Student Visa Guidance
The UK Visa process is operated by the UK Border Agency
(UKBA).
Please read the following questions and answers carefully.
These should answer many of the questions you have about the
student visa process.
Please note that this information may be subject to change as
and when UK immigration policies are and procedures are
revised.
Due to the London Olympics it is possible that visa issue will
take longer this summer so please apply as early as possible.
What is a
Tier 4 general student visa?
Can I use a
student visitor visa?
Can I get a
visa as a 'Gifted Student'?
What is a CAS?
What is a CAS
number?
What is a CAS
statement?
Do I need a CAS?
Can I apply for
a Tier 4 General Student visa or extension without a CAS?
When can I get CAS from
the University of Hull?
Will my CAS
be issued on University headed paper?
Will
my CAS have information about how much I have paid to the
University for my tuition fees?
What if I overpay the
University for the tuition and/or accommodation fees, can I get the
balance reimbursed to me for my living expenses?
Why
does the CAS not mention my scholarship/bursary?
When can I
apply for my Tier 4 visa?
What
documents do I need to provide with my visa application?
Will the
UKBA test my English language ability?
What
do I need to do if I am given a CAS when I do not need one?
What do I need to do if I believe there is a mistake on my CAS
statement?
What if
my passport is renewed before I apply for my visa?
Will
I receive a new CAS if my original needs to be amended?
Why does my CAS only cover the period of my pre-sessional
programme?
Can my
CAS cover the MPhil and PhD stages of my programme?
Do I need an ATAS
certificate?
Tell me more about ATAS
Do I
need a new CAS if I change my programme/start date?
What
happens if I do not register by the latest start date?
I
already have a Tier 4 visa for the University of Hull, can I save
my CAS to use later?
Can
I use a CAS issued by another university to apply for a Tier 4 visa
to study at the University of Hull?
I have a visa
that was issued to study at another University. Can I use it to
study at the University of Hull?
I have
a Tier 4 visa that was issued to study at another University.
Can I use it to study at the University of Hull?
If
my Tier 4 General Student visa application is refused by the UKBA
can I use my CAS again for the next application?
What happens
if my visa is refused?
If my visa
application is rejected do I need to apply for a new CAS?
What
happens if the UKBA changes its policy before I apply for my
visa?
What is a Tier 4 general student visa?
Tier 4 of the points-based system is the primary immigration
route available to students who want to study full-time in the UK.
They must be sponsored by an education provider that has a sponsor
licence.
The University of Hull is a Tier 4 (General Student) licence
holder and currently has the Highly Trusted Sponsor status.
The University of Hull does not sponsor Tier 4 (Child)
students.
Can I use a student visitor visa?
The student visitor route is available for students to come to
the UK for short periods of study. You can find out more about the
vistor route on the
UKBA website.
Can I get a visa as a 'Gifted Student'?
From April 2011 the UKBA has a 'Gifted Student' category within
the Tier 4 route. The University of Hull is not using that
route for any student.
What is a CAS?
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a ‘virtual’
document which provides a CAS number and a CAS statement. You will
only need a CAS if you are planning to apply for a student visa or
visa extension under Tier 4 of the Points Based Immigration
System.
What is a CAS number?
A CAS number is a combination of letters and numbers and has 14
digits, for example, “E08GLO90RT7P2”. Each CAS number is unique for
an international student studying at a specific Tier 4 sponsor for
his/her chosen course(s) in the UK.
What is a CAS statement?
A CAS statement consists of all the information required by the
UKBA for generating your CAS. The University of Hull will deliver
your CAS number and CAS statement by email only. You will need the
information provided on the University email to complete your Tier
4 (General Student) visa application correctly. Please note it is
your responsibility to check your CAS statement to ensure all the
information about yourself, your course(s) information, etc. is
accurate. You must keep the CAS email securely as it contains your
personal data.
Do I need a CAS?
Not all international students studying at the University of
Hull need a CAS. This will depend on each student’s personal
circumstances. You will only need a CAS if you are applying for
your visa or visa extension as a Tier 4 General Student. If you are
not sure whether you will need a CAS, please contact
our Immigration
Advisers.
Can I apply for a Tier 4 General Student visa or extension
without a CAS?
No. If you want to start or continue your study at the
University of Hull under the Tier 4, you MUST obtain a CAS from us
in order to apply for your Tier 4 General Student visa.
When can I get a CAS from the University of Hull?
A CAS will be issued, normally within 5 working
days, when
- You have accepted your offer
- You have provided proof of all qualifications as requested and
your offer is unconditional
- You have provided a copy of your passport you intend to use to
gain a visa
- Your start date is no more than 4 months ahead
If your course requires you to have an ATAS certificate the
University will need to see the certificate before a CAS is
issued. Further details available here.
