VISA & REGISTRATION GUIDE

Last updated: 00 July 2020

for full-time international students

DISCLAIMERWhilst every effort is made by Birkbeck, University of London to ensure the accuracy of the information and advice given, the requirements relating to visas are complex and change frequently.

We cannot therefore accept responsibility for any inaccuracy or error in the information or advice given or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.

You must verify the information given and check the requirements which apply to you on the Home Office website:

www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration

If you have any queries relating to the information contained in this document, please contact International Student Administration Registry Services Birkbeck, University of London Malet Street, Bloomsbury London WC1E 7HX

e. isa@bbk.ac.uk t. +44 (0)20 3926 3100 www.bbk.ac.uk/international

Table of Contents

Birkbeck International Student Guidance 1

Table of Contents

Visa & Registration Guide 1

1. General student visa (Tier 4) 31.1 Requirements 3

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) 3Study time limit 4Academic progression 5

1.2 Supporting documents 6English language proficiency 6Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) 6Health screening 7Financial evidence 8Academic qualifications 13Official English translation 13Letter of parental consent (under-18) 14Passport 15Additional documents 15Low risk nationals 15

1.3 During visa application process 16Immigration Health Surcharge 16Visa interviews 17

1.4 Dependants 18

1.5 When should I apply? 18Applying from outside the UK 18Applying from inside the UK 19

1.6 Where and how should I apply? 20Applying from outside the UK 20Applying from inside the UK 21

1.7 Outcome of visa application 21Successful 21Unsuccessful 23

1.8 Working during your studies 24

Table of Contents

2 Birkbeck International Student Guidance

Appendices 26Appendix 1.1 CAS to Registration flowchart 27Appendix 1.2 Tier 4 Application Timeline 28Appendix 1.3 Responsibilities of Tier 4 29Appendix 1.4 Description of CAS Statement 31Appendix 1.5 Tier 4 Checklist 35

2. Students with non-Tier 4 visa 36

3. Enrolment 38What is enrolment? 38What happens after the enrolment? 38Orientation 39

4. Registration 39First registration for new students 39Annual Tier 4 Registration for continuing students 42Police Registration 42

5. Attendance 45Blended learning for 2020/21 45Responsibilities of Tier 4 Student and Tier 4 Sponsor 46Academic engagement 46Off-campus Study 47Work Placement 48Change of programme 48Unsatisfactory engagement / Interruption / Withdrawal 48Repeat studies 49Successfully completed early 49Completed prematurely 50Completed in time 50If more time is required to complete 50

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Tier 4 visa

1. GENERAL STUDENT VISA (TIER 4)

1.1 Requirements

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a ‘virtual document’ similar to a database record, and is issued by Birkbeck in support of your General student visa (Tier 4) application. The CAS will contain your personal information, academic programme details and a CAS number. This number is a mandatory requirement when completing a Tier 4 visa application form. You will be emailed a CAS statement and Description of CAS statement detailing all the information above.

A printout of CAS statement does not need to be included in your visa application.

When will I receive my CAS?

CAS numbers can only be used up to 3 months before the start of your programme of study. Therefore, the CAS process would normally start 3 months before the proposed course start date stated on your CAS for eligible students who:

• accepted an unconditional offer to study a full-time programme of study;

• fulfilled all Academic, Non-academic and General

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Conditions of Entry stated in the offer;

• are deemed to satisfy the Tier 4 requirements; and

• paid a deposit.

Initially you will be sent an email containing a draft version of your CAS, which you must check and confirm is correct. Once you have verified this and provided satisfactory supporting documents when requested to International Student Administration (ISA), your CAS statement will normally be issued within 5 working days.

Study time limitThe Home Office set a maximum time limit on how long you may spend studying in the UK. This limit includes all previous visa periods in the UK whilst on a Tier 4 (General) or Student visa, and is dependent upon the level of study you undertake.

Level of study Maximum Notes

Below degree level 2 years

Degree level, including Masters degree

5 years

6 years if the duration of Bachelors degree successfully completed in the UK is 4 academic years (not including any repeats or re-sits) and applying to study for Masters degree

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Tier 4 visa

Level of study Maximum Notes

Postgraduate Research level, including MRes

No limit if you have not previously completed a qualification at this level in the UK

Overall 8 years if you have already obtained this level of qualification in the UK

Academic progressionStudents who wish to extend their General student visa (Tier 4) must show their proposed study represents academic progression from any previous study undertaken in the UK with a Tier 4 (General) or Student visa.

The relevant Home Office guidance states that any new course will normally be at a higher level than those previously studied in the UK.

You will also have successfully completed a previous course by achieving the qualification for which you were granted Tier 4 visa.

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Tier 4 visa

If you are applying for an extension of your General student visa (Tier 4) from the UK, you must provide official evidence of successful completion of your previous qualification that studied under Tier 4 visa. This includes Pre-sessional programmes.

If the final result is not available before the start of your new course, you can submit a letter from your current Tier 4 sponsor confirming that you are ‘highly likely to complete your course successfully’.

1.2 Supporting documents

English language proficiencyYou must satisfy:

• Birkbeck’s general English language requirement, and

• Tier 4 English language requirement.

Academic departments may accept a wider range of English language qualifications than specified by the Home Office, for the College’s general English language requirement purpose. In this case, you may still be required to satisfy the minimum Tier 4 English requirement.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)Students who are embarking on or continuing their study for specific degrees in the physical sciences, computing or

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Tier 4 visa

mathematics, must note the requirements of the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS).

This requirement applies to students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

An ATAS clearance certificate must be obtained before your CAS can be issued.

The process normally takes a minimum of 20 working days (4 complete weeks). However, processing times will increase between April and October and can take 30 or more working days to complete. You can apply for an ATAS certificate up to 9 months before the starting date of your course.

Therefore, you are advised to submit your ATAS clearance check application as early as possible.

You need the following information from the College before submitting your application:

• HECOS code of your programme of study (stated in the official offer)

• a brief summary of your research proposal agreed with your potential supervisor (examples of good and bad research proposals for ATAS)

If you change your course, or area of research, you must obtain a new ATAS clearance certificate.

