Visas and Immigration

A Student visa is required for courses longer than six months and replaced the Tier 4 visa in October 2020. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals must also apply unless they have residency rights under the EU Settlement Scheme. 

Application Process 

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Issued by the university to applicants with an unconditional offer who pass credibility checks.
• Processing times: 

• • Outside the UK: Apply up to six months in advance (processing time ~3 weeks, however, can vary widely).
  • Inside the UK: Apply up to three months in advance (processing time ~8 weeks).
• Biometrics & Documentation: Submit an online application and visit a visa centre (VAC) or, for some applicants (e.g., EU nationals), use a mobile app to verify documents. 

Fees (from April 9, 2025) 

• Visa Fee: £524 (both inside and outside the UK).
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year for NHS access. 

For further information, please visit UKCISA - Student route: eligibility and requirements.  

The University of Cumbria holds a UKVI sponsor licence and maintains a track record of compliance. International students applying for a Student visa must obtain a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the university's Compliance Team. 

What is a CAS? 

A CAS is a unique digital document containing details about your course, university, location, and personal details. It is valid for six months and can be used only once. 

Requirements to Receive a CAS: 

• Hold an unconditional offer for your programme.
• Complete your CAS Shield questionnaire.
• Submit all requested documents to CAS Shield.
• Pay at least 50% of the first-year tuition fees (unless stated otherwise in your offer letter).
• Pass a credibility interview (if required). 

Examples of documents that may be required – Copies of previous UK visas, BRP cards, refusal letters, or past CAS documents. 

• A UKVI-approved tuberculosis certificate (if applicable).
• Financial proof showing funds held for at least 28 days, covering:
• Outstanding first-year tuition fees.
• £1,136 per month (up to 9 months) for maintenance costs.
• Parental/legal guardian consent (if they sponsor you), along with a Birth/Adoption Certificate.
• Any other documents requested by the Compliance Team. 

Important Notes: 

A CAS will not be issued if documents are incomplete or if there are concerns about: 

• The genuineness of your study intentions.
• Adequate financial proof for maintenance funds.
• A history of visa refusals, withdrawals, or relevant criminal convictions. 

Providing complete and accurate documentation is essential for obtaining a CAS and securing your Student visa. 

The required documents for a Student visa vary by nationality. Below are the most commonly needed documents for a successful application: 

Mandatory Documents: 

• Valid Passport – Must have at least one blank page.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) – Issued by the University of Cumbria.
• Entry Qualifications – Original certificates used to obtain your unconditional offer (listed on your CAS).
• English Language Proficiency – If your CAS confirms the University has made an internal assessment, no additional proof is needed.
• Financial Evidence – Proof that you have:
  • Outstanding first-year tuition fees.
  • £1,136 per month (for up to 9 months) for living expenses.
  • Funds must be in your account for a continuous 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before your application.
  • If using foreign currency, check OANDA Exchange, as UKVI will use the rate on the day of submission.
  • "Low-risk" nationals (EU, EEA, Switzerland, and others listed here) are exempt from submitting financial proof but may be asked for it later. 

Additional Requirements (if applicable): 

• Tuberculosis (TB) Test – Required for students from certain countries listed here (must be from a UKVI-approved centre).
• Under 18 Applicants – A parental consent letter confirming:
  • Relationship with parents/legal guardians.
  • Permission to apply for a visa, travel, and live independently in the UK.
  • Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate). 

Translation Requirements: 

Documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation, which must include:

• A statement confirming it is an accurate translation.
• Date of translation.
• Translator's full name, signature, and contact details. 

Ensuring complete and accurate documentation will improve your chances of a successful Student visa application. 

As part of your Student visa application, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your first year’s tuition fees and living expenses in the UK. 

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Exceptions: 

You may be exempt from submitting financial evidence if: 

1. You are from a ‘low-risk’ country (as per UKVI’s differential evidence requirement list). UKVI may still request proof later, so it's recommended to keep the documents ready.
2. You have held a UK visa for at least 12 months before applying for a Student visa and are currently in the UK. 

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How Much Money Do You Need? 

You must demonstrate funds covering: 

• Outstanding tuition fees for your first year of study.
• £1,136 per month for up to 9 months (£10,224 in total) for living expenses.
• A small extra amount to account for currency fluctuations. 

Discount for On-Campus Accommodation 

If you have booked University of Cumbria accommodation and paid for it, you can deduct up to £1,483 from your total maintenance requirement. 

Example Calculation: 

• Annual tuition fee: £12,800
• Deposit paid: £7,000 (stated on CAS)
• Accommodation payment: £5,000
• Total amount required: £12,800 - £7,000 - £1,483 + (9 × £1,136) = £14,541 

 

Accepted Financial Evidence

1. Bank Account

Funds must be held in a personal account (current, savings, deposit, or a pension account from which funds can be withdrawn). The account must: 

• Be in your name, or your parent’s/legal guardian’s name (with additional proof of relationship).
• Show the required funds held for a consecutive 28-day period, with the final day being within 31 days before the visa application.
• Include bank name, logo, account number, balance, and account holder’s name. 