Will my CAS be issued on University headed paper?
No. We have been assured by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) that it
is not necessary for you to receive a hard copy of the CAS
notification from the University. The University will issue an
email to you as official notification that your details have been
processed to the UKBA. You should print the email (and
any following CAS email updates if relevant) to use
with your visa application.
Will my CAS have information about how much I paid to the
University for my tuition fees?
Yes. If your payment has been fully recorded by the University
when the CAS is issued it will be included. If you pay fees after
your CAS has been issued your CAS will be updated and you will
receive notification (normally by email) to confirm this. If you
have any queries you should contact Student Financial Services, asking
them to update your CAS, quoting your applicant code and CAS
number.
What if I overpay the University for the tuition and/or
accommodation fees, can I get the balance reimbursed to me for my
living expenses?
Any fees paid above your tuition fees will be used to pay for
any accommodation fees. If you have paid for your
accommodation fees, but not allocated any accommodation you will be
reimbursed. Anything above the combined amount (tuition and
accommodation) will be reimbursed to you.
You should not overpay your tuition (and accommodation) fees to
the University in order to try to circumvent the requirement to
have money in your account for 28 days. The University is not
able to act as a clearance account for this purpose or provide
evidence to the UKBA for any amount received over the fees due.
Why does the CAS not mention my scholarship/bursary?
If you have been awarded a University of Hull scholarship or
bursary that is not reflected as a reduction in fee on your CAS you
should contact Student
Financial Services, quoting your applicant code, CAS number and
provide evidence of the scholarship or bursary.
When can I apply for my Tier 4 visa?
New students can apply for their visa no more than 3 months
before the start of their course. Visa applications can take
at least 3-4 weeks for processing so allow as long as
possible. Continuing students are advised to apply early,
usually any time within three months before their current visa
expiry date.
If your course requires that you have an ATAS certificate you
cannot apply for your visa until you have the ATAS certificate -
see further information about ATAS.
What documents do I need to provide with my visa
application?
You must provide original documents for the qualifications
listed on your CAS statement. As financial evidence for supporting
your Tier 4 General Student visa application, you will need to
provide the original documents required by the UKBA in
accordance with Tier
4 (General) Policy Guidance.
Please check
here what documents you must submit with your visa
application. It is important that you have the original
copies of all the required documents with you as the UKBA may
request the full range of documents.
Will the UKBA test my English language ability?
Yes, UKBA will check the level of your English.
If you are not a national of an English speaking country (as
defined by the
UKBA) or you have not recently graduated from an honours degree
in one of those countries, the University has responsibility to
check that you meet the minimum English language standard for their
course.
For degree courses the standard is defined by the UKBA as at
least CEFR Level B2 (normally IELTS 5.5 in each element (reading,
writing, listening and speaking) or above or other accepted
tests).
The University sets its own entry requirements for each
course, which are normally higher than this UKBA standard.
Please refer to the further guidance on our English language requirements.
For pre-sessional courses (including the University of Hull's
Masters Foundation programme) and other below degree programmes (eg
UHELP) the standard defined by the UKBA is at least CEFR Level B1
(normally at least IELTS 4 or above) and applicants must be taking
one of the secure English language tests recognised by the UKBA and
the University of Hull. Please check the list of
UKBA approved English language tests although you should be
aware that the University of Hull may not recognise all of the
qualifications listed.
The University cannot admit any student who needs a Tier 4 visa
who is below the UKBA and/or University of Hull standard.
The University will record on the CAS the evidence used and if
there is a formal English language test stated on your CAS you must
include the original certificate and full statement of results with
your visa application.
The UKBA will not ask you to take another English test.
However, if you are interviewed by an Entry Clearance Officer
during your visa application or on arrival in the UK they need to
know that you can hold a normal conversation with them. If
they have concerns about your English skills they have the power to
refuse entry to the UK.
What do I need to do if I am given a CAS when I do not need
one?
You should contact the Admissions Service,
explain why you believe you do not need a CAS and provide any
relevant documents and we will look at your application again
before contacting you further.
What do I need to do if I believe there is a mistake on my
CAS statement?
Check your CAS carefully as soon as you receive it. You should
contact the Admissions Service (or
other issuing Service at the University) giving details of what
information you believe to be incorrect, stating your applicant
code, and we will investigate further. You will normally receive a
response within 4 working days. Please only send the
information to the address given here and not to other contacts you
have at the institution – this can cause delays in resolving any
issues.
What if my passport is renewed before I apply for my visa?
