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Visas and Immigration

European Economic Area Nationals (EEA)

Nationals of the EU and EEA, as well as Switzerland, will not require a visa to study in the UK. The countries of the EEA are all the EU member states, in addition to Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Although you do not need a visa it would be advisable to carry your acceptance letter with you when you are entering the UK.

Non EEA nationals

In recent years the UK government has made major changes to its immigration rules and visa systems for international students. To find out if you need a visa for your study abroad period at Regent's College, you will need to contaact the British Mission (Embassy, Consulate or High Commision) in your home country. Details of all British representations can be found at fco.gov.uk

Visa Routes

For non-EU/EEA Nationals there are now two visa routes depending on the length of stay and the student’s desire to work during their stay;

1. Student Visitor Visa Route

The student visitor route is aimed at students who wish to undertake a short-term course of study of up to six months in the United Kingdom and who have no interest in the full student visa entitlements.

Visa National Students - will need to apply in advance for their Student Visitor Visas before entering the UK. Students can find a list of visa national countries form the following website:
www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/visadatvnationals

Non Visa Nationals - Are subject to the non visa national rules listed at this link: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/ecg/visitandtransit/studentvisitor#21678533

2. Tier 4 (General) Student Visa Route

A Tier 4 (General) Student Visa is intended for students who wish to study in the UK for a period of 6 months of more. This visa type also allows students to apply for an extension from within the UK.

Due to changes in the UKBA sponsorship management system, as of 22 February 2010, students will no longer be issued a visa letter in support of their student visa application. Instead, Regent’s College will be assigning a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). The CAS is a unique reference number that students will use to apply for permission to study in the UK as a Tier 4 (General) student.

Students will be personally notified by Regent’s College once their CAS has been assigned, and will be given the number to use as part of their visa application.

A CAS will be valid for six months from the date assigned. If a student does not use it within this period to apply for the Tier 4 (General) student visa, it will automatically become invalid.

Further Information

Please note that International Partnerships Office staff and Regent's staff are not qualified or legally allowed to offer advice or guidance on visas applications.

For further information about immigration and visas, the following sites may be useful

• UKCISA, the UK Council for International Student Affairs
• UK Border Agency

Remember that it is your responsibility to check whether you need a visa and if so to ensure that you have the correct type. Rules and regulations in this area have become increasingly strict over the past few years and it is in your own interest to have everything in order.