Health screening

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Residents of certain countries applying for a visa to come to the UK for longer than 6 months must obtain a certificate confirming that they are free from infectious Tuberculosis (TB) before applying for a visa.

You must be tested at a clinic that has been approved by the Home Office.

Please note that you won’t need a TB test if

• you are applying from the UK, or

• you lived for at least 6 months in a country where TB screening is not required by the UK, and you’ve been away from that country for no more than 6 months.

Financial evidenceIn order to make a successful application, you must provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover:

• your tuition fee balance for the first year of study, and

• maintenance (living costs).

The evidence of money that you use must be:

• personal cash funds in the bank; or

• a loan letter (the loan must be provided by your national government, state or regional government, or by a government sponsored student loan company or be part of an academic or educational loans scheme); or

• official financial or government sponsorship.

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Tier 4 visa

Other accounts or financial instruments such as shares, bonds, overdrafts, credit cards and pension funds are not acceptable. Also, you cannot use a business account as your financial evidence, even if the business is owned by you or your parents/legal guardians.

The maintenance requirement for inner-London for the purpose of Tier 4 visa application is set at £1,265 per month. You must show that you have money for your living costs for each month of your course, up to a maximum of 9 months.

The maximum amount is set at £11,385 (£1,265 x 9 months), which will apply to the most of our students.

If you paid a deposit, it will be stated in your CAS as part of your tuition fee payment.

For example, if you will be studying a 12-month MA programme at Birkbeck and have paid a deposit of £2,000, you will need to show a minimum of £23,835 (Tuition fee – Tuition fee paid + Maintenance) in your bank account:

Total tuition fee: £14,450

- Tuition fee paid: £2,000

+ Amount of maintenance: £11,385

Total amount required to show: £23,835

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Payment towards your accommodation provider will not be included in your CAS because it is not a payment made to Birkbeck.

Using your own funds

You will need to provide your bank statement(s) that indicate you have held the required amount of money in your account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days (finishing on the date of the closing balance day) ending no more than 31 days before your visa application date.

Using parent(s) or legal guardian’s funds

You need to provide your parent(s) or legal guardian’s bank statement in the description above.

You must also provide all of the following:

• official evidence of relationship (e.g. birth certificate, certificate of adoption, court document); and

• a letter from your parent(s) or legal guardian confirming that they will financially sponsor your studies (an example letter)

Ad hoc bank statements (excludes mini-statements from cash points) printed on the bank’s letterhead are acceptable.

When using electronic bank statements, these must contain all required information and provide a supporting letter from your bank on company headed paper, confirming the authenticity of the statement provided.

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Tier 4 visa

Alternatively, every page of electronic bank statements bearing the official stamp of the bank can be used.

Using Certificates of Deposit

Students from East Asia, particularly China, sometimes use Certificates of Deposit as evidence of their funds. These are documents issued by a bank which confirm an individual has deposited or invested a sum of money. These are accepted as evidence if

• the certificate of deposit has been issued within 31 days of the date of visa application; and

• at least 28 days have elapsed between the date of the deposit and the date of issue of the certificate.

You can only use cash funds held by you, or your parent(s), or your legal guardian.

You can use multiple bank accounts and foreign currency, i.e. non-UK Sterling Pound (GBP) account.

Financially sponsored

Official sponsors can be one of the following:

• the UK government

• your home government

• the British Council or any international organisation

• international company

• University

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• UK independent school

The list of acceptable official financial sponsors includes an ‘international company’. The Home Office has not defined this but it means a company with a trading presence (an office) in more than one country.

Your official financial sponsor must have the funds to support you financially whilst you are studying in the UK and have the capacity to move, or experience of moving, funds across international borders.

You must include the original sponsorship letter. The letter must show:

• your name;

• the name and contact details of your official financial sponsor;

• the date of the letter;

• the length of your sponsorship; and

• the amount of money the sponsor is giving to you or a statement that your official financial sponsor will cover all of your fees and living costs.

If you received financial sponsorship from a government or international scholarship agency, which ended within the last 12 months, you will need a letter from your sponsor permitting you to stay in or re-enter the UK for an unlimited time.

Using US Federal loans

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Tier 4 visa

If you are using US Federal loans, you may need to submit a ‘Notification of Student Loan’. There is no requirement to maintain the funds for 28 consecutive days because the loans will be paid directly to Birkbeck. The living costs portion of the loan will be released to you in instalments after you have started the course.

If your financial sponsorship or loans cover some of your course fee or living costs, you must show that you have the rest of money needed.

Academic qualificationsYou will need to include the original of all document(s) listed on your CAS statement.

Usually this will be the final transcript or certificate/diploma of your previous academic studies.

Official English translationIf any of your documents are not in English, you must submit the original document and accompany a fully certified English translation by a professional translator or translation company. This includes your financial documents.

The original translation must include:

• confirmation that it is an accurate translation of the original document;

• the full name and original signature of the translator

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or an authorised official of the translation company

• details of the translator or translation company’s credentials;

• the date of the translation;

• the translator or translation company’s contact details; and

• (if you are applying from the UK) certification by a qualified translator and details of the translation company’s credentials.

If your financial documents are not in English, it must be submitted with an official English translation.

Letter of parental consent (under-18)If you will be under the age of 18 when you submit your visa application, you require the consent of your parents/legal guardian(s).

The letter should confirm:

• the relationship between you and your parents or legal guardian(s);

• that your parents or legal guardian(s) have given their consent to your application;

• that your parents or legal guardian(s) have given their consent to you living independently in the UK; and

• that your parents and legal guardian(s) have given

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Tier 4 visa

their consent to your independent travel to the UK.

The letter must be signed by each parent or legal guardian, unless your parent or guardian have legal custody or sole responsibility for you.

PassportAll the passports you are submitting with your visa application must have been signed where appropriate. Also, it must have at least one blank page on both for endorsement of your Entry Clearance.

