Immigration & Visas
European Economic Area Nationals (EEA)
Nationals of the EU and EEA, as well as Switzerland, will
not require a visa to study in the UK.
The countries of the EEA are all the EU member states, in
addition to Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
However, it is advisable to carry your acceptance letter with
you when entering the UK although you do not need a visa.
Non EEA Nationals
In recent years the UK government has made major changes to its
immigration rules and visa systems for international students.
Students can now apply for a visa through a "Points Based System".
To find out if you need a visa for study period abroad at Regent's
College, you will need to contact the British Embassy, Consulate or
high Commission in your home country.
Details of all British representations abroad can be found at
the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office website.
The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) is the UK's Border and
Immigration Agency. Immigration policies and information change
frequently so you should contact the UKBA for the latest
information.
Please note that staff at Regent's College are
not legally in a position to give any immigration advice on
applying for visas. Please direct all visas enquiries to the
UKBA website.
Visa routes
For non-EU/EEA Nationals there are now two visa
routes depending on the length of stay.
1. Student Visitor Visa Route
The student visitor route is aimed at students who wish to
undertake a short-term course of study of up to six months in the
UK. Student Visitor Visas will only give students permission to
enter the UK for a maximum of six months and they will not be able
to extend their stay en the UK.
Visa National Students -will need to apply in advance
for their Student Visitor Visas before entering the UK. Students
can find a list of visa national countries form the following
website:
www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/visadatvnationals
Non Visa Nationals -Are subject to the non visa
national rules listed at this link:
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/nonvisanationals
2. Tier 4 (General) Student Visa Route
N.B. Significant changes have been introduced for Tier 4
students. Please see the latest information below.
A Tier 4 (General) Student Visa is intended for students who
wish to study in the UK for a period of 6 months or more. This visa
type also allows students to apply for an extension form within the
UK.
In February 2010 the UKBA introduced a sponsorship management
system. This means that students will no longer be issued a visa
letter in support of their visa application. Instead, Regent's
College will assign visa applicants a CAS (Confirmation of
Acceptance for Studies). The CAS is a unique reference number
that students will use to apply for permission to study in the UK
as a Tier 4 (General) student.
Students will automatically be assigned a CAS reference number
by Regent's College when the following criteria have been met:
- The student has been nominated by the home institution (does
not apply to students applying independently)
- The student has submitted all application material to the
International Partnerships Office.
Students will be personally notified by Regent's College once
their CAS has been assigned, and will be given the number to use as
part of their visa applications.
A CAS will be valid for six months from the date assigned. If a
student does not use it within this period to apply for the Tier 4
(General) student visa, it will automatically become invalid.
For more information and guidance on the Tier 4 (General)
student visa, please see the guide
"The UKBA Guide to Tier 4 (General) student Visa"
Further Information
For further information about immigration and visas, the
following sites may be useful.
Remember that it is your responsibility to
check whether you need a visa and if so to ensure that you have the
correct type. Rules and regulations in this area have become
increasingly strict over the past few years and it is in your own
interest to have everything in order.
Tier 4 update - July 2011
Working / Internships
As of the 4th July 2011, students applying for a Tier 4
visa to study at Regent's College will no longer have the right to
undertake and work/internships (voluntary or paid) whilst in
the UK.
English language requirements
An English language requirement has been introduced for both new
and continuing Tier 4 students. All non-native English
speaking students studying at degree level of above must score a
level B2 at the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A UKBA approved
list of test providers and language level equivalences can be found
on the
UKBA website. Proof of your English language proficiency must
be submitted with your application for Regent's College.
Page last updated 7/27/2011