bank accounts of other family members or friends.

Note: If your bank account is not in £ (Pounds Sterling) you must convert the closing balance and write it on the statement/ letter. The UK Border Agency uses the OANDA website and you should too. All evidence should be original and meet all the criteria as stipulated in the Tier 4 guidance notes.

The ISA team recommend using an account in your name if possible, as this is a more straightforward process with less opportunity for error.

Loans and Loan Letters

If you are planning to use a loan as evidence of finances for a Tier 4 application, remember to check the Tier 4 Policy Guidance carefully. The requirements for the format of loan letters changed on 28 February 2013.

Your loan letter must state that the loan is provided by a national government, a state or regional government, or a government sponsored student loan company or that it is part of an academic or educational loans scheme. You will not be able to use a loan that does not meet one of these requirements. See Tier 4 Policy Guidance http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/Tier4migrantguidance.pdf Paragraph 180(v).

Evidence of funds

You must show evidence of the funds available to you depending on your situation:

  • Bank statements in your name covering a 28 day period (no more than a month old) always at the amount of required funds or above; or
  • Original letter from your bank confirming that you have maintained the required amount of funds for the 28 day period immediately prior to your application; or
  • Original letter from your bank or financial organisation confirming loan agreement and amount; or
  • Original letter from the organisation providing your official financial sponsorship stating the amount that they will provide you with or a statement that they will provide the full tuition fees and living costs

Note: Letters and Bank statements should be dated no more than a month prior to application. All evidence should be original and meet all the criteria as stipulated in the Tier 4 guidance notes.

If you are on the UKBA's list of 'low-risk' nationals, you are not required to submit this evidence with your application, but will be required to provide it if the UKBA request it at a later date. Please see low risk nationals for more information

Procedures for requesting a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)

A Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) is an electronic document inputted directly into the UK Border Agency database by the University of East London.

The UK Border Agency stopped accepting Visa Letters for student visa applications made on or after 22nd February 2010. The Visa Letter was replaced by a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) which you can obtain by following the procedures below.

Continuing Students

(A) CAS Requirements

A CAS is issued by the International Compliance team to current students who fulfil all of the following requirements:

  • Hold a valid student visa OR a valid visa in another immigration category which allows you to apply for a Tier 4 visa in the UK. 
  • Have a satisfactory attendance record. Your School will confirm to the International Compliance team if you meet this requirement.
  • Have made satisfactory academic progress with your studies. This will be determined by your School in liaison with the International Compliance team. A student’s overall academic record is considered on a case by case basis, and this will take into account the length of time already studied at this level with UEL and your module results to date. A CAS will not be issued to students who have not made the required academic progress. In addition to this, a CAS will not be issued to students who are continuing their studies as a result of previous non-submission of work and / or failure to undertake required examinations.  
  • Meet the UK Border Agency’s time limit for studying in the UK under Tier 4.  Students will be requested by the International Compliance team provide full information about their previous study history in the UK. 
  • Have a good credit history with the University and be up-to-date with tuition fee payments. A CAS will not be issued to students who have outstanding tuition fee debt.
  • Our International Students Advice (ISA) team are trained in Tier 4 issues who will support you through the Tier 4 visa application process, including the documents required. You will need to provide copies of the maintenance documents so that we can check they meet the specific Tier 4 requirements. A CAS will not be issued to students who do not have the required documentation, in the correct format, by their visa expiry date.

You will be required to provide a copy of the Special Delivery receipt once you have submitted your application, provide communication from UKBA and keep us updated with the status of your pending application, including brining in your new visa to the International Office so that we can update your record.  

(B) Requesting a CAS

You can request a CAS no more than three months prior to your visa expiring. If your visa has already expired, you must email isa@uel.ac.uk immediately for advice on what to do.

Please ensure that all payments you want to have reflected on your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (tuition fees for 12/13 and, if applicable, on-campus accommodation) have been made before submitting the request.

If you are a continuing student at UEL (continuing on the same programme of study) and require a CAS, the procedures to be followed is outlined in the this document:

Please note: The time spent on study at degree level by Tier 4 (General) Students is limited to five years, with some exceptions. Click here for more information.

When you receive the CAS Statement:

  • Check that all the details are correct, including name on passport, birth date, etc. If any of the details are incorrect please email CASrequest@uel.ac.uk immediately.
  • If you to choose to pay more towards your tuition fees or university accommodation before submitting your visa application, you should email CASrequest@uel.ac.uk to have your CAS statement updated. Reminder that only £1000 in university accommodation fees can be deducted from the overall living costs.
  • Receipt of University Accommodation fees payments already made (if not stated on CAS)
  • Use the CAS reference number and the information provided on the CAS Statement in the relevant sections of the student visa application form Tier 4 (G).

