University of Sunderland

UK Visas

New UK Immigration Rules - Points based System

The UK Immigration rules for students to enter the UK have changed to a Points Based System (PBS). This new system applies to all non-EEA/EU/Swiss Nationals to work or study in the UK. There are now 5 different Tiers depending upon the reason for someone wishing to enter the Uk and Tier 4 is specifically for students coming to the UK to study.

All new students wanting to come to the UK are required to apply for a visa under Tier 4 before travelling unless their course is less than six months. For shorter periods of study it is possible to apply for a Student Visitor Visa. 

How will this affect my student application?

When you first apply to the University you will normally receive a conditional offer. The conditions of your offer could be the completion of your current course of study and/or the payment of a deposit to the University. After you have satisfied the conditions the University will then give you an unconditional offer for your programme. As part of the unconditional offer the University will issue you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from the University. This is a unique reference number which you must include in your visa application.

The CAS will also include a list of qualifications documents/ evidence that was used to offer you a place to study at Sunderland. It is very important that you use evidence of these documents when applying for your visa.

When your visa is issued, your CAS number, indicates that you are coming to study at the University of Sunderland and this will be also indicated in your visa. If you later decide that you wish to study at another institution you will be required to apply for a new visa to study at another institution. This can be done before you leave for the UK or after you enter the UK. You will not however be able to study at any institution unless your CAS is for that institution.

Please refer to the following websites for further information as they can be subject to change:

• UK Border Agency http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
• British High Commission or Embassy http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/
• UKCISA (Council for International Student Affairs) http://www.ukcisa.org.uk

Visas for Pre-Sessional English courses

If you wish to attend a pre-sessional (or bridging) course and then wish to study on a full programme you should hold an unconditional offer for your pre-sessional Englsih course and a conditional offer for progression to an academic programme. Although you can apply for a visa for a pre-sessional course as a visiting student it may be advisable to also apply under Tier 4. Students who hold a visiting student visa may e required to return to their home country if at a later date they wish to apply for a Tier 4 visa for another programme.

Study Abroad and Exchange student?

If you are a Study Abroad or Exchange student who wishes to study at Sunderland for less than 6 months, you will normally receive an Unconditional offer letter which can be used to apply for entry clearance as a Student Visitor.  However before doing this you should check the details of this visa at the websites above as there may be further restrictions which do not apply to students applying under Tier 4.