Visa Applications and Extensions (under the Point Based System)

The UK Government introduced a new immigration system in 2007 called the Points Based System (PBS) which has changed the way in which different groups of migrants can enter the UK and the pre-requisites they require. This new immigration system is controlled by the UK Border Agency (UKBA), a department of the Home Office. It affects all international students from outside the European Economic Area coming to study in the UK from April 2009.

In order for you to apply/renew for a student visa, the University of Leeds must obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) from the UK Border Agency which we will then issue to you. The CAS is a code made up of a combination of numbers and letters and is sent to you within a CAS statement. You will use the CAS details when completing your visa application form. The CAS confirms that the University of Leeds supports your request for a student visa. Please note the University can only issue a CAS and we cannot issue a registration certificate for this purpose.

Please click here opens in a new window for further information on obtaining a student visa under the UK immigration system.

Please note that if you are undertaking research in the areas of science, engineering or technology disciplines, and your nationality is non UK/European Economic Area (including Switzerland), then you will need to apply for an ATAS Clearance Certificate. Click here for more information.

If you have any questions about applying for a visa to come to the UK or applying for an extension when you are already here, please email our International Student Office at internationalstudents@leeds.ac.uk or phone on +44 (0)113 343 3930. Their web address is http://www.internationalstudentsupport.leeds.ac.uk/immigration/
If you require permission to be in the UK, you must not let your visa expire and you must not breach the conditions of your visa. If you need to extend your visa as a student you should be aware that the process is complicated and takes time so it is essential that you start to prepare your visa extension application 8 weeks before your visa expiry date.

Tier 4 Points Based System

Further guidance on the Points Based visa systems can also be found at:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/international
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/staying_immigration.php
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/

ATAS certificate

The UK government introduced the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) on 1 November 2007. Non EU/EEA nationals planning to undertake postgraduate study in the UK in certain science, engineering or technology disciplines will need to acquire an ATAS certificate before they can apply for a Visa, Entry Clearance (EC) or Extension of Stay (EoS). Click here opens in a new window for further information.

How do I request a CAS?

If you are a successful applicant, Research Student Administration will provide further details about the CAS and when we can/will issue this to you alongside the letter offering you a place to study. Please send any queries to rp_applications@adm.leeds.ac.uk.

If you are a current student please complete the request form

and return to Research Student Administration rp_student@adm.leeds.ac.uk by e-mail.

You can also submit a request for a CAS at the Student Services Centre. Please note that CAS statements will be e-mailed to your University e-mail account.