General Student Immigration Information

Immigration: A General Guide

As a prospective student you will encounter a range of information about applying for a Visa and we appreciate that this can be overwhelming at first. We have set out key points about immigration regulations for our applicants and provided answers to frequently questions below. We have also provided links to a range of additional information and on-line resources but we recommend that you always check with the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and UK Visas websites for information

The Points Based System: The UK has introduced a Points-Based System (PBS) for immigration. Tier 4 of this system will affect international students from outside the EEA/EU who are applying for a Student Visa to come to the UK, or those who are already studying in the UK and applying for a new course. Under the Points Based System, applicants will need to be sponsored by an institution that is registered as an official sponsor. London Metropolitan University is Category A Sponsor.

The Visa Application:In order to apply for a Student Visa, you must have applied for and been accepted on to a full-time course of study (English Language Course, Foundation, Undergraduate or Postgraduate Course).

Applying for a visa outside of the UK: If you are making an application from outside the United Kingdom for a Student Visa you should go to the website listed below. Application Forms and information about how to complete them are available at this website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/vafs

Applying for a visa in the UK: If you are a student making an application from inside the United Kingdom you should go to the UK Border Agency website below in order to obtain the relevant visa application form: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/

Frequently Asked Questions

Is London Metropolitan University an official sponsor?
What is a visa letter?
What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Who will send out my CAS?
When will I receive my CAS?
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Study Offer Commmunications and CAS
How do I apply for a UK Student Visa?
Where do I apply for my a student visa
What type of Student Visa do I need?
What documents do I need to send with my application?
What money do I need to show?
How long do the funds for my fees and maintenance need to be held in my bank account?
Do my financial documents need to be in my name?
Am I tied to a single education provider?
What if I am continuing my studies and need to extend my visa?
Where can I find further information about the visa process?

Is London Metropolitan University an official sponsor? London Metropolitan University is an “A Rated” Sponsor

What is a visa letter? A Visa Letter has been replaced by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) as of 22nd of February 2010. Visa Letters are no longer required and cannot be used to apply for a UK Student Visa

What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies? The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is not an actual certificate or paper document. Each Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies has a unique reference number and contains information about the course of study for which it has been issued and the student’s personal details. You must be in possession of a CAS before you apply for your UK Student Visa.

Who will send out my visa letter? Londn Metropolitan University Admissions Office will issue and send your CAS. Please note that your CAS is unique to you, London Metropolitan University and your visa application. It will be delivered directly to you, the applicant, in an electronic document format. It is important and must be kep safely and used to apply for your UK Student Visa. Please note that you must ensure that we have your updated and active email address at all times.

When will I receive my CAS? Your CAS will be issued when (a) it is indicated that you have been made an Unconditional Study Offer (when you have met all of the conditions of your study offer) (b) you have paid the required deposit. (See below for more information)

Do I need to pay a deposit? From the 1st of April 2010 those with Unconditional Offers who require a CAS will be required to pay a tuition fee deposit:

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses: £1,000.00 (except for the countries listed below)
International Foundation Programme:50% of listed Fee
All other courses of shorter duration: 100% of listed Fee

Applicants from the following countries will be required to pay a deposit of £4,000: Bangladesh, China (Fujian Province), India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

Study Offer Commmunications and CAS: London Metropolitan University will issue an Unconditional Offer (Pre CAS) Communication confirming that you have been been offered a study place on a specified course once you have met the conditions of your study offer. A deposit payment will be requested at this point. Upon receipt of the deposit payment, the University will issue your CAS (and receipt of payment) and a Post CAS communication outlining your next steps towards obtaining a UK Student Visa, securing accommodation and enrolment.

How do I apply for a UK Student Visa from outside the UK? Further details about applying for a student visa from outside the UK can be obtained from UKBA Leaflet INF29

Where do I apply for my a student Visa? The website listed below provides further details: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/wheretoapply/

What Type of Student Visa do I need? London Metropolitan University students will be categorised as an Adult Student. Therefore you need to apply for an Adult Student Visa

What documents do I need to send with my application? You only need to provide the documentation requested with the visa application. If you include additional letters or documents which are not listed on your CAS (or you provide documentation that does not correspond with the qualification information shown on your CAS), this may increase the risk of your application being refused or it may take longer to process.

Your Visa Application should include:

Your CAS
Any documents such as academic certificates that are listed on that visa letter
An ATAS certificate, if this is required for your course (this will be indicated on the visa letter);
Your bank statements, letter of official financial sponsorship or confirmation of an official loan.

What money do I need to show? You must be able to show that you have funds to cover the cost of your tuition fee and living in the UK for the duration of your course. You will need to show that you have funds at your disposal to cover: The tuition fee for your course and £800.00 per month for the duration of your courses.

How long do the funds for my fees and maintenance need to be held in my bank account? From 1 October 2009, prospective students applying from outside the UK must show that they have held the required amount of money (tuition fee and living costs) in your bank for a period of 28-day period before the date of your visa application.

Do my financial documents need to be in my name? Under the current rules (until 21 August 2009) the funds must be held in an account in the name of the student applying for the visa. Detailed information on the financial requirements is available in the UKBA Quick Guide:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/quickguideforstudent/adultstudents/

Am I tied to a single education provider? On 5 October 2009, new Tier 4 students' permission to stay in the UK will be 'tied' to one single sponsor (University) only. From 5 October, every new Tier 4 student will find their sponsor's reference number on the vignette (visa insert) in the student’s passport or on their identity card for foreign nationals. if you wish to study with a new Tier 4 sponsor and you made your application for a Tier 4 visa on or after 5 October 2009, it will be necessary to apply for a new Tier 4 visa. You must not begin to study with the new education provider until you have received a decision on the outcome of your application.

Where can I find further information about Immigration?

For the Immigration Rules (quick guide for students) and more information on how to apply http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/quickguideforstudent/adultstudents/

UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is also useful source of information about immigration and living in the UK for duration of your studies: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/

If your query is not covered by the above, please email us at international@londonmet.ac.uk