International Students
UK Immigration advice for students
New UK Immigration Rules
From March 2009 the current student visa system will be replaced by the Points Based System. Tier 4 is specifically for students coming to the UK to study. From 31 March 2009, all new students wishing to come to the UK will be required to apply for entry clearance under Tier 4 before travelling.
Information, advice and guidance regarding the planned changes are still being released to institutions. We will endeavour to post the most up to date information here to assist you in your preparation for study in the UK.
Below you will find a summary of some of the Key changes:
How will the Points-Based Immigration system affect my application for a student visa?
All universities will, from March 2009 have to be licensed by the government as a registered sponsor for their students for immigration purposes.
You will require a Visa letter from Suffolk New College before you can apply for entry clearance as a student. The Visa letter will also include a list of documents that were used to assess your suitability for your chosen programme at Suffolk New College. When you apply for your entry clearance you must include the originals of all supporting documents listed (or certified copies)
Students will have to demonstrate that they can meet a minimum number of points required for a student visa. You will require 40 points in order to obtain entry clearance as a student under tier 4 of PBS.
30 points will be awarded for a valid ‘visa letter’ or CAS along with supporting documents listed
10 points will be awarded for meeting the financial and maintenance requirements outlined by UKBA.
Further details on these requirements can be found on the UKBA website below.
What type of student visa do I need?
If you are 17 years old or above and intending to study for a full-time course at Suffolk New College you must apply for a General Student Visa.
How do I obtain my visa letter?
From March 2009 you will automatically be issued with your ‘visa letter’ as your Letter of acceptance if you have been made an Unconditional offer. This will only be issued to you once you have met any academic conditions and supplied the relevant original or certified copies of required documents.
From Autumn 2010 the ‘Visa letter’ will be replaced by a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS) which will be issued to you if you have confirmed your acceptance of an unconditional offer.
I’m already a student at Suffolk New College, does this affect me?
If you are already in the UK and are looking to extend your visa before the autumn of 2009, you will also need the appropriate ‘’visa letter’ before you can submit your application to the Home Office.
For students already in the UK, please refer to UKCISA who provide extensive information and guidance.
Reporting requirements
SuffolkNew Collegewill be obliged to report to the UK Border Agency any student who obtains entry clearance under PBS but does not enrol at the start of the course or for those that do enrol, but withdraw or fail to attend their classes for significant periods will also be reported to UKBA.
Where can I find out further information about the Points Based System?
We will continue to update this webpage with information as it becomes available however if you have any questions please contact us directly at feadmissions@suffolk.ac.uk
You may also find the following websites useful; they also contain detailed guidance on the Points-based Immigration System.
UKCISA (Council for International Student Affairs) www.ukcisa.org.uk
UK Border Agency www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk