Student Progress

Applying for a Student Visa

Applying for a Student Visa

Requirements for Applying

Find out the requirements for applying for a Student Route visa inside and outside the UK.

Applying inside the UK 

The Student Route visa has strict rules about when an application can be made in the UK.

  • You must already be in the UK in an immigration category which allows you to make a Student Route application. Please see the UKVI website for a list of visas which do not permit switching from inside the UK
  • If you’re already in the UK on a Tier 4 or Student Route visa, you must be able to meet the current academic progression rules outlined in the current Student Guidance
  • You must be able to demonstrate that you meet the English language requirements for the Student Route
  • Tier 4 and Student Route visas have strict time limits for undergraduate and below degree level study, as listed in the Student Guidance.
  • If you think that you’re approaching the maximum time allowed in the UK under Tier 4 and the Student Route, you can calculate your total time spent in the UK using the online date calculator
  • If your programme is subject to clearance from the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), you must apply for ATAS clearance at least 8 weeks before you need to apply for your Student visa, as there can be delays in processing applications at busy times of year
  • If you’re applying for a Student Route visa for a new programme and your current visa expires more than 28 days before the start of this, you won’t be able to make your Student Route application in the UK. You must return to your home country to do so

If you meet current requirements, you can get help with your Student Route application from the Visa Support Team. 

Applying outside of the UK

If you don’t meet the requirements for making a Student Route application in the UK, you may have to return to your home country to make a Student Route visa application.

Contact the Visa Support Team for advice if you are unsure if you meet the requirements.

You should then take the following steps:

You will need to collect your new Biometric Residence Permit Card (BRP) on arrival in Newcastle. During the application process, you have the option to select to have your BRP card delivered to the university or to a local post office. 

After you have submitted your Student Route application

Biometric enrolment and document submission

If you did not use the UK Immigration: ID check app to scan your BRP card as part of the visa application process, you will be asked to book a biometric enrolment appointment and upload your supporting documents through the UKVCAS website as part of the online visa application. You will be prompted to do this once you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge and visa application fee as part of the online application form.

If you used the UK Immigration: ID check app to scan your BRP card as part of the visa application process, you don't need to attend a biometric appointment unless advised otherwise by the UKVI. 

Check your emails regularly

Check your emails regularly in case the Visa Support Team or UKVI contact you about your visa application. If you receive any emails directly from UKVI, contact the Visa Support Team as soon as possible.

Your Biometric Residence Permit Card (BRP)

If you used the university address as your postal address, your BRP card will be sent directly to the Visa Support Team. When we receive them, we will check them for errors and will email you to collect them when they are ready. Otherwise, you will receive the BRP card to the postal address you specified within the visa application form. 

If you used the UK Immigration: ID check app to scan your BRP card as part of the visa application process, you will only receive a BRP card if you are a visa national. You can find a list of visa nationals on the UKVI website. All applicants who use the app will receive a digital visa by default. Those who are non-visa nationals will only receive a digital visa. 

Please note: Please check your new BRP card and email from UKVI for any mistakes. If the mistake concerns the visa expiry date or permission to work, you will normally have only 14 days to correct this mistake.

University policy on student immigration compliance

As a Sponsor, Newcastle University must ensure that all necessary steps are taken to ensure immigration compliance across the student community. The University’s Policy on Student Immigration Compliance‌ details the circumstances for which sponsorship may be offered and withdrawn, as well as documentary requirements for the registration process at the University.

While the University will endeavour to support prospective and registered students with their immigration requirements for academic purposes, sponsorship is not guaranteed in all circumstances.

For more information, please see the policy on Policy on Student Immigration Compliance and contact the Visa Support Team if you have any doubts about your circumstances.

Visa Support

The Visa Support Team can assist you with making your Student Route application in the UK, if you meet current requirements.

You should take the following steps:

  1. At least 8 weeks before you need to make your visa application, please request a copy of our guide to 'Making a Student Route application in the UK' and follow the instructions in the guide carefully. Important: ‘Making a Student Route in the UK’ is updated regularly to reflect any amendments to the UKVI Student Route Guidance or changes to UKVI visa application procedures. Always read the guide alongside the current Student Route Guidance  You will also be provided with a guide to the Student Route application form to help you complete it.

  2. If your programme requires clearance under the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), please request fresh ATAS clearance at least 6 weeks before you request a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You will need a new ATAS certificate before your CAS can be issued. You should still submit a CAS request even if you are waiting for the ATAS approval.
  3. Ensure that you have your new CAS
    • If you’re beginning a new programme, you will need to meet all of the conditions of the programme for Admissions to issue the CAS.
    • If you’re currently registered on a programme at Newcastle University, you must submit a CAS request (requires login to your university Office365 account) with the relevant supporting documents. This request must be submitted at least 8 weeks before it’s required. You must submit supporting documents no later than 4 weeks before the date that the CAS is required. (If you are unable to use the form above, please use this form but you must ensure that you upload the necessary supporting documents separately)
  4. Please indicate whether you will be including dependants in your application, so that we can provide necessary guidance.

  5. Contact the Visa Support Team to have your application checked by following the instructions in the guide to Making a Student Route application in the UK.

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