Guide for International Students 2011 - Cardiff Law School

visas & immigration0405www.cardiff.ac.uk/international visas & immigrationwww.cardiff.ac.uk/internationalWhat do I need to apply for my Tier 4 student visa?To apply for a Tier 4 general student visa you will need the following:_1Your CAS number (contained in your CAS email fromCardiff University)The CAS email is sent by Cardiff University.It contains your unique reference number which you use to applyfor your student visa. The CAS email will include your personal details,your qualifications and details of your course. These must matchthe documents you submit with your visa application.To get a CAS email you must have have been accepted for a courseof study at Cardiff University and sent the University your passportnumber._2Two completed visa application formsDownload and complete the student visa application form VAF9 atwww.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf29pbsstudent#15332357You must also download and complete PBS Appendix 8(General) Student.Download and read the UK Border Agency leaflet INF29 for studentsat www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf29pbsstudentYou will also find useful guidance notes on how to complete the VAF9form at www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/1903073/vaf9guide_3The transcripts/exam certificates/references listed in theCAS emailYou need your original transcripts/exam certificates/references showingthat you have satisfied the entry requirements for your course at CardiffUniversity. Scanned copies, faxes or emails are not acceptable. Thesecertificates/transcripts/references will be listed in the CAS email.If any of the documents you are submitting are not in English,you must also include a fully certified translation by a professionaltranslator. This includes any references, qualifications, transcripts andbank statements or letters. This translation must contain confirmationby the translator that it is an accurate translation of the originaldocument, the date of the translation, the translator’s full name andsignature, and the translator’s contact details. For more details on howto find a translator click on “how to apply for your student visa” atwww.cardiff.ac.uk/international/arrive_4Finances – evidence of funds or funds paidYou need to show that you have money to cover your tuition feesand living costs up to the maximum of 9 months (for more detailssee the Financial Requirements information on page 07)._5ATAS Certificiate (if applicable)If you are coming to Cardiff for apostgraduate research or a postgraduatecourse in certain science, engineering ortechnology subjects in the areas listed bythe Academic Technology Approval Scheme(ATAS), you will need an ATAS certificate.Check the Foreign and CommonwealthOffice website for a list of courses, which areidentified as ATAS applicablewww.fco.gov.uk/atasIf you need an ATAS certificate, you musthave your ATAS clearance certificate beforeyou apply for your Tier 4 student visa. It cantake several months to get this, so you mustapply early.If your course requires an ATAS clearancecertificate, it will also state this in your CASemail from Cardiff University.The ATAS certificate is issued by the UKForeign and Commonwealth Office and givesyou security clearance to study certain subjectareas, where the knowledge gained may haveapplication in the development of weaponsof mass destruction. For more informationsee www.cardiff.ac.uk/studentsupport/international/visaandimmigration/atas_6Tuberculosis (TB) certificate(if applicable)Before applying for a visa, if you are nationalsfrom Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda,Pakistan, Sudan, Tanzania or Thailand you willneed to be tested for tuberculosis (TB) andobtain a certificate that states you are freefrom infectious TB. The test includes having achest X-ray at an accredited clinic or hospitalrun by the International Organisation forMigration.To check whether you need to obtain a TBcertificate seewww.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/tbscreeningIf your country is not above but you are fromthe Indian Subcontinent, Africa or countriesthat have tuberculosis (TB), we recommendthat you have an up-to-date chest X-raycertificate and medical report that is lessthan 3 months old. If you do not have thisinformation you may have to have a chestX-ray and medical examination before youare allowed to pass through immigration atthe airport._7Valid passportYou will need to send your passport with yourstudent visa application. Check that it is notabout to expire!_8Passport photograph1 passport-sized colour photograph.This must not be more than 6 months old._9Application feeThe application fee is £255. It is nonrefundable,and must normally be paidin the currency of the country where youare applying._10Fingerprints and photographAs part of your visa application you willneed to attend the British Embassy or visaapplication centre to have your finger printsand photograph taken.