How Tier 4 of the Points Based System Affects Students
Tier 4 students must do the following to comply with their immigration conditions:
Pre-arrival
- Think carefully about which UK institution to study at. Student visas will be tied to an institution. Students who applied for a visa after 5 October 2009 must submit a new visa application (with the associated charge) if they wish to change institution;
- Regularly check pre-arrival web pages, emails and publications for updates and information
On arrival
- Register during their enrolment period. Students who have been issued with a CAS number and who do not enrol will be reported to the UK Border Agency (UKBA). If a student decides not to come to the University or will arrive late, they must inform Registry Services so that Registry Services can inform the UKBA;
- Allow Registry Services to scan a copy of their passport and visa details and record these on the student record;
- Update their contact details via Muse;
- Be registered as a student at the University on a full time course, on an exchange programme or, if on a course below degree level, have at least 15 hours per week of organised daytime study; (students will not be issued with a CAS number unless this requirement can be met);
- Only study on programmes at Level 6 of the National Qualifications Framework and for English language courses, at the approved UKBA level (students will not be issued with a CAS number unless this requirement can be met);
During Studies
- Only undertake work placements that are assessed and do not comprise more than 50% of the total length of the course, unless there is a statutory requirement for this (for example, PGCEs). All University of Sheffield Degrees with Employment Experience adhere to these immigration rules;
- Attend teaching sessions regularly and request permission from their academic department for absences. Students who have been issued with a CAS number and have 10 unauthorised contacts with the University will be reported to the UKBA;
- Think carefully before applying for a leave of absence or withdrawal. Students who have been issued with a CAS number and who withdraw or take a leave of absence, will be reported to the UKBA and will need to leave the UK;
- Inform the University if their immigration conditions change, for example, following a visa extension;
- Students who are re-sitting will not be permitted to remain in the UK if they are registered as an external candidate as they will not be engaging with the university. Students will be able to remain in the UK if they are registered as an internal candidate as they will be attending teaching sessions. If a student needs to extend their visa to re-sit/repeat, they will only get a visa extension for the re-sit/repeat period.
- Ensure that they always have a valid visa that permits study at the University. Students whose visas expire will be deemed withdrawn and reported to the UKBA.
- Be aware of the Points Based System and regularly read the University's web pages for current students on immigration and check email bulletins for updates;
After studies
- Leave the UK if there is more than one month between their current leave to remain expiring and a new course starting
Communication with new and existing students is ongoing as more information on the Points Based System is released and plans to implement systems at the University are developed.