New Students requesting a CAS

If you are a new student or are applying for a new programme of study at UEL, the following are the procedures for being issued with a CAS:

  • Make a Tier 4 application.
  • Conditional Offer made and sent to you by email (with International Student Reply form).
  • You must meet the academic conditions and pay a minimum 50% deposit.
  • Respond to the International Student Reply Form with your details.
  • CAS assigned and email sent to you or your education adviser, with your CAS details (including CAS number). You will need to refer to the CAS details for your visa application.

Note: If you are in the UK and your current visa expires more than 28 days before your new course starts, you will not be able to apply.

Detailed information on the application process and obtain a CAS can be found on the International Office webpages.

When you receive the CAS Statement:

  • Check that all the details are correct, including name on passport, birth date, etc. If any of the details are incorrect please email admissions.international@uel.ac.uk immediately.
  • If you to choose to pay more towards your tuition fees or university accommodation before submitting your visa application, you should email  admissions.international@uel.ac.uk to have your CAS statement updated. Reminder that only £1000 in university accommodation fees can be deducted from the overall living costs.
  • Receipt of University Accommodation fees payments already made (if not stated on CAS)
  • Use the CAS reference number and the information provided on the CAS Statement in the relevant sections of the application form (Appendix 8)

 

 

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) formerly known as Identity Card for Foreign Nationals (ICFN)

As part of the application process for Tier 4 (Students) you will need to attend an appointment at the UK Border Agency to have your fingerprints and digital photograph taken. The process for postal applications is as follows:

  1. Submit your fully completed Tier 4 application (send by Special delivery)
  2. Receive a letter confirming receipt of the application
  3. Receive another letter telling you to make an appointment to provide your biometrics
  4. Attend the appointment at the time, date and location arranged to provide your biometrics
  5. Your application will then be considered
  6. If successful your documents will be returned to you
  7. Separately your Biometric Residence Permit will be sent to you.

Note: If you are applying in person using the premium service, normally you can expect 1 to 5 (above) to happen on the same day and if your application is successful 6 and 7 (above) usually within a week. If you haven't received your BRP within 2 weeks of a positive decision on your Tier 4 application, you must contact the number provided on the letter confirming grant of leave.

Documents for Visa Extension

Essential Requirements:

  • Valid Tier 4 (General) Application form - fully completed (see visa forms and guidance)
  • Original Evidence of your finances (see maintenance section) Please note that 'low-risk nationals' are not required to submit this evidence with the application form, but may be asked to provide it at a later date. See low risk nationals for more information
  • Valid Photos (see photo guidance notes)
  • Valid Passport
  • Valid Payment (we recommend payment by Postal Order)
  • Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) (NB this is a reference number. You are not required to submit the physical document.)

Other Possible Documentary Requirements (this will depend on your circumstances):

  • ATAS certificate (if applicable)
  • Documents of Previous Qualifications (If stated on your CAS) **
  • Police Registration Certificate (if applicable)
  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) formerly known as Identity Card for Foreign Nationals (ICFN) - (if applicable)
  • Previous Passports (if applicable)
  • Other documents (if applicable)

**Please note that 'low-risk nationals' are not required to submit this evidence with the visa application form, but may be asked to provide it at a later date. Please see low risk nationals for more information

Note: All evidence should be original and meet all the criteria as stipulated in the Tier 4 guidance notes.

English Language Requirements & Educational Qualifications

English Language Requirements

The UK Border Agency requires the university to ensure that you have the required level of English language ability. There are a number of different ways through which you will be able to meet the English language requirements of a Tier 4 General visa for study at UEL. Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) will state how the University has assessed you meet the English Language Requirements. This can be through one of the following:

