Tier 4 Student Visa Information Sheet International Student Advice Team
http://www.bath.ac.uk/international/advice/extendvisa.html
What you need to bring to your Check and Send appointment
When to applyü When your degree offer is unconditional
ü Before your visa expires
ü You have filled in (but not submitted) the application form
ü You have a CAS and all documents required (see checklist below) / How to apply
You can extend your visa in the UK using The International Student Advice Team’s Check and Send Service. Please request your CAS and then book an appointment in 4 West Student Services and then prepare your application.
Document / Further information / Student Services use only
* Application form / P Online form filled in but not submitted
P Is money available to pay during appointment (payment card?)
* Current passport
* Previous passports if used to travel to the UK
* Valid visa / In passport OR Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card
* X 2 photos
- In a small envelope (unsealed) / ü Name written on back
ü Light grey or cream back ground – NOT white
ü Neutral expression (not smiling)
ü Whole face clear
ü Face measures between 29 – 34 mm
* Police Registration Certificate if required / ü Visa will state if required
ü Must have current address / visa expiry
* CAS statement or summary print-out / Request your CAS using SAMIS online. Your CAS statement / summary will be provided by email before your appointment.
* Qualifications listed on CAS (originals)
Students continuing on the same course are unlikely to require these / Students starting a new course could require:
- Degree Certificates (or transcript if it shows award)
- English certificate (pre-sessional: certificate + transcript)
- A’ Levels – certificate / transcript or letter from UK school
* Financial documents (originals)
- Tuition fees PLUS living costs (£7,200 for
- new students in UK, £7,380 from 1 July 2014)
- Bank statements: must show required money for a
consecutive 28 day period
Can include:
- UNIVERSITY accommodation receipts up to £1,020
- Tuition fees receipts
- Official financial sponsorship letter / Bank Statements showing money for 28 days:
ü Official headed bank paper OR stamped by bank on every page
ü Date of statement (not more than 31 days before Check and Send appointment)
ü Name and account number on every page
ü Overseas bank? An adviser must check this in a drop-in
ü Parents statements? You will need birth certificate and letter of financial support from parents. An adviser must check this in a drop-in
Receipts
ü Must be originals from Finance (NOT printed from an email)
* ATAS certificate if required / ü This will be stated on CAS and student will have been informed
* Official translations of all documents not in English
(originals) / ü An adviser must check these in a drop-in
* Copies of all documents (financial documents,
qualifications, translations)
Check and Send appointment:…………………………………......
Your Tier 4 visa – what you need to know
It is essential that you understand the conditions of having a Tier 4 student visa. It is extremely serious if you break the conditions of your visa, and could have serious consequences for you and your future studies. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all conditions of your visa.
The International Student Advice Team offer drop-in advice sessions, appointments and workshops (details on our website or from 4 West Student Services).
What you are expected to do:ü Study full-time on your course at Bath
ü Attend your course
ü Engage with your course (hand-in coursework / sit exams)
ü Register with police if required to do so (stated on your visa)
ü Inform the Home Office if you change your address
ü Extend your visa or leave the UK before your visa expires
ü Inform the University of any changes to your course or visa / What you must not do:
û Stop attending your course without contacting your department or the International Student Advice Team
û Overstay your visa (remain in UK after your visa expires if not making another visa application)
û Work more than 20 hours per week in term-time
û Engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a professional entertainer or sportsperson
û Pursue a career by filling a full-time, permanent vacancy
û Ignore problems – if you are struggling with your studies for any reason, please tell someone. The International Student Advice Team are here to help you and can advise you on your options.
What work can you do?
ü You can work part-time up to 20 hours per week, or full-time in University vacation periods.
ü Postgraduate students must agree vacation period with your department. You cannot work full-time when writing up your thesis / dissertation.
ü Placements that are part of your course / What is the University expected to do?
The University of Bath is your Tier 4 educational sponsor and has a Tier 4 sponsor license. To keep our license, we must:
ü Keep up-to-date records of students visas / passports / contact details
ü Ensure students have a visa that allows them to study
ü Inform the Home Office if a student does not attend their course, withdraws from their course or suspends from their course
ü Sponsor Tier 4 students by issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (a CAS), a requirement for your Tier 4 visa application
What you should do if…
You need a break from your studies of more than 2 weeks, but less than 2 months: You will need to apply for authorised absence using SAMIS online. This will not affect your visa or your course end date. You may need to agree this with your department. Undergraduate students may not be able to take more than 2 weeks in term time.
You need to go into suspense from your studies: You will need to leave the UK as you are no longer a registered student meeting the ‘study’ condition of your visa. Your current visa will be ‘curtailed’ (cancelled).
You have to repeat or resit part of your course: You may risk going over Home Office time limits for degree level study in the UK. It is essential that you check with an International Student Adviser.
Your visa is about to expire? You will need to extend it at home over the vacation period or using our Check and Send Service.