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Immigration & Visas

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.

However, it is advisable to carry your acceptance letter with you when entering the UK although you do not need a visa. 

Non EEA Nationals

In recent years the UK government has made major changes to its immigration rules and visa systems for international students. Students can now apply for a visa through a "Points Based System". To find out if you need a visa for your study period abroad at Regent's College, you will need to contact the British Embassy, Consulate or high Commission in your home country.

Details of all British representations abroad can be found at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website. 

The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) is the UK's Border and Immigration Agency. Immigration policies and information change frequently so you should contact the UKBA for the latest information. 

Please note that staff at Regent's College are not legally in a position to give any immigration advice on applying for visas. Please direct all visa enquiries to the UKBA website.

Visa Routes

For non-EU/EEA Nationals there are now two visa routes depending on the length of 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. Student Visitor Visas will only give students permission to enter the UK for a maximum of six months and they will not be able to extend their stay in the UK.

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/doineedvisa/nonvisanationals 

2. Tier 4 (General) Student Visa Route

N.B. Significant changes have been introduced for Tier 4 students. Please see the latest information below

A Tier 4 (General) Student Visa is intended for students who wish to study in the UK for a period of 6 months or more. This visa type also allows students to apply for an extension form within the UK.

In February 2010 the UKBA introduced a sponsorship management system. This means that students will no longer be issued a visa letter in support of their student visa application. Instead, Regent’s College will assign visa applicants 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 automatically be assigned a CAS reference number by Regent’s College when the following criteria has been met:

• The student has been nominated by the home institution (does not apply to students applying independently)
• The student has submitted all application material to the International Partnerships Office

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.

For more information and guidance on the Tier 4 (General) student visa, please see the guide ‘The UKBA Guide to Tier 4 (General) student Visa’.

Further Information

For further information about immigration and visas, the following sites may be useful

• UKCISA, the UK Council for International Student Affairs
• UK Border Agency

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.

Tier 4 update - July 2011

Working / Internships

As of the 4th July 2011, students applying for a Tier 4 visa to study at Regent's College will no longer have the right to undertake and work/internships (voluntary or paid) whilst in the UK.

English language requirements

An English language requirement has been introduced for both new and continuing Tier 4 students. All non-native English speaking students studying at degree level of above must score a level B2 at the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A UKBA approved list of test providers and language level equivalences can be found on the UKBA website. Proof of your English language proficiency must be submitted with your application for Regent's College.