Not accepted: Overdrafts, shares, bonds, credit cards, pensions (unless funds can be withdrawn immediately).

2. Student Loan

A Student Loan Letter must: 

• Be dated within 6 months before the application.
• Confirm it is a government-backed loan or from an approved educational loan scheme.
• State that the funds will be available before you travel to the UK or will be paid directly to the university.
• Clearly mention your name, loan amount, and conditions.

3. Official Financial Sponsorship

You may receive sponsorship from: 

• The UK government
• Your national government
• The British Council
• An international organization or company
• A university or independent school 

If your sponsorship does not cover the full required amount, you must provide additional financial evidence (e.g., a bank statement). 

For full details, refer to Immigration Rules Appendix Finance to ensure compliance with UKVI requirements. 

As an International student you will need to show that you have the required level of English language proficiency, which is B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for courses at UK bachelor degree and above.

Find here a full list of our accepted SELT’s and in-country qualifications: English Language Requirements.

Exceptions:

• You are a national of a majority English speaking country: list of countries
• You have already met the English requirement at the required level in your previous UK visa application
• You completed an academic qualification at a bachelor’s level or above awarded in the UK or an equivalent from a majority English-speaking countries.

Do I need to register with the police?

The police registration scheme ended on 4 August 2022, and you no longer need to register with the UK police.

What are my responsibilities under a Student Visa Route?

It is a privilege to hold a Student visa. It is your visa and your responsibility to protect your right to remain in the UK. Your responsibilities include:

• Informing the university of any changes of address or circumstances
• Engaging fully with your academic programme. This means attending your classes regularly and completing all work required by your course tutors
• Informing Programme Administration and your course tutor of any absences e.g. through illness
• Living sufficiently close (a maximum of one hour travel) to the university campus to ensure you are not late for class and engage fully with all learning opportunities e.g. library work, group study outside classes etc.

Can I take a part-time job while I am studying in the UK?

If you are on a Student visa, the amount of work you can do is stated on your e-Visa. This will normally be 20 hours per week during term time, and up to 48h during vacation/holiday periods. There are also limits on the type of work you can do, you cannot be self-employed or work as a professional sportsperson/coach.

Exceeding your limits is a very serious breach of your visa conditions and you will be reported to the Home Office and may lose your right to remain in the UK. 

Can I travel to Europe on my Student visa?

No. Your Student visa does not allow you to travel to Europe. You will need to apply for a Schengen visa.

What should I do if I need to return home during my studies?

Any travel must be undertaken during university holiday periods. If you need to return home because of a family emergency or illness, you must discuss this with your tutor and Programme Administration. We may recommend that you take a break in your studies (intercalate) and return to study at a later date.

Can I stay in the UK after graduation?

To remain in the UK, you will need to submit a new visa application before your Student visa expires. In July 2021, the UK government introduced the Graduate Immigration Route which will allow students to apply for a 2-year Graduate visa. This immigration route is for international students who wish to extend their stay in the UK to work, or look for work, after they have completed their studies. Eligibility for this route is listed here.

International students can study for up to 6 months in the UK under the Standard Visitor Visa. You are eligible to apply if you want to: 

• Study a short course no longer than 6 months in duration
• Undertake a short period of research (6 months or less)
• Undertake examination re-sits or retake a module (6 months or less)
• Complete a study-abroad programme in the UK as part of an overseas course
• Attend a seminar as part of a postgraduate course
• Attend a graduation ceremony

If you enter the UK as a short-term student on a Standard Visitor Visa, you are not allowed to:

• Study a full-time course for more than 6 months
• Undertake an internship, work experience or work placement in the UK
• Take any employment whether paid or unpaid
• Undertake any business activities
• Bring family members
• Extend your stay in the UK
• Switch to a Student visa in the UK
• Study in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive periods as a short-term student

Do I need to obtain a Standard Visitor Visa prior to travelling to the UK?

Whether or not you need to obtain a Standard Visitor Visa in advance depends on your nationality. The UK Government defines two categories of nationals: Visa Nationals and Non-Visa Nationals.

Visa Nationals

If you are from a country on the Visa Nationals list you must apply for your Standard Visitor Visa in advance before traveling to the UK.

Non-Visa Nationals

If you are from a Non-Visa National country, you do not need to apply in advance. Instead, you can apply for your Standard Visitor Visa upon arrival at the UK border at your port of entry.

