Immigration and Visas

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Immigration and Visas

Nationals of other countries can come to the UK as students in 2 ways:

• Students who want to undertake a long course of study, or who want to work during their stay in the UK, must apply under Tier 4 of the UK's point-based system for immigration. As an education provider, we will need to 'sponsor' you during their stay. The Tavistock and Portman holds a Tier 4 sponsor license.

• Students who want to study a short course and will not work during their stay can apply to come to the UK as a student visitor.

2. Tavistock and Portman Sponsorship of Non-EEA students on behalf of the UK Border Agency

The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust is a licensed Tier 4 Sponsor, via the UK Border Agency for overseas students. This means that prospective students can apply for a Student visa on the basis of an offer of a place to study at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. This offer is confirmed by the issuing of a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number.

As a Tier 4 Sponsor Agency, we are responsible for ensuring  that students are not applying for student visas under false pretences to gain entry to the UK for purposes other than study (i.e. to work). This is an increasing problem, with agents in some foreign countries assisting people who wish to gain entry to the UK for economic reasons, to obtain student visas even though they do not intend to complete the course of study.

We have a responsibility to issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) only when we are satisfied that the student is properly qualified for and intends or is able, to follow the course of study offered. There are certain questions and checks that the UK Border Agency recommends Sponsoring institutions carry out at the time of acceptance. This may include questions about your qualifications, career history, family background, as well as other personal and financial circumstances. You will also undergo ID and passport checks.

If a student who has been issued a CAS fails to enrol on the course, the Home Office will be notified immediately.

If you are a non-EEA national who does not require sponsorship from the Trust under Tier 4 of the Points Based System you are still required to produce your passport and evidence of immigration status showing that you are entitled to study in the UK for the entire duration of your course. You will not be permitted to start on the course unless these documents are produced.

3. Applying for a Student Visa

If you are new to the UK, and not a citizen of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you would usually need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa to be able to study in the UK.

Applying for a Tier 4 (General) student visa

• It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit all necessary supporting documentation at the time you make your visa application. We strongly recommend that you refer to the Tier 4 policy guidance provided by the UK Border Agency.

• You will also find general guidance about applying for a visa under Tier 4 visa on the website of the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

• You will need to have a CAS number before you can apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.

 

What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?

A CAS is an essential part of qualifying for a visa (if you are outside the UK) and is a virtual document, similar to a database record. The Trust completes a process that generates a unique 14 digit reference number, containing a mixture of letters and numbers. We will assign you this number which you must then use when you apply for a visa. A CAS is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued.

You should use your CAS to apply for a Tier 4 student visa no earlier than 3 months before the start date of your course.

A CAS will not be given to any applicant without the applicant having first been accepted onto a programme of study.

Education and Training Enquiries
Tel:         0208 938 2641/2213
Email:    training@tavi-port.ac.uk