Additional documentsIf you are applying from the UK, the following documents may also need to be submitted:

• Previous passport, if your visa is in your old passport

• Police Registration Certificate

• Biometric Residence Permit

Low risk nationals From 4 July 2011, the Home Office introduced a different documentary requirements for Tier 4 applications for certain nationalities. The specified nationalities are exempt from having to provide financial and educational evidence with their visa application.

You qualify for this arrangements if you are applying from your country of nationality; or from the UK if you are applying for an extension.

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If you are a dual national, and only one of your nationalities is listed, you will be able to apply using the different documentary requirements that apply to these nationals, provided you are applying from the country of nationality specified, or for extension in the UK.

Check if you are eligible for this differential arrangements by going to the Home Office website.

Please note that you are still required to confirm that you meet the Tier 4 requirements and that you hold the documentary evidence in the format required. Home Office can ask a low risk national to send them the documentary evidence.

If you and your dependants are nationals of a different country you do need to provide the supporting documents.

1.3 During visa application process

Immigration Health SurchargeSince 6 April 2015, most Tier 4 visa applicants need to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of their immigration application. You will then be able to use the National Health Service (NHS).

You will still need to pay for certain types of services.

The rate for a student and student dependant is £300 per person for each year of their visa. If the visa includes part

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Tier 4 visa

of a year that is less than 6 months, the charge will be £150 for this period.

For example, if you will be applying a 12-month degree programme starting 5 October 2020, your Tier 4 visa should be valid until 5 February 2022 (course end date + additional 4 months). Therefore, you will be expected to pay £450 (£300 + £150) as part of your online visa application process.

Visa interviewsYou will attend a short interview through video conferencing when you attend the visa centre to submit your application and biometric information, if you are applying from outside the UK.

You may then be required to attend a further interview as part of your visa application, either in person or on the telephone, or when you arrive in the UK (for example at the airport) to satisfy you are a genuine student.

If you are required to attend an interview:

• you will need to demonstrate your English language ability without the assistance of an interpreter, and

• provide basic knowledge about your study in the UK (e.g. length of course, subjects of study).

If you do not attend this interview when requested without adequate reasons, your visa application may get refused.

Find more about the visa interview process and our guide

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to credibility interviews.

1.4 DependantsYou can bring your partner or children to the UK as your ‘dependants’, if you are either

• a government-sponsored and your course is over 6 months long, or

• studying for a postgraduate level full-time course of 9 months or longer

If your child is applying to come to the UK as your dependant, they must be less than 18 years old and normally both of the child’s parents must be coming to the UK.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has written a comprehensive information guide which you should read carefully before applying for a visa for your family.

1.5 When should I apply?

Applying from outside the UK• before you travel to the UK;

• no more than 3 months before the start date of your programme of study stated on your CAS; and

• no more than 6 months after your CAS was issued.

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Tier 4 visa

Applying from inside the UKYou can apply from inside the UK to extend or switch to a General student visa (Tier 4) to start your new course.

In order to be eligible to apply within the UK, the start date of your new programme of study on your CAS must be no more than 28 days after the end of your current visa. You also need to meet a further condition described below:

For extending Tier 4 (General) visa

You can apply to extend your current Tier 4 (General) visa which is sponsored by:

• an HEP with a track record of compliance,

• an overseas HEI,

• an embedded college offering pathway courses, or

• an independent school;

and you satisfy the academic progression rule.

For switching to Tier 4 (General) visa

You can apply to switch your current visa to a Tier 4 (General) visa if you currently have a Tier 4 (Child) visa or a Tier 2 visa.

It is very important to make a valid application before your current visa expires.

You must not start your new course until a Tier 4 (General)

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visa is granted. However, the Home Office permits you to start your study while waiting for a decision if you applied:

• before starting the new course; and

• before your existing visa expires.

You do this at your own risk as it is possible that your application will be refused.

1.6 Where and how should I apply?

Applying from outside the UKYou need to make a General student visa (Tier 4) application from your country of residence using the following link:

https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/apply-visa-type/tier4

‘Country of residence’ might not same as your country of origin and it refers to wherever you have permission to live, for example for work or study purposes.

Some commonly asked questions

What type of visa should I select?

• Tier 4 (General) Student: for most students who are self-funding or funded by family or other types of private funding including student loans

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Tier 4 visa

• Tier 4 student visa (for Chevening, Marshall and Commonwealth scholars): for students receiving the specified scholarships

What points should I claim?

• 30 points for having a valid CAS

• 10 points for maintenance

• Total: 40 points

Applying from inside the UKYou will be referred to Birkbeck’s Free Tier 4 visa application checking service where a trained advisor will check your application. Your CAS will normally be released to you only after you present all of the supporting documents satisfying the Tier 4 requirements and your drafted via application is checked.

Use the following link to make your application online:

https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/tier-4-student

1.7 Outcome of visa application

Successful

Applied from outside the UK

You will be initially issued with a 30-day Entry Clearance vignette sticker in your passport and a decision letter.

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The vignette is proof only of your permission to enter the UK before its expiry. If you don’t travel within that 30 day period, you will have to apply for another 30 day visa.

Within 10 days of arrival in the UK, take the following original documents to a designated Post office branch, which is stated in your decision letter, to collet your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP):

• Passport containing the 30-day vignette

• Decision letter

If you are under 18 years old, you will need to nominate a responsible adult to accompany you to collect your BRP from a Post Office.

You should wait until you have obtained an Entry Clearance (i.e. vignette) before you book any non-refundable travel tickets.

Applied from inside the UK

The Home Office will confirm their decision by email. It will confirm the grant of your Tier 4 (General) visa and all conditions.

Your visa in the format of BRP will be sent to your contact address separately.

If you used Birkbeck’s Free Tier 4 visa application checking service, your BRP will normally be delivered to Birkbeck directly.

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Tier 4 visa

Carefully check your decision notification, vignette and BRP as soon as you receive them, and contact ISA immediately if there is any error. Only a limited time is allowed to submit an error correction request.

Unsuccessful

Applied from outside the UK

A notice of immigration decision will be sent to you along with supporting documents that you submitted. Please email a scanned image of the notification to ISA for further assistance.

If there is any reason to believe your application was incorrectly refused, you may be able to request for Administrative Review within 28 days of getting the decision.

