The University of Sheffield
SSiD

Before You Apply:

1. Consider Using the Visa Extension Scheme

We advise that you use the University of Sheffield visa extension scheme. We do not recommend that you apply without this support from the University but we can only check your form and supporting documents if you are using the University visa extension scheme. Applications through the University visa extension scheme take as long as applications by post which are self submitted, around 3 months.

2. Be Aware of The Cost:

3. Read about the Points Based System Information

www.shef.ac.uk/ssid/international/pbs

4. Use a Current Tier 4(G) form

Students needing to extend their Leave to Remain to continue with or complete full-time studies must apply to the Home Office in London using a current Tier 4(G) form. You must complete the Tier 4 print and send form which you can access on the UKBA website. Before you complete the form, you must complete an UKBA account. Information on how to create the account, select and complete the correct form can be found here.

5. Resits/Resubmission

If you have to repeat module/examination, re-submit dissertation or make corrections to thesis (not full-time)- if you need to extend your student visa for re-sits/re-submission you should contact Student Support & Guidance for advice.

6. Offer for a New Course

If you have an offer for a new course use the Tier 4(G) form if the course start date is no more than one month after your existing leave to remain expires.

You cannot apply for a visa for a new course more than 3 months before the new course start date. If you do apply more than 3 months before the new course start date, your application will be refused.

7. New Course Start Date

If there is more than one month between your visa expiring and your new course starting, you MUST return home and apply for fresh entry clearance.

8. Visa Expiry Date

You must apply for an extension before your current Leave to Remain expires. If you do not make a visa application before your current Leave to Remain (visa) expires you will be deemed withdraw from the University and reported to the UK Border Agency (UKBA). In exceptional circumstances we would agree for you to remain registered if an application was submitted within 28 days of your visa expiry date. Applications submitted more than 28 days after the visa expiry date would be automatically refused and therefore the University will withdraw anybody who has not submitted a visa application within 28 days. If you cannot submit a visa application before your visa expires, you must seek advice from an International Student Adviser as soon as possible.
You must present evidence to Registry Services that you have applied for a new visa and you will be given provisional registration. You can only be given the full registration upon presenting to Registry Services a copy of your new visa.
If you do not inform Registry Services that you have made a new visa application, we will assume that you have not made the application and may deem you withdrawn.

9. Completing Current Course

If you need to extend your visa to complete your current course, you cannot do this more than 6 months before your current visa expires.

10. Applying in Person (Not Recommended)

It is possible to apply in person at a Public Enquiry Office, but this is very expensive and therefore this option should only be chosen if there is great urgency. Applications made in person are usually decided on the same day and in most cases the biometric residence permit will be sent out within 10 days.