Student ServicesThe Points-Based System for Immigration
Below are some useful FAQs on the new UK immigration system, which comes into effect from March 2009
What is the Points-Based System (PBS)?
Does Bath have a Sponsor Licence?
What do International Students need to do to apply for a visa from March 2009?
What happens when a Student arrives in the UK?
Can a Visa be used for study anywhere in the UK?
Will PBS work like this in 2010 and beyond?
What is the best source of further information?
What is the Points-Based System (PBS)?
The PBS is a new way of dealing with immigration in the UK. The scheme has five ‘tiers’ or
categories covering various areas of work and study. The tier which is relevant
to students is Tier 4. Tier 4 was introduced in March 2009 but not all aspects
of the system have been introduced.
Does Bath have a Sponsor Licence? YES!From March 2009, universities had to be registered with the UK Border Agency (UKBA) in order to enable international students from outside the EEA to come to the University of Bath to study. The University has been approved as a sponsor for Tier 4 and has an A-rated licence.
What do International Students need to do to apply for a visa from March 2009?
Under the PBS, Entry Clearance Officers overseas will award points for certain criteria (listed below). Applicants will need to score 40 points in order to gain a student visa. Applications will be judged strictly against the required criteria. It is therefore very important that prospective international students have exactly the right documents as follows:
- A Visa Letter from Bath: This will quote the University’s sponsor licence number and other details required by the UKBA. Students must have this special letter. A normal offer letter, whether conditional or unconditional is not acceptable. Letters will be sent automatically .
- Evidence of Maintenance: Students must show that they have enough money to pay for their tuition fees and living expenses while in the UK
- Proof of Qualifications: When a student applies for a visa he or she will have to submit proof that he or she has the qualifications stated in the application for a place at Bath. The qualifications used for Bath’s decision and which will need to be shown to the Entry Clearance Officer will be set out in the visa letter from Bath. The Home Office will check these to make sure they are genuine.
What happens when a Student arrives in the UK?
There are important new requirements which relate to students once they have started at university in the UK.
- Visa/passport copies: Bath will need to make a copy of students’ visas/ID card and passports and registration with the University will be temporary until the requirement is met. The University will keep electronic copies of these documents.
- Up-to-date contact details: The University is required to keep up to date contact details for all international students. Changes of address or phone number must be notified to the Registry at once. This is a requirement from March 2009.
- Non Arrivals and Non Attendance: Under the terms of the University’s sponsor licence it must report to the UK Border Agency on students who firmly accept a place at the University but do nor arrive to start their studies. It must also report on those who do not satisfactorily attend mandatory seminars, lectures, laboratory work or other expected contacts. Details of how this will work are still to be confirmed and the University will issue further guidance prior to the Autumn of 2009.
Can a Visa be used for study anywhere in the UK?
Under the new system, visas will be specific to an institution. Students will have a visa for the University of Bath only and if they wish to transfer to another programme elsewhere they will need to apply to the UK Border Agency to do this.
Will PBS work like this in 2010 and beyond?
This new system is still developing and not all elements of it will be ready at the same time. We know that visa letters will only be required until the Spring of 2010 and that a new electronic system will then take over. Applicants for 2010 entry will have a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) instead of a visa letter. This will be a number and the University will be able to give it to students electronically. Other aspects of the system will also evolve or may be changed and details may only be provided at relatively short notice.
What is the best source of further information?
The UK Council for International Student Affairs has helpful information.
For official policy documents and more detailed information, visit the UK Border Agency website.
For general information about what is happening at Bath, keep checking these pages.
For advice on extending your visa in the UK, please visit the International Office advice pages.
For specific information or queries, please contact the international advice team: international-student-advice@bath.ac.uk.