Applied from inside the UK

A refusal notice will be sent to you. Please email a scanned image of the refusal notice to ISA for further assistance.

If there is any reason to believe your application was incorrectly refused, you may be able to request for Administrative Review within 14 days of getting the decision.

There is a fee of £80 to apply for an administrative review. It will be refunded if your application is either successful or rejected as invalid.

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Tier 4 visa

1.8 Working during your studiesAs a Tier 4 (General) visa holder, you are permitted to work – paid or unpaid – a limited number of hours per week during term time, depending on your level of study:

• Bachelor’s degree level or above: maximum 20 hours per week

• Below Bachelor’s degree level: maximum 10 hours per week

A week is defined “a period of 7 days beginning with a Monday”, i.e. Monday to Sunday.

Details of your entitlement will be stated on your visa.

However, you must not:

• be self-employed or engage in business activity;

• be employed as a professional sportsperson or sports coach;

• be employed as an entertainer;

• take a permanent full-time job; or

• work as a doctor or dentist in training

Work placement element included as part of your course will not be affected by this restriction.

Term-time is any period when you are supposed to be doing academic work. For example, when you should be attending lectures, preparing examinations or viva, doing

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coursework, and writing essays, a dissertation or thesis. Vacation is normally around Christmas and Easter holidays and during summer after completing all your examinations and/or submission of your dissertation.

Most postgraduate students – those taking a full-time Master’s degree (including MRes), some Postgraduate Diplomas and an MPhil/PhD – are required to study for the full calendar year and so are exempt from term dates.

Postgraduate students are therefore normally permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during summer, i.e. until the end of September.

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APPENDICES

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Draft CAS statements are emailed to eligible applicants

Draft CAS

ISA

ISA may request applicants to provide further information before processing further, such as a new passport copy or Þnancial evidence

Further information

Errors & supporting documents

Any errors on the draft CAS or questions should be directed to ISA straightaway. Also, applicant should provide relevant documents, such as Þnancial evidence, without delay if requested.

Students take passport and Tier 4 visa decision letter to the

designated Post OfÞce to collect BRP

Collect BRP

CAS statement is emailed to applicant. They should report any errors to ISA immediately. Enrolment invitation email will then be sent.

CAS issued & Enrolment invitation

Applicant conÞrms draft CAS details

CAS to Registration

Present passport, Tier 4 visa and academic qualiÞcations to ISA

Tier 4 Registration

Applicant satisÞes all conditions

ISA

Apply for Tier 4 (General) visa & complete online enrolment

Applicant pays deposit

ISA may requests applicant to provide further

information

Further information

Appendix 1.1 CAS to Registration flowchart

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Appendix 1.2 Tier 4 Application Timeline

1Pay deposit

2Check Draft CAS

3Obtain CAS from Birkbeck

4Earliest date you can submit Tier 4 visa application

5Earliest start date of your visa

6Course Start Date on your CAS

TIER 4 APPLICATION TIMELINE

Course Start Date (CSD)

30 days before CSD

90 days before CSD

Course Start Date (CSD)

Visa Expiry Date

28 days

If you are applying from the UK to continue your studies, your new course must start within 28 days of your visa

expiry date. Also, you must submit your new Tier 4 (General) visa

application before your current visa expires.

International Student Administration, Birkbeck University of London

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Appendix 1.3 Responsibilities of Tier 4

International Student Administration 1 Tier4 Responsiblities Last Updated: 7 July 2020

Responsibilities and obligations of Tier 4 student and Tier 4 sponsor

Home Office Regulations Birkbeck Student

Inform the Home Office (HO) of any students who do not enrol at the expected time for their studies.

Must inform the HO within 10 working days after the end of the prescribed enrolment period of any students who fail to enrol on their course.

Enrol and register with Birkbeck by the latest arrival date stated on your CAS statement.

If you are unable to join the course, provide a reason why you are unable to join the course to International Student Administration (ISA) at isa@bbk.ac.uk

Inform the HO of any information which suggests that a sponsored student is in breach of the condition of their visa.

Must inform HO within 10 working days of the relevant information being known to Birkbeck.

Comply with all conditions stated on your visa including:

register with the police within a specified period stated on your visa if applicable

maintain work conditions, which is normally 20 hours per week during term-time for degree students

Do not overstay your visa.

Do not claim ‘public funds’.

Inform the HO if Tier 4 visa was granted with incorrect length or conditions of stay.

Must inform HO within 10 working days of the relevant information being known to Birkbeck.

Inform ISA of any possible error you have identified for further assistance. You may then have to report and request amendments of error(s) to the HO.

Keep a copy of immigration documents.

Must keep a copy (electronic or paper) of students identity and immigration documents, including the following:

personal details page(s) in passport;

Tier 4 visa in passport;

all previous UK visas in current passport; and

both sides of Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

Present all required original documents to ISA.

New students are required to complete their Tier 4 registration and enrolment by the latest arrival date stated on CAS statement.

Continuing students or students who switched their immigration status to Tier 4 visa after starting their course must present the original documentation to ISA by arrangement.

When lost passport bearing Tier 4 visa or BRP, notify the HO and ISA immediately, and apply for a replacement. Your replacement passport or BRP must be presented to ISA as soon as you receive them.

Keep a copy of the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate.

Must keep a copy of the ATAS clearance certificate.

Provide a copy of your approved ATAS clearance certificate to ISA.

Keep each student’s contact details and update them as necessary.

Maintain students’ historic and current contact details at least for the period of Tier 4 sponsorship.

Keep Birkbeck updated with your contact details including UK residential address, phone numbers and email address, using MyBirkbeck

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International Student Administration 2 Tier4 Responsiblities Last Updated: 7 July 2020

Responsibilities and obligations of Tier 4 student and Tier 4 sponsor

Home Office Regulations Birkbeck Student

Inform the HO if there are any significant changes in a student’s circumstances.

Must inform the HO of any significant changes to a student’s circumstance, e.g. change in course within Birkbeck, change in course duration, within 10 working days of the change.

Keep your academic and departmental administrative staff updated with any changes in your course. Any changes must be approved by the relevant department.