You should send a clear copy of your new passport immediately to
the Admissions
Service who will update the CAS information held by the
UKBA.
If you are a registered student you should ensure you inform
Student Administrative Services.
Will I receive a new CAS if my original needs to be amended?
No, normally any changes made will be notified to the UKBA and
you will receive an email informing you of those changes reported
to the UKBA.
Why does my CAS only cover the period of my pre-sessional
programme?
If a pass in a pre-sessional course (English language or Masters
Foundation) is a condition of your admission to the main degree
programme, a CAS can only be issued for the pre-sessional
programme.
Can my CAS cover the MPhil and PhD stages of my programme?
Yes, if your offer is for ‘PhD’. Students are normally
registered from the start for the PhD with a progression review
after approximately one year.
If, however, your offer is for MPhil only or MPhil/PhD, a CAS
will be issued for the MPhil (2 years) only. A new CAS will be
issued if your progression is satisfactory after 2 years.
Do I need an ATAS certificate?
Please view this section for further
details.
Do I need a new CAS if I change my programme/start date?
This depends whether you have used the CAS to obtain your Tier 4
visa. The University will decide how best to inform the UKBA about
the change and will keep you informed. Normally a move to a later
start date will require the CAS to be withdrawn and a new one
issued.
If you have already been issued a CAS and you request a change
of programme we may not change the CAS but wait for you to arrive
and register before informing UKBA of a change.
What happens if I do not register by the latest start date?
The CAS shows the latest date by which you must formally
register for the course. If you do not register by the latest start
date the University will notify UKBA of this. The University
may refuse registration if you try to register and/or start
later.
This may impact on any further visa application so it is
important you inform the Admissions Service, before
the latest start date, if you are not going to be able to make
the latest start date or are no longer able to attend the
course.
It may be possible to defer your entry to a later date.
A new CAS will usually be needed and the first CAS will be
withdrawn.
I already have a Tier 4 visa for the University of Hull, can I
save my CAS to use later?
A CAS expires 6 months after it is issued. If you register
using a current visa (from a previous programme at the University
of Hull) you should follow guidance from Student Administrative
Services or the Immigration Advisers. You
will need to request a new CAS to extend your visa if the one given
to you for the new programme expires before your visa
application.
Can I use a CAS issued by another University to apply for a Tier
4 visa to study at the University of Hull?
No. If you need a Tier 4 visa and would like to study at the
University of Hull, you must use a CAS issued by the University of
Hull to apply for your visa.
I have a visa that was issued to study at another University.
Can I use it to study at the University of Hull?
It will depend on whether it is a Tier 4 visa or not.
Please contact our Immigration Team for further
information.
I have a Tier 4 visa that was issued to study at another
University. Can I use it to study at the University of
Hull?
It will depend on when you made your last Tier 4
application.
If you made your latest Tier 4 application on or after 5 October
2009, you must apply for a new Tier 4 visa using a CAS issued by
the University of Hull before you can register with us.
If you made your latest Tier 4 application before 5 October 2009
and you are now in the UK, you must apply to UKBA for a permission
to change your University before you can register with us.
Please contact our Immigration Advisers for
further information if needed.
You must tell the University as soon as your new visa
application has been decided (approved or refused) or as soon as
you receive permission to change your University and provide
evidence to Student
Administrative Services.
If my Tier 4 General Student visa application is refused by the
UKBA can I use my CAS again for the next application?
No, your CAS can only be used once and will no longer be valid.
If you decide to make a new Tier 4 application you must obtain
another CAS from the University. You should contact the Admissions Service, (or
Student Administrative
Services if you are a continuing student) providing a copy of
your refusal notice.
What happens if my visa is refused?
The University will decide whether it can issue another
CAS. If the refusal is due to fraudulent documents being
submitted a new CAS will not be issued and the offer of a place on
the programme will be withdrawn.
In most other circumstances a second CAS will be issued.
If you receive a second refusal notice the University will
require you to seek advice from the Immigration Advisers before it
will consider issuing a further CAS.
If my visa application is rejected do I need to apply for a new
CAS?
No, if your visa application is rejected you can use the
same CAS as long as all of the information is correct and matches
the information on your visa application.
What happens if the UKBA changes its policy before I apply for
my visa?
You must make your Tier 4 visa application in accordance with
the immigration rules valid at the time of your application.
The UKBA may revise its policies at any time. UKBA
immigration rules, application forms and fees may change at short
notice. Therefore, it is very important to check these before
making your visa application.
The University will be required to review its policies
accordingly and may need to revise/add offer conditions in order to
sponsor some students for a Tier 4 visa. The University will
give as much notice as possible of changes.
Page last updated by Kathy Olivant on
5/15/2012