International Student Advice, Visa and Immigration Service

Introduction to Service

Before You Arrive

Extending Your Student Visa

UKCISA

Immigration Advisory Service

Other Immigration Advisers

Introduction to Service

The International Student Advisers' role is to give procedural advice to prospective and current RGU students on visa and immigration matters. Advice is also given to students up to 3 months after Graduation. The Service is also responsible for ensuring that the University remains compliant with the points-based system.

If you require a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) number from the University for immigration purposes you must allow at least ten (10) working days (i.e. Monday to Friday) for this to be processed. If you request a CAS number within the ten (10) working day period the University does not guarantee that your CAS number will be available. To request a CAS number please email isa@rgu.ac.uk

All non-visa related queries should be taken to one of the InfoZones - location maps. The answer to your query may also be on our FAQs webpages.

The International Student Advice, Visa and Immigration Service aims to:

Respond to all emails within 3 working days
Issue Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) numbers within 10 working days
Put you on the next available Tier 1/Tier 4 workshop

Before You Arrive

All visa nationals wishing to enter the UK as a student from 1 September 2007 will need to obtain entry clearance (visa) as a student which they should obtain in their home country before travelling to the UK. Obtaining entry clearance (visa) as a student before travelling to the UK is advised, regardless of length of study, as it is now a requirement for extension of Leave to Remain in the UK as a student.

For further information, please visit:

Admissions

www.ukvisas.gov.uk

Extending your Student Visa

Please see the UK Border Agency link for the application form and more information on applying for your Tier 4 visa:

UK Border Agency

Tier 4 Student Visa Extension Process - Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)

International students will require a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Number in order to apply for a Tier 4 student visa extension. We endevour to get your CAS to you by 10 working days AFTER ATTENDING A VISA WORKSHOP.

All relevant information contained within the CAS will be held on the UK Border Agency’s database.

From documents held on our system, and the information we receive from your School and other departments, the following information will be entered on to the UK Border Agency database:

Full Name
Date of Birth
Passport Number & dates
Visa Number & dates
Date your course will continue from
Expected end date of your course
Financial history

A record of these details along with the CAS number which has been assigned to you will also be forwarded to you via your RGU e-mail account. This will enable you to complete the Tier 4 application form and retain a copy for your records.

Students requiring a Tier 4 student visa extension are advised to contact an International Student Adviser approximately 4 months before their current visa expires.

The International Student Advisers run weekly Student Visa Extension sessions to help you with your Tier 4 application form – book visa workshop place. Please make sure that you notify the Advisers up to two months before your student visa expires, as you will require a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) number from the University to support your application. Request CAS number

You have to post your application independently: currently the processing cost is £394 by post and anticipated return date is approximately 4-14 weeks after you have given your biometric information. We advise you pay by Postal Order to ensure quicker processing of your documents.
You may make an appointment with a Public Enquiry Office to allow you to apply in person - the nearest one to Aberdeen is in Glasgow, but you can make an application at any Public Enquiry Office in the UK. The UK Border Agency number to call to make an appointment is 0870 606 7766. Alternatively you can go online to book an appointment with the UK Border Agency:

Online booking

The current cost of processing your application is £716, and a decision will usually be made on the day provided you bring all the required documents. If you intend to travel in the immediate future this may be the best option for you.

Reporting Changes of Circumstances to UK Border Agency

Tier 4 and other Points Based System migrants are required to report to the Home Office particular changes in circumstances, using form MCC. These are:

      a name change
      a change of nationality
      details of a new passport
      criminal convictions
      a change of contact details
      dependants who are no longer dependant eg a relationship has
      broken down or children are leading individual lives
      other relevant changes

You can find the MCC form at the following link:

Migrant Change of Circumstances form

However, students who hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)should report a change name, gender, appearance or nationality by completing BRP(RC) and pay a fee as these changes require a re-issue of a BRP. Please find below the link to the required form:

Application for a Replacement Biometric Residence Permit

Completion date of studies for Postgraduate students

It has been confirmed by the UK Border Agency that the completion date of your studies is the SUBMISSION DATE OF YOUR DISSERTATION OR THE LAST PIECE OF COURSEWORK SUBMITTED OR EXAM DATE. If your current student visa expires after the completion date of your studies then you will not be eligible to apply for a Tier 4 student visa extension.

Visa and Immigration Advice to a Student Who Has Completed Studies

The International Student Advisers will give visa and immigraton advice to a student who has completed studies, for up to 3 months after the date that he/she was expected to Graduate.

UKCISA

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has useful information regarding all aspects of studying in the UK, including immigration advice, students rights to work in the UK during and after studies, your family's immigration and much more!

Make sure you keep up to date with all current information and advice by visiting the website:

www.ukcisa.org.uk

UKCISA Student advice line:

Tel: 0207 107 9922 Monday - Friday 1pm - 4pm

Immigration Advisory Service (Scotland only)

If your immigration situation is complex you may need to seek specialist legal advice which the University cannot (by law) give you.

Following the closure of the IAS Scottish office at 115 Bath Street, Glasgow, all case files have been transferred to the offices of :-

LOUGHRAN AND CO. SOLICITORS
4 SOMERSET PLACE
GLASGOW
G3 7JT

Telephone 0141 331 0374

All clients previously being dealt with through the Glasgow office should contact the above as soon as possible.

If you are a Scotland client and are seeking a new solicitor, please refer to the following link:

Scottish Legal Aid

For further information regarding legal aid in Scotland, please visit the Scottish Legal Aid Board website at:

Scottish Legal Aid Board website

You can also call their Legal Aid Helpline number on 0845 122 8686. The Helpline operates 7 days a week from 7am to 11pm. It does not provide legal advice but it will tell callers more about legal aid, whether they qualify for legal aid and where to find a legal aid solicitor (calls may be recorded for monitoring and training purposes).

Other Immigration Advisers

Immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC):

http://www.oisc.gov.uk/people_seeking_immigration_advice/adviser_finder/