  • Secure English Language Test (SELT) - If you meet the English Language Requirement through an appropriate SELT, this will be stated on your CAS. For example: if you have taken IELTS, you will need to include a valid original test certificate with your application.*
  • If you have taken the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) a physical paper certificate is not required.  However, you must have a print out of your online score report*. In addition, you will also need to ensure that you have made your online results available to the UK Border Agency listing on the Pearson verification service on the Pearson website. NB This provision only applies to the PTE Academic test as no physical paper certificate is produced by the test provider for this test. Where an applicant undertakes an English language course which results in an official paper certificate, this certificate must always be submitted in support of their application
  • If you have completed an academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree which was taught in a majority English-speaking country - as defined by the UKBA as Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize, Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Ireland; Jamaica; New Zealand; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; United Kingdom; United States of America; You will need to provide your degree certificate*.
  • If you are from a Majority English-speaking country (as defined by the UKBA)- the UKBA will assess your nationality using your passport.  The UKBA defines these countries as: Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Canada, Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; New Zealand; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; United States of America
  • If you have successfully completed a course as a Tier 4 (Child) student for which you were granted your permission stay whilst you were under 18 years old. Your previous course must have been at least six months in length and ended within two years of the date that UEL issued you your CAS. You will need to provide evidence of this*.
  • If UEL has determined, through its own methods, that you are sufficiently competent in English language to study at the level of your course. If this is based on a particular qualification or certificate and is named on your CAS, you must provide the original document*.
  • If you are continuing on the same course at UEL and have already completed at least one semester it should be stated on your CAS that you meet the English Language requirements in line with the Tier 4 guidance for Higher Education Institutions (HEI's). In this case you will not need to provide any evidence of this.

* Please note that Low Risk nationals are not required to submit evidence of the above with their visa application, however it should be available for submission if requested by the UK Border Agency at a later date.

Academic Qualifications

The UK Border Agency require the university to ensure that you have the ability to follow the demands of your programme of study. The University may do through a number of different ways. You Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) will state how the university have determined that you meet the academic requirements. This can be through one of the following:

  • Previous educational qualifications (for example: BA (Hons) Business Studies, University of East London). You must provide any qualifications listed on your CAS, if you are not a "low risk national".
  • Other means of assessing your ability to follow the demands of the course (for example: interview, portfolio or presentation). In this case you will not have to provide evidence of this.
  • Satisfactory progress to date on the course that you are already studying. In this case you will not have to provide evidence of this.

Providing Evidence of your qualifications/ English ability

As described above, you must in some cases provide evidence of your previous qualifications or English language ability if they are stated on your CAS as evidence of your ability to study on your course. It is therefore very important that you read your CAS statement carefully. If you are a low risk national, you will not need to provide this evidence with your application, although you should have these documents available to you in case the UK Border Agency request them.Please see low risk nationals for more information

Low Risk Nationals

UKBA have introduced a streamlined process for low risk applicants whether applying in the UK or outside and going to Highly Trusted Sponsors (UEL is a Highly Trusted Sponsor), in general waiving the requirements to provide documents beyond the CAS and passport/ identity document. The list of low risk countries/nationalities includes:

  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Brunei
  • Botswana
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Croatia
  • Hong Kong
  • Japan
  • malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan (those who hold a passport issued by Taiwan that includes the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan in it)
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United States of America or is
  • a British National Overseas

A full list can be found in Appendix H of the Immigration Rules. However, UKBA may still request documents from these nationals - so it will be necessary to prepare them anyway

Registering with the police

Some international students are required to register with the police. If you have a student visa for more than 6 months and you are required to register with the police, it will be stamped on your visa that you must register with the police. You must do this within 7 days of arrival.

If you are required to register with the police, there is a £34 charge for the initial registration. You should take your passport, two passport sized photographs and fee. If you have a dependant who is also required to register with the police, they too must go in person for the initial registration.

Renewal of police registration, for example because you have extended your visa is free of charge.

You must notify the police of any change in address within 7 days. If any of the particulars detailed in your police registration certificate change (for example: immigration conditions - visa extension, passport details, name, address, marital status or occupation) you must notify the police within 8 days.

If you live within the Greater London area, you should go to:

  • The Overseas Visitors Records Office. Ground Floor, Brandon House, 180 Borough High Street, Borough, London. SE1 1LH (nearest underground station: Borough -Northern Line)
  • Telephone number: 020 7230 1286
  • There is also a recorded information line: 020 7230 1208
  • The Overseas Visitors Records Office in Borough is normally open from 9.00 until 16.00 Monday to Friday.
  • Students living outside the Greater London area should register with the local police force.

For more information on the Police Registration Certificate see the UKBA information on their website here .

ATAS Certificate

If you are a non- EU citizen planning to undertake some research based postgraduate study in the UK in certain science, engineering or technology disciplines, then you will need to acquire an ATAS certificate before you can apply for a Visa to come into the UK or a renewal of an existing student visa in the UK.

An ATAS certificate is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme which the UK government has introduced in order "to ensure that people who are studying in the UK in sensitive subjects do not have links to Weapons of Mass Destruction Programmes"

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The process of applying for an ATAS certificate is currently being updated (March/April 2013). Applicants are asked not to submit an application for ATAS clearance between mid-March and 15 April 2013. If you think that this might be a problem for your Tier 4 application, please contact the ISA team isa@uel.ac.uk .

