This information is for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA is made up of the EU countries, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Nationals of Switzerland are treated in the same way as EEA nationals for immigration purposes.

The information on this page applies to non EEA students who are currently in the U.K

On 31 March 2009 the UK Government introduced Tier 4 of the Points Based System; the immigration category for students. Tier 4 replaces all previous student immigration categories and is administered by the UK Border Agency (UKBA).

What is Tier 4?

Tier 4 is the student immigration category and is administered by the UK Border Agency (UKBA).

All Non EEA students who are currently in the U.K and need to extend their visa are advised to submit a valid Tier 4 visa application whilst they are in the U.K before their current visa expires.

If you first made your student visa application prior to the rule changes in March 2009 you may not be familiar with the new regulations. It is important that you familiarise yourself with the new requirements.

Please refer to our Tier 4 (General) Student Pack [PDF 194 KB] for further information and guidance. It is important you read the information in this document carefully in order to comply with the application procedure.

In line with the Points Based System a Tier 4 applicant MUST obtain 40 points in order to obtain a student visa.

How are the points worked out?

• You will be awarded 30 points for a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a Licensed Tier 4 Sponsor.
• You will be awarded 10 points if you can show that you have enough money and you prove it in one of the ways described in the Tier 4 Policy Guidance.

What is Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number provided by your Tier 4 Sponsor (accredited college or university). University of the Arts London is an accredited licensed sponsor.

A CAS is not a paper document. It is a virtual record which contains personal information about you as well as details of the course you have applied for and acts as an official unconditional offer.

You will need this information to complete the Tier 4 visa application form. If you are a continuing student and/or studying on a course that is longer than one year, please request a CAS by contacting your College/School office at University of the Arts London.

Once your CAS is processed, you will be sent an email with details of your CAS number and also a CAS summary statement outlining the information that was sent to the UKBA.

Once you have received your CAS number and summary statement you can complete your Tier 4 application and submit it provided you meet the all the requirements for submitting a valid application.

Further Information

The immigration rules for students can be complex. If you have any questions please contact Student Services. We are specially trained to give you information and advice. If we are unable to help you, we will be able to refer you to someone who can.

Please note that the immigration rules are continually changing. Please refer to the UKBA and UKCISA websites for the most current information.

The latest version of the Tier 4 (G) application is available from the UKBA website.

OISC

Student advisers in Student Services are trained to give immigration advice. The OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) is an independent organisation that monitors this advice and service. For details visit the OISC website.

Contact Student Advice and Guidance Service

Email: Student.advisers@arts.ac.uk
Telephone: 020 7514 6250
Textphone: 18001 020 7514 6250
www.arts.ac.uk/student