Inform your academic and departmental administrative staff if your course details are incorrect on MyBirkbeck.

Inform the HO, and update Police Registration Certificate if applicable, for changes to your circumstances such as change of name or nationality, or renewed passport.

Inform the HO if a student withdraws or suspends their studies.

Must inform the HO within 10 working days of the change.

Inform ISA and your academic and departmental administrative staff if you decide to withdraw or suspend your studies. You must first discuss any such changes with your personal/course tutor.

Inform the HO when a student’s immigration category changes.

Must inform the HO within 10 working days of the relevant information being known to Birkbeck.

If your immigration category has changed, e.g. Dependant visa or Tier 2, you must provide proof of this change to ISA. This can be emailed to isa@bbk.ac.uk

Inform the HO if a student missed 10 consecutive contact points.

Withdraw students after missing 10 consecutive contact points and must inform the HO within 10 working days of the change.

Attend all teaching events and register attendance by touching in your Birkbeck ID card at the beginning of your class.

Inform the HO if a student is absent from their studies without reasonably granted approval.

Must inform the HO within 10 working days after a significant period of unauthorised absences.

Maintain attendance on your course and submit your work on time.

Complete the annual Tier 4 registration.

If you cannot attend Birkbeck, you must seek approval from the relevant department stating a reason in advance, normally, in writing.

Maintain contact with students who are sponsored for Tier 4 (Doctorate Extension Scheme) visa

Must inform the HO if students:

miss the contact point, or

change their immigration permission, or

leave the UK permanently

Maintain contact with Birkbeck by emailing Tier4Attendance@bbk.ac.uk once every 6 months at least.

Inform ISA if your immigration permission has changed, or if you decide to leave the UK permanently.

The obligations set by the HO are subject to change and can include new requirements. Failure to comply with HO regulations will have severe penalties for Birkbeck including a £10,000.00 fine or removal of our Sponsor Licence. Birkbeck will ensure that its obligations under Tier 4 will be met.A breach of your immigration conditions can cause serious for your current and any future immigration appli-cations you may make. Therefore, it is very important to understand these conditions.

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Appendix 1.4 Description of CAS Statement

Description of cAs stAtement

International Student Administration page 1 of 4 Description of CAS Statement Last Updated: 5 July 2020

Please refer to the guidance notes below to help you understand your draft CAS statement. There are explanatory notes for each section of the (draft) CAS.

The (draft) CAS statement is an .htm file format document which can be opened using an internet browser, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox. If any characters appear incorrectly, e.g. ???, please make sure the encoding of your internet browser is set as English.

Please check your (draft) CAS statement and advise us immediately by email, isa@bbk.ac.uk, if there are any errors.

CAS Section Description

Tier and Category

You are only allowed to use your CAS once for a General student visa (Tier 4) or Tier 4 (Doctorate Extension Scheme) visa application as appropriate. CAS is a unique code and is combination of letters and digits. A CAS is valid for 6 months from the assigned date. However, the earliest time you can submit your Tier 4 visa application is 3 months before your course start date. If you make your application before this period, it will be refused. Therefore, it is important that you do not make your application any earlier than this. If your Tier 4 visa application is not successful, you will need to obtain a new CAS number in order to make a new visa application. Making a Tier 4 visa application without a valid CAS or with a CAS which was used previously will result in your application being refused.

Making an application from outside the UK• Online application link: https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/apply-visa-type/tier4

Making an application from inside the UK • Students are referred to Birkbeck’s Free Tier 4 visa application checking service. • Online application link: https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/tier-4-student

Name of SponsorBirkbeck College, University of LondonPlease note that Birkbeck is located in Inner-London.

Sponsor Licence Number 9NKX7B8M9

CAS Details

CAS numberIf draft CAS, these fields will be blank.

Date assigned

Sponsor’s noteFurther information may be provided by Birkbeck to the Home Office in addition to the standard information required. If there is no further information to add, then ‘N/A’ will appear.

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Description of cAs stAtement

International Student Administration page 2 of 4 Description of CAS Statement Last Updated: 5 July 2020

Applicant Details

Family name

All details must be accurate and exactly the same, including any middle (other) names, as they appear on your passport which must be submitted with your Tier 4 visa application. If your passport is not valid for the duration of your programme of study, you may wish to renew or obtain a new passport and update ISA with these details.

Mandatory fields

Given name(s)

Other name(s)

Date of Birth

County of nationality

Place of birth

Passport number

Sponsor’s system unique ID for a student

This is your Birkbeck Student Reference Number (SRN) to be used throughout your period of study at Birkbeck.

Course Details

Course title The title of your programme of study.

Course level

This is academic level of the course or qualification awarded when the course is successfully completed.• CEFR B2: Pre-sessional English• RQF6: Graduate Diploma / Bachelor’s degree• RQF7: Postgraduate Diploma / Master’s degree• RQF8: Research degree, i.e. MPhil/PhD• RQF8-DES: Tier 4 (Doctorate Extension Scheme)

Course start date New studentsThis date will normally be the start date of the term you are entering. However, this may be an earlier date if you are taking a course in the Economics department which has an earlier start date.

Continuing students• It will be a day after your current Tier 4 visa expiry date if it was

sponsored by Birkbeck. • If your most recent visa is not sponsored by Birkbeck or if you are

applying for Tier 4 (Doctorate Extension Scheme), it will be the CAS assigned date.

• Your actual course start date will be stated in the ‘Evidence used to obtain this offer’ section.

Course end date Your programme of study (expected) end date.

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Description of cAs stAtement

International Student Administration page 3 of 4 Description of CAS Statement

Last Updated: 5 July 2020

Latest date a student can be accepted on to the course

This is the latest possible date you are permitted to complete your enrolment & registration and join your programme of study.If you arrive later than the specified date, you may be asked to return home and defer your place to the following year.

ATAS certificate required

If stated ‘Yes’, you have been accepted for a specific degree or research in the physical sciences, computing or mathematics, and you must obtain an ATAS clearance certificate before applying for a Tier 4 visa. If you apply for a Tier 4 visa without it when it is required, your application will be refused. Apply for an ATAS certificate.If you believe you require an ATAS certificate but the statement does not state it, please contact ISA for clarification.

