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1. Points Based System (PBS) Tier 4 (General) Student Visa

The Points Based System (PBS) reflects the new changes in the UK Border Agency’s (UKBA) immigration rules which were initially introduced in March 2009.  Under PBS students who wish to enter the UK apply under Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.   

When you apply for a Tier 4 visa you must include a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number.  The University will assign your CAS number through the UK Border Agency’s system.

The CAS number will be included in a letter called a ‘CAS statement’ which will be sent to you by the Admissions and Access Service.  This will have important information that you need for your visa application.

Important note:  A CAS statement (including a CAS number) will only be sent to those applicants who have firmly accepted an unconditional offer of a place.  It is important therefore that you inform the Admissions and Access Service as soon as possible whether you wish to accept or decline your offer.

The enclosed leaflet – ‘Studying at Queen’s:  Visa and the Points Based System’ outlines the procedures in more detail. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact International Student Support Office – iss@qub.ac.uk

Information on the PBS is also available at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf29pbsstudent

These new immigration rules are subject to change and it is your responsibility to check the UK Border Agency website http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visa-immigration/studying.

Note – under these new immigration regulations, you will be required to bring your (original) passport, visa and, where appropriate, Foreign National ID Card to the International Office at Queen’s, so that a photocopy can be taken of these documents.

 

2. Extension of Leave – Students who are currently studying at Queen’s

If you are currently studying as a student at Queen’s and need to extend your visa you should contact the International Student Support Office at iss@qub.ac.uk who will advise on the procedures and the appropriate forms to complete.

 

3. Extension of Leave – Students who are currently studying elsewhere in the UK

If you are studying at another educational institution in the UK and you want to extend your visa to study at Queen’s University, you will need a CAS.  A CAS statement will be sent to those applicants who have firmly accepted an unconditional offer of a place.

 

4. Extension of Leave – Migrants already in the UK who wish to study at Queen’s

Depending on the type of visa you currently have, it might be possible for you to study without switching (changing) to a student visa.  If you are not sure about your visa and whether you can study please contact iss@qub.ac.uk.

 

5. Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to non-EU/EEA nationals undertaking research in Science, Engineering or Technology disciplines or postgraduate taught Masters courses in Materials Science, Materials Technology, Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Physics. For students covered by the scheme, an ATAS clearance certificate will be required before application for a visa or entry clearance can be made i.e. it will be a mandatory part of the immigration process.

An ATAS clearance certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. You can apply for an ATAS certificate up to 6 months in advance of the beginning of your programme. For example, if your programme begins on 18 September 2013, you should not apply for your ATAS clearance certificate until after 18 March 2013.

If you require an ATAS clearance certificate, an attachment will be provided with your offer letter. This will include confirmation of your personal and programme details, the JACS code for your area of study (used by the immigration authorities to determine if ATAS clearance is needed or not) and a brief description of your proposed research topic or in the case of taught programmes, a list of the modules you will be studying. It is important that you retain this attachment as it is required when you are completing your application for ATAS clearance and also later when applying for a visa/entry clearance. The University reference number which you will be asked for is your application number provided in the offer letter and on the attachment.

For applicants to areas where ATAS clearance is not required but where we feel there may be some doubt on the part of entry clearance officers, a short attachment will be provided and the JACS code for your programme of study will be included on this. This should help to simplify the entry clearance process for you.

Full details about the scheme, including the ATAS application, can be found at http://www.fco.gov.uk/atas.