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ENTRY & TIER 4 VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
All International students now need a CAS number and student visa to study in the UK. It is essential that you have the correct paperwork before you travel to the UK to begin your studies. The Tier 4 Points Based System (PBS) introduced by the UK Border Agency (UKBA), formerly the Home Office, now require students to apply for a CAS number through an educational institute, that have been accepted onto the Tier 4 UKBA Sponsor List. Once a student has adhered to all Tier 4 PBS rules and regulations and obtained their CAS number, they can then apply for their student visa at the relevant Embassy in their own country.
A CAS number cannot be issued prior to 6 months before the start of the course by the educational institute, and a student visa cannot be applied for at the Embassy, more than 3 months before the start of the course.
The visa application process can take several weeks, or sometimes months at peak times (in the summer) so it is important that you apply within the correct time limits.
Contact the Visa Office at the British Consulate in your country for a Tier 4 PBS Visa application pack and further information. We recommend that you contact the one of the following websites for accurate, up to date advice regarding your Tier 4 visa application.
UKCISA website - Follow the links to International Student Advice, Guidance Notes ‘I am coming to the UK to start my studies. What do I need to do about immigration?’ This website also offers many other valuable guidance notes and is a good source of information for all students coming to the UK for the first time.
Ukvisas website - You can access the British government’s website for details and further advice.
Home Office website - For full details on the Tier 4 Points Based System (PBS) and the requirements needed to gain your CAS number and student visa, to enter the UK for your course of study.
Boston College will send you a Conditional Offer Letter once you have adhered to the Tier 4 PBS requirements by a successful application. A tuition and accommodation deposit are then requested and when received, will enable the staff in the International Office to apply for your CAS number from the UKBA. Your offer letter will explain how to pay your deposit directly by bank transfer.
If you are successful with your Visa application and come to Boston College to study, staff in the International Office will help you to extend your visa at the appropriate time, if necessary.
Page Last Updated : 30/06/2010 11:46:47