Work placement included

The majority of our programmes do not include a work placement. However, if you are accepted onto a programme which includes a work placement and you are intended to take it up, this field should state ‘Yes’. If you want to add a work placement option later, you may have to apply for a new Tier 4 visa.

Main site of address This is the primary address of Birkbeck.

Overseas Higher Education institution

Applicable to exchange students only.

Evidence used to obtain this offer

This section contains details of the qualification(s) used in making you an offer of a place to study at Birkbeck. It will also list details of additional mandatory information required by UKVI. Please note, all document(s) listed in this section must be submitted with your Tier 4 visa application, unless you qualify for the differentiation arrangement, i.e. low risk nationals. If any document is not in English, you wil also need to submit an official English traslation to accompany the non-English document. The following is an example of an entry in this section:1. Bachelor of Arts (Certificate), New York University, USA;2. English Language**: We have assessed this applicant’s English language

ability and confirm that it is equivalent to CEFR level B2 or higher in each of the four components of language learning. No documents are required to be submitted as evidence of this.

3. Academic progress. We have assessed this applicant as having made satisfactory academic progress to joining the programme of study at Birkbeck.

**English Language Requirements

• If you are studying below degree level, you must include evidence of your English language qualification with your visa application.

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Description of cAs stAtement

International Student Administration page 4 of 4 Description of CAS Statement

Last Updated: 5 July 2020

Tuition Fees

1st year course fees

This is your annual tuition fee for the year you are applying for a Tier 4 student visa or renewal.

Course fee paid to date

Total amount you have paid towards your tuition fee for the year, including the deposit. Please note that this field can only be updated when Birkbeck Fees Office confirms the receipt of a payment.

English Language Qualification

Is SELT required

This refers to how we have assessed your English language ability for Tier 4 purposes.• Normally this is ‘No’ and only row (a) will appear.• If ‘Yes’ is stated, then rows (b), (c) and (d) will appear.

(a) Reason not required

The following will be stated, even if you were required to complete an English language test:“Higher Education Institution (HEI) sponsor has made assessment”

(b) English Language level attained

The overall level achieved.

(c) Test provider Name of the test provider

(d) SELT scores Individual scores of your SELT result

Progression Details

Previously a UK student?

‘Yes’ or ‘No’ will appear on the basis of the information you provided.• If ‘No’, no further field will appear.• If ‘Yes’, the description of how Birkbeck’s course represents ‘academic

progression’ from your previous study in the UK will appear. Also, rows (a) (b) and (c) will appear.

(a) Previous academic level The level of your previous academic qualification obtained from the UK.

(b) Higher/Same

This states whether the level of your chosen course at Birkbeck is at a higher or same level compared to your previous academic qualification obtained from the UK.• If ‘Higher’, no further field will appear.• If ‘Same’, row (c) will be completed.

(c) Progression Justification

Justification of your progression from your previous study in the UK to your chosen programme at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck International Student Guidance 35

Appendix 1.5 Tier 4 Checklist

International Student Administration 1 Tier4 Checklist

Last Updated: 5 February 2019

Tier 4 (general) Visa applicaTion checklisT

Please note that this is for information and guidance only. All the relevant information regarding Tier 4 visa is available at www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa which you should read before starting on visa application. Any evidence you provide can be originals or copies, except passports.

For making visa applicants from outside the UK Online Tier 4 visa application (https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/apply-visa-type/tier4) Valid tuberculosis test certificate, if applicable (www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa)

For making visa applicants in the UK Submit an online Tier 4 visa application Fully updated Police registration certificate, if applicable Biometric Residence Permit card, if you have one Previous passport, if your current visa is in your old passport Evidence of satisfactory academic progression confirming successful completion of your previous study that your previous Tier 4 visa was granted for, e.g. a final degree transcript, a confirmation of achievement for pre-sessional etc.

All applicants Valid passport or travel document that has at least one blank page on both sides If you will be under 18 on the date of your visa application, a parental consent letter confirming their consent to you independently travel to the UK and living independently in the UK Immigration Health Surcharge paid as part of the visa application. The rate for a student and student dependant is £300 per person for each year of their visa. ATAS certificate, if required ( All qualifications listed in your CAS statement Evidence of your finances that meets the requirements of the Tier 4 for you and all of your dependants if any (http://www.bbk.ac.uk/international/visa/money-requirements). It is possible to use more than one bank account and non-UK bank accounts. If your financial evidence will be from one of countries listed by the Home Office, it must be from a verified financial institution stated by the Home Office. If you are using your parent’s bank account, you must provide the following: parent’s bank statements; your birth certificate or family register confirming the relationship between you and your parent; and a consent letter from your parent If you are or have been officially sponsored by a government or an international scholarship agency, you must provide an official letter confirming: the official financial sponsorship; and that you are permitted to continue your studies in the UK from your current or past official financial sponsor

If any of your documents are not in English, you must submit the original documents and a fully certified translation by a professional translator or translation company. This includes your financial documents. Evidence of you and your partner living together, if your partner is applying for their dependant visa with you, e.g. utility bills, council tax bills or bank statements

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Students with non-Tier 4 visa

2. STUDENTS WITH NON-TIER 4 VISAIf you are in the UK with immigration permission other than General student visa (Tier 4), you may be allowed to undertake a programme of study at Birkbeck. However, this might affect your immigration status.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are complying with the conditions of your immigration permission.

If your current visa does not cover the duration of your full-time programme of study, you may be required to return to your country of residence before your current visa expires, in order to apply for a General student visa (Tier 4). This may cause some disruption to your study, therefore you are strongly advised to check when your current visa expires and plan early to apply for your visa during one of the College closure periods (e.g. over Christmas and Easter) to minimise impact on your study and attendance.

