For all Student and Tier 4 visa holders, the University must:
- make sure they will meet the visa requirements before issuing a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) in accordance with our CAS issuing policy.
- verify their original passport and visa on arrival and report any student who does not arrive to start their course (including those whose visa application is refused)
- maintain up to date contact details and keep a copy of their passport, visa and other documents
- make sure that they continue to hold a valid visa and comply with their visa conditions
- monitor their academic engagement during their studies
- report withdrawal of sponsorship (e.g. due to an unauthorised period of absence)
- report all course changes or other significant changes to their circumstances
- report any students who suspend or withdraw from their studies
The University must report all relevant changes to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) within 10 working days. It is therefore essential that all staff ensure all change of circumstances paperwork is completed as soon as possible. This makes sure that the Student Immigration Service will be able to report the relevant change once it has been made on SAMIS.
How Student visa compliance is managed
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost is the Authorising Officer and has overall responsibility for our Student sponsor licence (previously called Tier 4 sponsor licence). The Student Immigration Service deals with all matters relating to student immigration.
All staff at the University play a crucial role in visa compliance by following established processes, acting promptly if any issues with a student are identified and seeking advice from Student Immigration Advisers as necessary. The University can only remain compliant through the cooperation and input of all staff.