Before you come to study in the UK it is important that you find out about UK immigration procedures and how they will affect you. You should do this as far in advance of your arrival in the UK as possible.
Student Visas
Since the introduction of the Points-Based Systems in 2009, Non EU/EEA Nationals wishing to come to the UK to study a course for longer than 6 months are required to apply for immigration permissions under Tier 4 (General). The UK Border Agency (UKBA) publishes a Quick Guide for Students with details about the eligibility criteria and application process.
Due to the volume of applicants submitted at certain times of year there may be delays in the visa process in your home country so it is very important that you apply for your visa as soon as possible. You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your course start date.
You need to score 40 points. You will score 30 points for having a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) from the University of Southampton.
The CAS is a unique number which you will enter on your visa application form. It is confirmation from the University that we will act as your education sponsor during your course and provides the UKBA with all the required information on your course, including the documents used to obtain the offer. The CAS will be emailed to you when your offer to study here becomes unconditional.
You will score the other 10 points for meeting the maintenance requirement. Maintenance means the amount of money that you have to show to prove that you can pay your tuition fees and living costs whilst you are studying in the UK. As a new student on a programme of 12 months or more you will have to show that you have the cost of the course fee plus £600 per month for maintenance for 9 months (£5,400 per annum in total). You will also need to prove that the required funds have been in your account (or that of your parents) for 28 days before you submit your visa application. You will be required to provide all this evidence, including your academic documents when you apply for a visa in your home country.
For further information about CAS, please check the list of CAS Frequently Asked Questions.
English Language Requirements
On 21/04/2011 the UK Government introduced much stricter English Language requirements. If you intend to study a course which is at degree level (level 6 on the National Qualifications framework (NQF) the University of Southampton must be satisfied that your English language ability is at least B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference of Languages (CEFR) before we can issue you a CAS. This is equivalent to a minimum of IELTS 5.5 in all four components. If the course that you are coming to study requires a higher level (for example 6.5 or 7.0 in all components) you must be asked to do a pre-sessional course to obtain this before you can progress ono to your main programme of study.
If you intend to study a course which is below degree level (level 3, 4 or 5 on the NQF) your English language level must be at a minimum of B1 in all components (equivalent to IELTS 4.0). If you apply to study any course below degree level, including pre-sessional courses your English language ability must be assessed by means of a Secure English Language Test (SELT). The only exceptions to this are if you are the national of a majority English speaking country, or have obtained a specific qualification in a majority English language speaking country, as stated in the Immigration Rules. Your institution will be able to advise you if you need to take a SELT. You can find a list of acceptable SELTS on the UKBA website at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/esol-providers/
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
If you are planning to study certain postgraduate and undergraduate courses you may need to apply for an ATAS Certificate before you can apply for your visa. To know if you need to have an ATAS Certificate you will need your programme's JACS code. The JACS code should be included in your offer letter, if not a member of the Faculty support staff should be able to provide this for you.
Please check the details available at: www.fco.gov.uk/atas
The application is an online process and is free of charge.
Pre-sessional Students
We recommend that you apply for a Tier 4 visa prior to arrival in the UK for your pre-sessional course. When you have successfully completed your pre-sessional course and have an unconditonal offer for your main programme of study the Visa Guidance Team can help you apply for a renewal Tier 4 visa.
If you study for your pre-sessional course with a student visitor visa you will not be able to apply for a visa for your main programme of study from within the UK. You will have to return to your home country to make an application. If there are delays with your visa it may mean that you are unable to start your main programme of study on time or you may miss the induction.
If you have any queries regarding your immigration status please contact the Visa Guidance Team.
Coming to Southampton from another UK University
If you already have a Tier 4 visa to study at another UK University and have decided that you would like to study at Southampton you may be required to apply for a new visa.
Under the new rules, if your visa was issued after the 5th October 2009, you can enrol on your programme at the Univeristy of Southampton provided you can prove that you have submitted an application under Tier 4 (General) to study here. Because we have Highly Trusted Sponsor Status it is no longer necessary for this visa to have been issued before you can start studying with us.
If your visa was issued before the 5th October 2009 you must apply to the UKBA to change your sponsor, or make another application under Tier 4. To apply for permission to change sponsor (but not for additional time on your visa) you should complete from T4PTS. The application fee is £160.
For more information contact the Visa Guidance Team.
Visa, Passport and Identity 'Check-in'
The UK Border Agency requires the University to take a copy of the passports and visas of all students who have a Tier 4 visa.
In addition, the University must tell the UK Border Agency if students holding a Tier 4 visa to study at the University of Southampton do not arrive.
If you have a Tier 4 visa you will therefore need to attend a Visa, Passport and Identity 'Check-in' with Student Services as soon as you arrive in Southampton (or if you are already in Southampton and are renewing your visa, as soon as you receive your renewal visa). This is in addition to the identity check your Faculty will carry out.
For instructions about how to 'Check-in' please click here.
Police Registration
If your visa requires you to do so, you must register with the police within 7 days of arrival in the UK. If you do not, you will be breaking the law. The Visa Guidance Team can provide more details on this.
New Chinese Visa application process - guidelines
More information can be found on the Britain in China website.
Further information on immigration and visa application procedures
- Our Visa Guidance Team offers free and confidential advice to all our international students.
- UK Border Agency: a joint Home Office and Commonwealth Office unit which runs the UK's visa service through diplomatic post overseas.
- UKCISA UK Council for International Student Affairs: gives advice on immigration procedures as well as on funding and fees status issues.
- UK Embassies overseas: links to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's list of British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates overseas.
- The British Council overseas branches.
- Our overseas representatives