Please note that if you hold a work-related visa, this would have been granted on the condition that you intend to work. Therefore, you should be aware that immigration officials you encounter, for example if you leave the UK and re-enter at any point during your study, might consider that your circumstances have changed since you applied for immigration permission in a work category and might cancel or curtail that visa on the basis that you are now studying and should be in the UK with General student visa (Tier 4). This is only a risk for those who are

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Students with non-Tier 4 visa

not actually undertaking or seeking any employment while under a work-related immigration permission.

If you are a dependant with a valid dependant visa or a family member of an EU/EEA national, you are generally allowed to study full- or part-time while your current visa or residence permit is valid.

38 Birkbeck International Student Guidance

Enrolment & Registration

3. ENROLMENT

What is enrolment?You will be invited to complete online enrolment to study at Birkbeck if you have accepted our unconditional offer. By enrolling, you officially become a student of Birkbeck.

During the enrolment process you will need to

• accept the Terms and Conditions of Study;

• confirm your personal details; and

• pay or arrange to pay your tuition fees.

If you require a Tier 4 visa, access to Birkbeck’s online enrolment facility will normally open after your CAS has been issued.

You will receive an email invitation to enrol in due course.

In addition to enrolment, you need to formally register in person at Birkbeck. For the 2020/21 academic session, the Tier 4 registration will be arranged after transition to full face-to-face learning environment. It will be explained further in “4. Registration” on page 39

What happens after the enrolment?The School or department that organises your course will provide you with information on your programme of study near to the start date of your course. This may include:

• preliminary reading lists

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Enrolment & Registration

• details of any special arrangements about the first meeting of your course

OrientationThe College usually holds an orientation day for new students on a Saturday in early October. This year, orientation information will be provided in Moodle.

Moodle is where you find the available study resources for each of your modules including (as appropriate) things like handouts, reading lists, lecture recordings, quizzes and discussion forums. It is also the place to submit your coursework.

The orientation will be divided into themes with short bite-sized content to introduce students to our services. Students with less digital confidence will be able to access both a video and written guidance with a step-by-step guide on how to access the orientation information and use it effectively.

4. REGISTRATION

First registration for new studentsAs part of your formal registration with Birkbeck, under the University of London’s regulations and Home Office’s requirements outlined in the Tier 4 Policy guidance, you are required to present the following original documents:

• passport;

40 Birkbeck International Student Guidance

Enrolment & Registration

• General student visa (Tier 4) visa, i.e. vignette and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP);

• travel ticket to the UK or boarding card if Tier 4 vignette is not stamped (only applicable to student obtained their visa from outside the UK)

• certificate/diploma or transcript of qualifications listed on your CAS statement (in original language); and

• official English translation of your academic qualifications if not in English.

You also need to provide your UK contact details, i.e. your residential address, phone number and email address.

If you applied to extend your stay in the UK before you register at Birkbeck and your application is still under consideration, you will need to show all of the following:

• passport;

• your UK visa valid at the time of submitting your General student visa (Tier 4) application; and

• a copy of your Document Checklist confirming date of your application; and

• a copy of biometric appointment booking confirmation.

You also need to agree to update us on the progress of your application regularly.

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Enrolment & Registration

If you used Birkbeck’s Free Tier 4 visa application checking service to apply for your visa from the UK, you may not need to provide the documents listed above separately.

As the 20200/21 academic year begins with blended learning in response to Coronavirus (Covid-19), the formal registration sessions will unlikely to take place until later in the academic year. Details of this physical registration session will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, you are required to provide digital images of all required documents by the ‘latest arrival date’ indicated on your CAS. All presented documents will be copied (or scanned) and kept on file by Birkbeck as part of the requirements for Tier 4 visa sponsors. Full details on how to do this will be sent to you after your CAS has been issued.

Students who fail to complete the required registration and enrolment formalities by the set deadlines will not be permitted to study and their student record will be cancelled.

These students will then be reported to the Home Office within 10 working days. They will then cancel their Tier 4 visa. Therefore, it is extremely important that you complete all formalities by the set deadline.

Students are only permitted to attend Birkbeck upon completion of their enrolment and registration.

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Enrolment & Registration

Annual Tier 4 Registration for continuing studentsIf your course is longer than one academic year or continues on to a subsequent academic year, you will be required to complete an annual Tier 4 registration.

The annual Tier 4 registration only takes a short time by attending Student Advice Centre in person with your Student ID during a specified period in the Spring term of each academic year.

Police Registration

Registration services are currently suspended due to the social distancing measures. There will be no penalty action taken against anyone who is unable to attend an appointment or book a new appointment.

Those returning to their home countries prior to registering with Overseas Visitors Records Office (OVRO) should not face any difficulties at UK ports upon re-entry for non-registration due to the suspension of our service.

International students of certain nationalities may be required to register with the UK police within 7 days of arrival in the UK or receiving a new visa.

After you register, you must keep your Police Registration Certificate (PRC) updated if your details change, such as obtained a new visa, renewed your passport or changed address.

Please check your visa or decision notification which will

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Enrolment & Registration

tell you whether you need to complete Police Registration.

Failure to register and update any relevant changes with the police could affect your future UK visa applications.

If you live in an area of London covered by the Metropolitan Police, you must register at the Overseas Visitors Records Office (OVRO) with the relevant documents.

Police Registration interim process

The OVRO is currently closed so this interim process is also suspended. ISA will inform you whether the same process will resume when they re-open.

Birkbeck is able to help students living in Greater London area to complete their Police Registration through an agreement with the Metropolitan Police normally during September and October.

It allows students to submit their registration documents to Birkbeck and wait for the OVRO to set a Pay & Collect appointment for you. The appointment will be normally within 6 weeks of your application being submitted. During this time, you should remain in the UK. Therefore, you may wish to complete the registration by yourself if you need to travel abroad.

You are advised not to leave the UK until you have finalised your registration as this could obstruct your re-entry into the UK.

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Enrolment & Registration

You can include your dependants who may also be subject to this requirement when submitting your request.

In order to use this process, you need to present the following to the International Liaison Officer:

• Completed Registration form

• 1 x colour photograph (45mm x 35mm)

• Passport

• BRP (or the decision letter if your BRP is not yet available for collection)

• Previous PRC if you have not been absent from the UK for more than 12 months and the certificate is in good condition

Your fully completed form and supporting documents will be posted in batches using Special Delivery to the OVRO.

