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
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.
Page last updated 8/5/2011