Important:

• Ensure you have all the required supporting documents with you when applying at the border.
• You can check your status as a Visa National or Non-Visa National via the UKVI visa check  tool or the Visa Nationals list on the UK government website.

Visa nationals only

You must apply online before traveling to the UK. As part of the application process:

1. Book an appointment at a visa application centre to:
• Prove your identity
• Submit your documents
2. The visa application centre may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.

Visa Fee

The Visa fee for a Standard Visitor Visa is £115.

When to Apply

You can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa up to 3 months before you plan to arrive in the UK.

Processing Time

The processing time is approximately 3 weeks after submitting your application.

For more details, visit the official Standard Visitor Visa page.

 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

When applying for a Standard Visitor Visa, you'll need to provide the following documents:

1. Valid Passport
   Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your study and have at least one blank page on both sides for your visa.
2. Visa Letter from the University of Cumbria
   This letter should outline the purpose of your stay, such as a status letter for re-sits, an invitation for a graduation ceremony, or a short course acceptance letter.
3. Accommodation Details
   Provide information on where you will stay and your travel plans.
4. Financial Evidence
   You need to show that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
• Recommendation: Have £1,136 per month of your stay.
• If someone is sponsoring you, provide a Sponsorship Certificate.
• Accepted evidence includes 6 months of bank statements or 6 months of payslips.
5. Under 18 Requirements
• Show suitable arrangements for travel, reception, and care in the UK.
• Provide proof that you have a parent or guardian in your home country or habitual residence who is responsible for your care and consents to the travel and care arrangements in the UK.
• Include contact details for at least one parent/guardian in your home country.
6. Return Journey Proof
   Evidence that you intend to leave the UK or can meet the cost of your return journey.

 

Additional Information:

• All documents must be in English.
• If any document is not in English, it must be accompanied by a fully certified translation from a professional translator/translation company, including their credentials and contact details.
• Additional documents may be required depending on your individual circumstances.

Please check here for further details and updates.

Visitors to the UK need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months, or do not already have a UK immigration status. You can check is you need an ETA here.

Students will need an ETA to:

• come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study
• come to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
• transit through the UK – including if they are not going through UK border control

From 9^th April 2025, an ETA will cost £16 per applicant and will last for 2 years. Where a passport expires in less than 2 years, they will need to get a new ETA.

Students can make multiple visits to the UK.

Further information is available at: Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The fastest way to apply is using the UK ETA App.

Download from the Apple store.  

Download from Google Play store.  

You will need:

• the passport you’ll travel with - not a photocopy
• access to your emails
• a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

You’ll need to upload or take photos of the:

• passport
• face of the person applying

You do not need to enter your travel details.

If you cannot use the app, you can apply online.

How long it takes?

You’ll usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision. Occasionally, it may take longer than 3 working days.

If you need to travel soon

You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.

After you apply

You’ll get an email confirming you’ve got an ETA. UKVI will link it to the passport you applied with. Your ETA will last for 2 years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time.

If you get a new passport, you’ll need to get a new ETA. An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.

The Graduate Immigration Route is for international students who want to work or look for work following the successful completion of a course of study at UK bachelor’s degree-level or above. 

If successful in your application, you will be able to work or look for work for a maximum period of 2 years, or 3 years for Doctoral students. 

The Graduate route will be unsponsored, meaning applicants will not need a job offer to apply for the route.

Eligibility requirements

• You have studied and successfully completed a Bachelors or a Masters degree at the University of Cumbria. Advanced Diploma, and other non-degree awarding qualifications except the PGCE, are not eligible for the Graduate route.
• As per the University of Cumbria’s academic regulations, any student with outstanding tuition fee debt will not have their marks presented to the relevant assessment board, and thus will not be eligible to receive their final results.
• You must have completed the course, as it is listed on your CAS, meaning that if you do not achieve enough credits to receive a full award, but instead exit with a different award, you would not be eligible for this visa.
• You have a valid Student visa on the day of the application and you apply from the UK
• If in the 12 months before the date of application you have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship by a Government or international scholarship agency covering both fees and living costs for study in the UK, you must provide a letter of consent from the sponsor organisation to support the application.

Visa Conditions

• No access to public funds
• You are allowed to work (including self-employment and voluntary work), apart from work as a professional sportsperson
• Study is only permitted on courses that would not meet requirements for a student visa sponsorship
• It is not possible to extend your visa under the Graduate route. From the Graduate route, you would be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK if you are offered a suitable job with an employer who holds a sponsor licence
• It is only possible to be granted a visa under the Graduate route once

Application costs

The visa fee is £822. In addition, you will also be required to pay the immigration health surcharge, which is £2,070 for two years.

Please note if you have reassessments that take your final results beyond the end of your Student Route Visa, you will not be able to apply for the GRV and will need to leave the UK or apply via an alternative valid visa route (such as a Skilled Worker Visa).