Visa - Frequently Asked Questions for Postgraduate Research Students
For further information on "Work After Studies" Visas, please click here.
I'm an international research student and I need to renew my visa, will the University give me a new CAS?
The University looks at each case individually so we cannot guarantee support for a CAS until your circumstances are reviewed by the Visa Team. The University policy on CAS issuing for Tier 4 is available at http://www.ncl.ac.uk/students/progress/visa/CAS/
In general, the University would support visa renewal for students who:
- are within UKBA time limits for their level of study,
- are making good academic progress,
- meet all UKBA requirements for English Language,
- have proof of official sponsorship or have paid all required fees,
- have sufficient funds to cover living costs in line with UKBA guidelines,
- currently have a valid visa.
Students who do not meet the above are in danger of having their visa refused - in these circumstances the University will not generally offer a CAS.
Also note that in some cases the best (cheapest and easiest) option for a student is to apply for student visitor visa rather than a Tier 4 visa – this would however mean that you leave the UK briefly in order to apply for entry clearance as a student visitor.
I'm an international research student - what happens if the University does not give me a new CAS?
If the University does not support you for visa renewal under Tier 4 by issuing you with a CAS you have limited options. The University looks at each case individually so we cannot know for certain what would happen until your case is reviewed. The Research Student Support Team will advise on the implications for your study if you are not given a CAS. In general:
The main option would be to leave the UK and return to your home country. Depending on circumstances students can often continue study and have access to email and/or other electronic support from their supervisors. This is normally the case where the research can be done away from the University and/or the period of intensive research is at an end and/or when students are at the 'writing-up' stage of their research programme. Normal University fees apply to students who continue their studies away from the University.
If your research cannot be continued from your home country you will need interrupt your studies - i.e. stop studying on a temporary basis, return to your home country and obtain a new visa. Then return to the UK at a later date and resume your studies. Sometimes students return to the UK and complete their studies using a student visitor visa; sometimes students need a CAS in order to obtain a new Tier 4 visa - although a CAS may have been initially refused one may be issued on proof of you returning to your home country. During a period of interruption no University fees are due.
The only alternative to the above is obtaining alternative legal status in the UK - for this you would need to see a specialist immigration lawyer. Unfortunately the University would be unable to register you until proof of a valid visa was provided.
Note also, in some cases, when the student is not provided with a CAS for a Tier 4 visa, the best (cheapest and easiest) option for a student is to apply for student visitor visa rather than a Tier 4 visa – this would however mean that you leave the UK briefly in order to apply for entry clearance as a student visitor. It is best for short periods of study – e.g. the last 3 months of writing-up, or a student who writes up in their home country but needs to come to the UK for their viva.
I'm an international research student and I'm writing up, will the University give me a new CAS?
In general students who are writing-up DO NOT need to remain in the UK - writing up can be done at a distance from the University with periodic email or other electronic methods of communication with supervisors. If further contact is required, or access to specific equipment or resources at Newcastle, students should be fully registered and paying the appropriate full fee to the University.
However, depending on circumstances - see question above - the University may provide a CAS for some writing-up students. Note that the University will normally NOT provide a CAS where there is a risk of a visa refusal or where the student is more than 2 years overdue on the original expected completion date for their research.