For full details on the ATAS certificate and requirements see the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Website.

Click on the link for a list of courses which require an ATAS certificate

Length of Time on Visa

The guidance for Tier 4 (General) states that successful applications should be granted until the expected completion date of the course (as stated on your university record and CAS at the time of application) and some additional time depending on the length and type of course.

  • Courses of one year or more - expected end date of the course + four months.
  • Pre-sessional / Pre Masters course - expected end date of the course + one month.
  • Other courses less than 12 months but more than 6 months - end of course + 2 months
  • Short courses of less than 6 months - end of course + 7 days

Note: If you think that you have not received the correct length of time on your visa (end date on your visa letter + extra time as above) see section on Incorrect Visa?

Please note: The time spent on study at degree level by Tier 4 (General) Students is limited to five years, with some exceptions. Click here for more information.

 Other Changes in Your Circumstances (change of name, address etc)

If your circumstances change while the UK Border Agency are considering your Tier 4 application or while you are studying in the UK as a Tier 4 student, you should tell the UK Border Agency using the change of circumstances form. Please follow the link on our website for the Migrant Change of Circumstances form and our interactive guide to completing the form.

You should use the form to tell the UK Border Agency about:

  • changes in your personal details;
  • criminal convictions that you have not previously told us about;
  • changes in your contact details;
  • changes in your representative's details;
  • changes in your family members' details, if they are in the UK as your dependants; and
  • any other information that you think we should know.

The form should not be used to report other changes, such as a change in your education provider or course of study. You can find more information in the guidance notes at the back of the form.

Note: Always ensure that your report any changes in your circumstances to UEL as well:

  • Changes in contact details can be made through UEL direct;
  • Changes to your visa/ passport (example: new visa) must be reported in person at the International Office with the original evidence of the change (for example: new visa or new passport);
  • Changes to your personal details such as name or title must be changed at the Student Services helpdesk in person with the original evidence of the change (for example: deed poll certificate, new passport with new details or marriage certificate);
  • New criminal convictions must be reported to the Admissions officer with responsibility for criminal records checks in the first instance by email at

    CRBAppChecks@uel.ac.uk with your name, student number and details of the new criminal conviction.

Incorrect Visa?

Incorrect length of time on Visa?

The guidance for Tier 4 (General) states that successful applications should be granted until the expected completion date of the course (as stated on your CAS at the time of application) and some additional time depending on the length and type of course.

  • Courses of one year or more - expected end date of the course + four months.
  • Pre-sessional / Pre Masters course - expected end date of the course + one month.
  • Other courses less than 12 months but more than 6 months - end of course + 2 months
  • Short courses of less than 6 months - end of course + 7 days

This is similar to the guidance for the old style student visas also.

If you think that you haven't been given the correct amount of time on your visa, contact us and we will check for you.

Visas issued outside the UK

If your initial entry clearance (student visa issued in your country) is wrong we may be able to request that it be corrected free of charge through the Entry Clearance Correction Scheme.

Please note: We are only able to request entry clearance correction on your behalf if you bring us your passport and International Acceptance Letter more than 1 month before the expiry date of your visa, the sooner the better .

Entry Clearance Correction Scheme

Visas issued in the UK

If your visa was issued in the UK (as a visa renewal) there is no scheme such as the Entry Clearance Correction Scheme (ECCS). However if your visa was issued at the Sheffield office of the UK Border Agency (UKBA), we may be able to contact them on your behalf to query the period of leave granted.

In cases of visas issued at other UKBA offices, there is no facility in place for advisers to contact them on your behalf. In these cases, one remedy may be to make a complaint through the UK Border Agency complaints procedure.

Please note: we cannot guarantee the outcome of any request, challenge or complaint about incorrect periods of leave to remain or entry clearance. Therefore, you should ensure that you have valid leave in the UK at all times - do not let your visa expire

Other inaccuracies on your visa

If you have any other inaccuracies on your visa such as misspellings, wrong conditions, wrong category or other, please come to one of our drop-in sessions for advice on correction.

Dependants

Please click here for more information on dependants

You can download the dependants application form & guidance notes from our Visa Forms and Guidance pages.

Useful links for Visas and Immigration

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Comments & Suggestions:

Did you find these webpages useful? Is there anything that could be improved/ amended? If you have any comments or suggestions regarding our webpages and its contents, we would be happy to hear from you. Please email any comments/ suggestions to isa@uel.ac.uk

Updated 08/04/13

Tier 4 Sponsor Licence

University of East London (UEL) holds a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence and is listed on the UKBA register as a Highly Trusted Sponsor

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