How Tier 4 of the Points Based Systems affects the University

Under Tier 4 all educational institutions need a UK Border Agency (UKBA) approved sponsor licence to recruit and retain students on a student visa. The University of Sheffield holds a Highly Trusted sponsor licence. Details can be found on the UKBA website (opens in a new window).

Students will only be awarded a visa to study at a licensed institution.

In order to retain its sponsor licence, the University has a number of duties:

1. To only issue Certificates of Acceptance for Studies (CAS numbers) to students who are capable of completing the course for which they have applied. In February 2010 the CAS number replaced the Visa Letter .
2. To take scanned copies of passports and ID cards for students on a student visa (introduced from 31 March 2009);
3. To keep accurate contact details for students on a student visa (introduced from 31 March 2009 and applicable to all students in the General University Regulations);
4. To only allow students with a visa for the University of Sheffield to study here. Student visas will be linked to an institution;
5. To only allow students with a valid visa to study at the University. Students whose visa has expired will be deemed withdrawn.
6. To report to the UKBA any student who:
   • applies for a visa but the visa application is refused;
   • does not enrol within their enrolment period;
   • has 10 unauthorised absences from University prescribed compulsory 'contacts';
   • withdraws or is deemed withdrawn or is excluded;
   • defers their studies (leave of absence);
   • has a significant changes of circumstances (for example a course change);
   • Commences a work placement
7. is known to be breaching the conditions of their leave;
8. To submit all reports to the UKBA within 10 working days via the UKBA database, the Sponsor Management System.

The Sponsor Management System and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies

In October 2009 the UKBA launched its database, the Sponsor Management System (SMS). Use of the SMS became compulsory in February 2010.

Through the SMS, a student will be issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS). The CAS will be a virtual number and has replaced the Visa Letter in acting as support for the student to come to the UK to study or, in the case of visa extensions, to continue their studies in the UK. Students will not be able to apply for a visa or visa extension without a CAS number.

More information on "Sponsor Management System and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies".

University Points Based System Project Group

A University Points Based System Project Group was established in September 2008 to plan for the implementation of the new immigration system. The group met quarterly, was chaired by the Director of Student Services, Dr Andrew West, and had members from academic departments, Student Services, Research and Innovation Services, the Finance Department, CiCS, Accommodation and Campus Services and Student Union representation. A steering group now addresses the administrative requirements associated with the Point Based System. The group is chaired by Dr. Andrew West and has members from Student Services and Research & Innovation Services.

Student Attendance Monitoring Group

A University Attendance Monitoring Group was established in September 2009 to plan for the implementation of the attendance monitoring and reporting requirements outlined above. The group has members from academic departments, Student Services, Research and Innovation Services, CiCS and Student Union representation.

More information on the "Student Attendance Monitoring Group".