This guide briefly explains how to extend your stay in the UK as an international student with a Tier 4 visa. This guide gives general information but does not cover every situation or question you may have. While every effort is made to ensure that our information is up-to-date, accurate and complete, Loughborough University does not accept responsibility for any omissions or errors. For advice relating to your individual circumstances we strongly recommend that you make an appointment to see one of our advisers in person. August – October is a busy time for visa renewal. During this period we may only be able to offer each student one appointment. Therefore you should make as much progress as you can with starting the application and gathering your documents beforehand.
Applying to extend a student visa in the UK If you are studying at Loughborough University you would normally apply to extend your stay as a Tier 4 (General) student. Tier 4 was introduced on 31 March 2009 as part of the Points-Based System. If you do not already hold permission to be in the UK under Tier 4 or the old student rules then you should first check whether you are allowed to switch to student status while in the UK. Here is a link to the Home Office web page that lists the categories from which a switch is permitted: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/applying-inside-uk/#
You need to check the relevant parts of the Tier 4 Policy Guidance to make sure your application and supporting documents comply with the policy requirements. The Policy Guidance can be downloaded from the Home Office website: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/applying-inside-uk/
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) You must have a CAS issued by the University to apply to extend your student visa. New students will normally be issued a CAS as part of the admissions process. Undergraduate students and taught postgraduates can request a CAS from Student Enquiries in the Rutland building. Research students can request a CAS from the Research Student Office. The information in a CAS is held on a Home Office database and is used to decide your application. When a CAS is issued the University will send you a CAS statement by email confirming the content of the CAS; you will need to refer to this information when completing your application. The CAS statement includes; the University’s sponsor licence number, your unique CAS number, your details, course details, tuition fees, confirmation of your English language ability and any academic progress, etc. You must check that the content of the CAS statement is correct; if anything is wrong or there are any changes before you make your application you must notify the University so that the CAS can be amended or reissued.