You will be notified of your Pay & Collect appointment time and date. You must attend the appointment at the OVRO with the following:

• Passport

• £34 registration fee (no fee if submitted previous PRC)

Attending the Pay & Collect appointment will finalise your registration. If you do not attend the appointment, the OVRO may report to the Home Office for failing to comply with the requirements of your visa conditions.

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Attendance

5. ATTENDANCE

Blended learning for 2020/21We’re looking forward to welcoming students from across the world to the Birkbeck community in October.

We very much hope that you will join us in the UK, but we understand if you are anxious about travelling because of Coronavirus (COVID-19) or are restricted from travel.

We have put plans in place to deliver our world class teaching in virtual classrooms, as well as on campus, so that we can seamlessly move from virtual to campus teaching when it is safe to do so, without compromising the quality of your learning. Birkbeck provides students with a unique environment and we have worked hard to replicate this in virtual classrooms. We are also planning a series of networking events, to ensure you enjoy the full Birkbeck, Bloomsbury experience, in the heart of London. We very much hope that these will be face to face events but will be subject to government guidelines.

Our excellent online resources and support mean that even if you decide not to travel to Birkbeck, you can still join our academic community and begin your education with us, connecting with your tutors and fellow students both inside and outside the classroom.

For the most up to date information on how Birkbeck is adapting to the challenges of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) please read our dedicated webpage.

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Attendance

Responsibilities of Tier 4 Student and Tier 4 SponsorGeneral student visa (Tier 4) sets out responsibilities and obligations of Tier 4 student and Tier 4 sponsor that must be complied to for the individual and sponsor to maintain their visa and sponsorship licence, respectively.

The summary of these details are available in “Appendix 1.3 Responsibilities of Tier 4” on page 29.

The following section will highlight academic engagement related responsibilities.

Academic engagementStudents are required to engage with all mandatory teaching sessions and comply with assessment requirements throughout the duration of their programme of study.

You will also be expected to complete and submit the assessed work on time and undertake any further reading or preparation outside the classroom deemed necessary by the lecturer.

It is your responsibility to make sure to touch your Student ID for eRegisters or sign the class register as appropriate at each teaching event you attend.

If you are unable to engage with any scheduled academic contacts, including supervisory session, due to illness or other personal reasons, you should request permission

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Attendance

before the absence occurs, or as soon as possible after it began. This should be done by contacting your academic department in writing with reasons, duration of your absence and supporting evidence.

Further details of attendance requirements relating to your course will be provided by your academic department.

Off-campus StudyIf you are a research student, i.e. MPhil/PhD student, and to be away from Birkbeck for study purposes, such as research field trip or data collection, and would like to retain your Tier 4 visa, it is your responsibility to obtain the permission from Birkbeck before your planned trip.

You should discuss your planned trips with your research supervisor and submit the ‘Off-campus Study Agreement form’ (available from ISA or the academic department) for approval.

Please note that the Tier 4 responsibilities including attendance requirement will continue regardless of your proposed ‘off-campus study’ period.

If you do not obtain the relevant permission prior to your planned trips, it may not be possible for Birkbeck to continue your visa sponsorship.

You will also need to report your return to Birkbeck at the end of your agreed period.

Failure to adhere to the agreement may jeopardise your student status and your Tier 4 visa.

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Attendance

Work PlacementSome degree programmes may offer ‘work placement’ as an assessed part of the programme. If your programme offers it and you wish to take it up, you must discuss this with your academic department.

A completed ‘Work placement Agreement form’ (available from your academic department) must be submitted to your academic department for approval. If it gets approved, the Home Office will be informed. You must not start your work placement until it is approved by Birkbeck.

Your responsibility as a Tier 4 student will remain unchanged.

Change of programmeIf you wish to change your programme of study part way through, you must discuss it with your academic department first whether it is possible at all.

If the academic department provisionally approves your request, you will then need to contact ISA to enquire if the Tier 4 rules would permit you to take up the new programme of study without having to apply for a new General student visa (Tier 4) or an ATAS certificate (further information at “Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)” on page 6.

Unsatisfactory engagement / Interruption / Withdrawal

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Attendance

Birkbeck is required to report to the Home Office any Tier 4 student whose level of academic engagement is unsatisfactory, or who interrupts or withdraws from their studies. The Home Office will then normally curtail the relevant student’s visa to 60 days, unless you have less than 60 days leave remaining..

It is, therefore, very important that you maintain academic engagement and inform your academic department of any possible absences or when difficulties arose.

Repeat studiesIf you are required to repeat part of your course but no attendance is required, you will be required to return home. Birkbeck is required to report such cases to the Home Office who will then curtail your Tier 4 visa.

If you need to return to the UK to re-sit an examination or access the College facilities for example, you can use a short-term student visa to do so. Alternatively, you can contact the Examinations Office to enquire the possibility to do from abroad.

Successfully completed earlyBirkbeck is required to report to the Home Office any Tier 4 student who successfully completes their studies earlier than the date stated on CAS. The Home Office will then curtail the relevant student’s visa so that they have the same wrap-up period of leave after the new course end date as they were originally given for their original course

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Attendance

end date.

For example, if you were originally granted leave with a wrap-up period of 4 months after the end date of your course, they will normally curtail your leave so that you have 4 months leave remaining after your new course end date.

Completed prematurelyIf your programme of study finishes early and you have not successfully completed your studies, the Home Office will limit your permission to stay to 60 days, unless you have less than 60 days leave remaining.

Completed in timeIf you complete your programme of study on track, i.e. by the end date stated on your CAS, you can arrange your departure from the UK or switching to a different immigration status before your current Tier 4 visa expires.

You must ensure not to stay beyond your visa expiry date.

If more time is required to completeIt may be possible to extend your Tier 4 visa to enable you to complete your programme of study if your academic department confirms the continued engagement including attendance is essential. However, such extension applications may need to be made from abroad, rather than from the UK.

You should submit a completed CAS request form at least

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Attendance

4 months before your current visa expiry date.