Extending your Tier 4 visa September / October 2013 Student Services International Student Advice Team

The International Student Advice Team Student Services, 4 West Nicola Peacock Jessica Scott Tracey Tillotson Rebecca Bruce Workshops Drop-in advice Appointments Student Services

Drop-in advice Student Services, 4 West Summer vacation:Mondays & Thursdays: – Wednesdays: – – 27 September: Every day: – From 30 September: Mondays & Thursdays: – Wednesdays: – Student Services

Today’s presentation Tier 4 student visas University responsibilities Student responsibilities How to extend your visa Student Services

Tier 4 – UK Home Office requirements 1. University’s responsibilities (as your educational sponsor) Monitoring attendance and engagement Recording passport and visa data for all Tier 4 students Informing Home Office of major changes to course Ensuring students meet English language requirements Ensuring students make academic progress 2. Student’s responsibilities Attend and engage with your course Providing passport and visa data when requested Not breaking conditions of their visa Reporting major changes to ISAT Keeping up-to-date with requirements Apply for new visa and any relevant documents required in good time Student Services

Tier 4 Time limits Time limits for time spent in Tier 4 at degree level: 5 years (excluding some subjects such as architecture) 6 years for those studying for a Master’s degree where the UG degree was 4 or 5 years Exceptions only for “compelling and compassionate” reason: You must have EVIDENCE 8 years for those who have completed a PhD Please let us know about any changes to your course – eg repeats, resits, suspensions Student Services

How to extend your visa Check and Send Visa Service – International Student Advice Team (Tier 4 visas only) AVOID: Sending in the UK yourself or via an agent - more likely to be refused. Going home at the end of the summer? Student Services

Check and send visa service 1.Visa application presentation - collect appointment ticket 2.Make an appointment to see an International Student Adviser at the Helpdesk (from Wednesday 28 August) 3.Come to drop in session if: 1.Using an overseas bank statement 2.Using any overseas document 3.Wishing to apply in person (different process) 4.Complete online form - DO NOT SUBMIT! 5.Print form for ISAT checking 6.Remember your login and password as they will be needed in your appointment Student Services

Check and send visa service 1.Visa application presentation - collect appointment ticket 2.Make an appointment to see an International Student Adviser at the Helpdesk (from Wednesday 28 August) 3.Come to drop in session if: 1.Using an overseas bank statement 2.Using any overseas document 3.Wishing to apply in person (different process) 4.Complete online form - DO NOT SUBMIT! 5.Print form for ISAT checking 6.Remember your login and password as they will be needed in your appointment Student Services

Check and send visa service 7. You will have your CAS before your appointment (don’t worry – we know that there is a quick turnaround) 8. Make sure you have all your supporting documents, photocopies and photos before your appointment 9. Attend your appointment – do not be late 10.Bring credit or debit card to pay for your application 11.We will check your application 12.We will submit your application and send your documents Student Services

Check and send visa service (continued) After your application has been made you will receive a letter asking you to go to a Post Office to have your biometric information taken (finger prints / photo) – you must do this within 15 working days We let you know when your visa has been returned It is your responsibility to make a good application Please note that as you have a visa for study at Bath you can start your degree course. The conditions of your visa will remain the same until your new visa has been granted Student Services

Important Information You MUST apply before your visa expires – check your expiry date Please remember bank statements must meet requirements at the time of application If you do not have your CAS 2 days before your appointment please inform the Helpdesk staff You must have filled in the online form and must bring your CAS and all your documents to your appointment – if you do not your appointment may be cancelled If you are having problems getting your documents, please come to a drop in before your appointment Applications can take 8 – 16 weeks – please do not book flights until your visa has been returned. Student Services

DO NOT BOOK TRAVEL FOR THE CHRISTMAS VACATION UNTIL YOU HAVE YOUR VISA! Do not book a vacation during term time. If exams are cancelled they may be re- scheduled for the inter-semester break.

Preparing for your appointment 1 appointment per student Your application must be complete when you come to the appointment Please complete the online form BUT DO NOT SUBMIT You must have all original documents with you You must have a credit card or debit card ready for payment You must have photos as per the guidance Come to a drop-in if you have a question about your documents Do not be late – you must prioritise your visa application over course commitments Student Services

Key documents 1.Printed copy of online application form (don’t forget login and password) 2.Application Fee - £406 by post (plus £305 per dependant if applying at the same time) or £781 in person (plus £680 per dependant if applying at the same time). 3.Your current passport 4.Your current visa (if not in your passport) 5.Two passport sized photographs (meeting requirements). 6.A Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the University. 7.Original certificates for all qualifications mentioned on your CAS statement 8.Financial Proof 9.Your Police Registration Certificate if you have one. 10.Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate if required 11.Translations and original documents 12.Photocopies of all documents Student Services

Payment- Student Services With a credit or debit card - American Express, MasterCard, Visa (including Electron), Delta or Maestro (including Solo). For postal and courier payments, the Home Office accept only Maestro cards issued in the UK.

