Information for Students Holding Tier 4 Student Visas
The Points Based System for Immigration (PBS) was introduced by the UK Government in 2009. Students who require a visa in order to study in the UK are only able to attend institutions holding a Sponsor Licence.
As part of its statutory requirements as a Sponsor Licence holder, the University must ensure that all students who are issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) in order to obtain their Tier 4 visa are registered and engaging with their studies at the University of Bath. We have to report to the UK Border Agency (UKBA) any changes which will affect the conditions of a student's visa, for example, changes to expected end date; suspension from the programme, or withdrawal. The Data Protection Statement, which students have to agree to when they register, describes the University’s statutory responsibilities to the UKBA and what this means in terms of providing details of relevant students to them.
Requirement |
Procedure to be followed |
Registration:Students must be registered (i.e. have completed registration online and have paid at least half their annual tuition fees, or provided bank details for a direct debit) by the latest date of acceptance of studies, as shown on the student's CAS statement – normally 10 working days after the start of their studies. |
New students who fail to register when asked to do so will be recorded as a “no show” and withdrawn from the University as described by Regulation 1.5: “Any person who fails to complete their initial student registration in accordance with Regulation 1.1 will be deemed to have declined their offer of a place to study at the University.” The University reserves the right to terminate the registration of any returning student who fails to re-register, as described by Regulation 1.5: “The University reserves the right to terminate the registration of continuing students who do not complete registration in accordance with Regulation 1.1.”
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Attendance:Students must attend regularly (Regulation 3.1). The University must be satisfied that the student is engaging with their studies, (attending practicals/ tutorials/ seminars/ presentations etc, sitting examinations and handing in coursework.) |
UKBA expects Sponsor Licence holders to have in place procedures for monitoring the attendance of students to ensure that they are studying and not breaking the conditions of their visa. The University of Bath has “Highly Trusted” status which means 10 points of contact will have to be monitored and acted upon. In the interests of the welfare of all students, all students will be monitored in the same way. Failure of a student to engage with their studies, including responding to correspondence from the University when requested, will mean that the University will need to take action. It may mean the student has to suspend, or in extreme cases be withdrawn. This fact will then be reported to UKBA and the student will be expected to return home. |
Changes to a student’s circumstance:
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If Tier 4 visa holders have any questions about the impact of their change of circumstances on their visa they should consult the International Student Advisors, by making an appointment. The Student Records & Examinations Office will be monitoring these types of changes and will be reporting them to UKBA where necessary. Tier 4 visa holders who suspend or withdraw MUST return home, and where appropriate apply for a new visa to resume their studies at a later date. |