• Order prospectus
• Apply online

• Text Only
• Sitemap

• Printable version
• PDF version

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.

Although you do not need a visa it would be advisable to carry your acceptance letter with you when you are entering the UK.

Non EEA Nationals

In recent years the UK government has made major changes to its immigration rules and visa systems for international students and on 31st March 2009 the new “Points Based System” was introduced. This information has been produced to help give students a greater understanding of these changes and Regent’s College’s response to these changes.

Please note however, that we can only inform you of the changes and IPO and Regent's College staff are not legally in a position to give any immigration advice on applying for visas. If you need further information please direct your enquiries to the UKBA website.

Visa Routes

For non-EU/EEA Nationals there are now two visa routes depending on the length of stay and the student’s desire to work during their stay.

1. Student Visitor Visa Route

2. Tier 4 (General) Student Visa Route

In order to choose the correct visa route the student will need to consult the ‘Visa Options for Students Guide’ which is available for download on the UK BA Website.

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 and who have no interest in the full student visa entitlements.

It is important to note that 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. As a Student Visitor, they will not be allowed to do any work (paid or unpaid). Also, it will not be possible for them to change from ‘Student Visitor’ to ‘Tier 4 (General) Student’ from within 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/ecg/visitandtransit/studentvisitor#21678533

For more information and guidance on the Student Visitor Route please see the guide ‘The UKBA Guide to Student Visitor Visa’ which is available for download On the Regent’s College website.

Please Note: Students may still choose to apply under the Tier 4 (General) Student for a course that is less than six months if they would like to be entitled to the full student visa entitlements and have the option to work.

Tier 4 (General) Student Visa Route

Due to changes in the UKBA sponsorship management system, as of 22 February 2010, students will no longer be issued a visa letter in support of their student visa application. Instead, Regent’s College will be assigning 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.

Beginning 22nd February 2010, 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 university (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’ which is available for download on the UK BA website.

Further Information

Please note that International Partnerships Office staff and Regent's staff are not qualified or legally allowed to offer advice or guidance on visas applications.

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