Photos Student Services  2 RECENT photos taken in UK  Not a white background – light grey or cream  DO NOT use photos used in previous application  Check the photo guidance carefully: ms/flr/photoguidance0409.pdf ms/flr/photoguidance0409.pdf  Name on the back

Your CAS statement Applicants 1. Accept unconditional offer 2. Respond to confirming CAS details and uploading passport scan 3. CAS sent to you by Current students 1. Request a CAS through SAMIS online 2. You will receive a reply within 3 working days and your CAS summary will be provided before your appointment (inform Helpdesk staff if you do not have your CAS 3 days before your appointment) Student Services

Financial Proof You must have: £7,200 if you have just completed a course which was less than 6 months, and this was the first course you have done in the UK, PLUS your first year of fees. £1,600 if you have a valid visa and have been studying here for 6 months or more PLUS your first year of fees (or remaining fees if you are extending for less than a year). You will need more if you have dependants.You will need more if you have dependants The required money must have been in the bank account for a consecutive 28 day period. Original bank statements covering 28 days – see the policy guidance for exact details Must be dated within 31 days of the application being submitted Student Services

Financial proof - your parents’ finances We strongly recommend that you open a UK bank statement in YOUR name With parents’ bank statements: You must provide an ORIGINAL birth certificate original signed and dated letter You can use overseas statements, but if they are not in English, you must also send a fully certified translation by a professional translator. Write the closing balance in pounds sterling on the statement. Use the official exchange rate on the OANDA website Student Services

Financial Proof - Your Accommodation, changes from April 2012 You can show a receipt for University accommodation payments up to a maximum of £1,000 and take this off the amount in your bank account. You can obtain receipts from Accommodation Services.Accommodation Services. IMPORTANT: Do not pay more than £1,000 University accommodation fees if you need this money to show living costs for your visa application Student Services

Financial Proof - Sponsorship If you receive official financial sponsorship by a government, government agency, an international organisation, international company or university, you will need a letter from your sponsor with full details of the amount you will receive. If your fees and maintenance are paid in full by your sponsor, they must also consent to you extending your time in the UK. The letter must be stamped and on headed paper. Student Services

Financial Proof - Tuition Fee Payments You can show a receipt for fee payments and take this off the amount in your bank account. You can obtain receipts from Student Finance (WH Level 3)Student Finance Student Services

ATAS Certificate Student Services  You should be told by Admissions if you need an ATAS  Postgraduate students and students whose courses lead to postgraduate degrees :  Research: Science, Engineering and Design, School for Health  Taught: Mechanical Engineering  Go to for more information and to apply for certificatewww.fco.gov.uk/atas  If you have not got one already ORDER THIS TODAY!!!

What is a Biometric Appointment? Student Services 1. Biometric appointment letter – fingerprints and photos; 2. You will need to pay £19.20 at the Post Office, list of Post Offices included in biometric letter 3. The Biometric Residence Permit is your visa

Key 5 Reasons for Refusal Student Services Financial documents do not show enough money Bank documents do not clearly show the money has been in your account for a consecutive 28 days Financial documents do not meet UKBA requirements Original qualifications / certificates listed on the CAS are not provided Translations of documents that are not in English are not provided and/or not meeting requirements

Bank Statements – Flow Chart Student Services

Preparing for your Tier 4 Student Visa Extension Low risk country? You must still prepare the documents and bring them to your appointment – we will keep them on record Student Services

If you are refused your visa May affect future visa applications E.g. Tier 2 You may have to suspend your studies until you have a valid visa Always keep in contact with International Student Advice Team Student Services

Key messages 1. Open a UK bank account now and ensure you have the correct amount of money 2.Only pay up to £1,000 towards University accommodation fees 3.Collect a ticket and book an appointment from Wednesday 28 August 4.Please check your bank statements in a drop-in if you have any questions 5.Apply for ATAS if you need it 6.When you get your results, please be patient when waiting for your CAS 7.Remember it is your responsibility to meet the UKBA requirements. Student Services

The International Student Advice Team Student Services, 4 West Nicola Peacock Jessica Scott Tracey Tillotson Rebecca Bruce Drop-in advice Summer vacation:Mondays & Thursdays: – Wednesdays: – – 27 September: Every day: – From 30 September: Mondays & Thursdays: – Wednesdays: – Student Services