Visa Sponsorship
A student visa will usually be required for all international students studying for a master`s degree in the UK. Student visas can be sponsored by Surrey College of Technology under a license issued by the UK government. After the UK Home Office grants your student visa application, you`ll receive the visa for the entire duration of your master`s course plus an additional wrap-up period. This visa allows you to study in the UK and work part-time (with certain restrictions). If you are currently in the UK on a Student Route Visa or Tier 4 visa issued for study at another university, college, or school, you will be required to obtain a new Student Route visa before enrolling in SCT. You will need to meet strict conditions set by the UK Home Office in order to extend your visa. More information can be found at UKCISA.
Please read and follow the steps below for more information about the application process (Documentation required).
【1】Your application form
This must be completed online. You can access the overseas Student Route Visa application form on the GOV.UK website.
【2】Valid passport
When you apply for a student visa, you will need to send your passport. Make sure it`s valid on the date you plan to travel.
【3】Your CAS number
When you have been accepted for study ,you will receive an email confirmation. You must use this information. The Student Visa Compliance team at the College will send this to you once you have been accepted for an unconditional offer of study.When applying for a visa, you will need to include the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number.In order to apply for your student visa, your CAS email must be no older than six months.Your application will be rejected if you use it after this date.
【4】Qualification documents and English language documents
The qualification documents listed in your CAS are evidence of your academic qualifications. English language documents which depend on how the College assessed your English language and whether you are required to submit English language documents with your visa application. An explanation of this should be included in your CAS letter.
【5】Transcripts, exam certificates and references
For your Student visa application you will need to submit your transcripts, exam certificates and references showing that you have satisfied the entry requirements for your course at SCT. Your CAS will list the qualifications you need to submit.
【6】Pay your immigration health surcharge
The immigration health surcharge is a financial contribution to the UK`s National Health Service (NHS). Find out more about this on our medical insurance page.
【7】ATAS certificate
It is necessary to submit all qualifications listed in your CAS letters, such as degree certificates, transcripts, and results of English language tests, with your application. If the documents are not in English, they should be translated.You will be required to provide proof that you have completed the programme on which the Tier 4 visa was issued if you have previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4 visa (even if this is not your current visa type).
【8】Evidence of funds
You must prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK. In addition to the tuition fee stated on your CAS letter (minus any amount already paid), you will need to pay maintenance of up to £9207. The monthly maintenance fee is £1023 for each month of your course, up to nine months total (any part-month should be rounded up). It is required that the total maintenance and outstanding fees in the account remain above the required level for at least 28 days to maintain a minimum balance in the account. Please contact the Student information desk if you are unsure what level of maintenance you should demonstrate. All funds must remain in your bank account until the date of application.
【9】Translated documents
The documents you are submitting must also be translated by a professional translator if they are not in English.Including references, qualifications, transcripts, bank statements, and bank letters.The translation must include the following:Details of the translator and translation company`s credentials.Confirmation that it is an accurate translation of the original document.The translator and translation company`s contact details.The date of the translation Translator`s or translation company official`s original signature
【10】Attending an interview
As part of the visa application process, you may be required to attend a short interview.It is called a credibility interview, as it focuses on why you are coming to the UK. You will likely be asked about your immigration history, your previous education, the course you plan to study with us, and your post-study plans.Applications will be rejected if you fail to attend the interview without a good reason.During the interview, you should be able to answer the questions without an interpreter and to a level that meets the English Language requirements listed on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
【11】Administrative review
You may request an administrative review of your student visa refusal if you believe that the decision is incorrect.It is necessary to submit all qualifications listed in your CAS letters, such as degree certificates, transcripts, and results of English language tests, with your application. If the documents are not in English, they should be translated.You will be required to provide proof that you have completed the programme on which the Tier 4 visa was issued if you have previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4 visa (even if this is not your current visa type)
【12】Evidence of name change
Applicants with changed names must provide official proof of this change with their application. You must provide evidence of your previous name, your new name, and the date of the change. A common example of these documents is a deed poll certificate, a passport containing both names, and a house hold register that was issued by the government.
【13】sponsor`s permission
For those who have previously studied in the UK and received official financial sponsorship from a government or scholarship agency, you must get permission from your sponsor in writing. This will enable you to stay in or reenter the country. Your sponsor must confirm that there are no objections to you continuing your studies here. Your application will be rejected if you do not provide this information. The letter is not necessary if you have been funding yourself through government loans.
【14】Student visa applications from within the UK
It is possible for previous applicants who have applied for a special visa extension to submit a second application, but this is not guaranteed. If you are a student visa holder in the UK and plan on continuing to study in the UK, and your visa is due to expire soon, then please contact Visa Advice and Compliance by logging an enquiry on the Student Portal so we may discuss your options, including obtaining a CAS and submitting a new student visa application. You must ensure that you are eligible to do so before you submit an application.
【15】Tuberculosis certificate (if applicable)
Residents from some countries are required to obtain a certificate confirming they are free from infectious TB before applying for a visa.
【16】Your biometric details
The British Embassy or visa application centre will require you to provide fingerprints and a photograph as part of your visa application..A description of the process for collecting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for 2021.In the beginning, you will be issued a 30 or 90-day visa vignette in your passport, which allows you to enter the UK during this time frame. In addition, you will receive a letter confirming the visa conditions, as well as the date and location of your BRP collection.In order to grant visa extensions, the Home Office uses BRPs (biometric residence permits). It looks like a credit card and has your photograph on the front. You must submit it along with your application if you have one of these.
【17】Police registration certificate
You may have to register with the British Police based on your country of origin. Registration is required within seven days of arrival in the UK if it states: On your entry clearance vignette (visa) or as a remark on your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or in your Home Office decision letter.If you apply from whithin the uk Your new application must include a copy of your police registration certificate if you were required to do so when you arrived in the UK. Once you have registered, you must inform the police of any changes to your address, visa extensions, changes of residence, and new passports. When you submit a new visa application, you must have an updated certificate.
【18】Updating your profile
There are so many wonderful places to visit around London that you’ll likely take at least one day’s trip while you’re here. Despite the fact that the city itself has many attractions. Hampton Court is one of the most impressive day trips from London, but high-speed trains let you travel even farther – all the way to Paris. It is easy to reach the picturesque and historic towns of Bath and Oxford, Canterbury’s soaring cathedral, and Leeds and Warwick’s castles from London. Nearby is the legendary Windsor Castle, and one of England’s most popular attractions is Stonehenge.
Employability preparation
Prior to receiving admission, For those students seeking a job offer from SCT, would be required to complete a series of special online courses for three months before arriving in the UK to learn their trade and become employable.
Understanding the regulations
When and how to apply from outside the UK
In case you are outside the UK, you can apply for your student visa up to six months before the beginning date of your course. Applicants outside the UK can apply for a student visa up to six months before the start date of your program on their CAS letter. Applications submitted before this date will be automatically rejected. In order to apply, you must have a valid CAS. You can check the processing time for your visa on the UK Government webpage. The VAC will return your passport within 3-10 working days. It is recommended that students submit their applications as soon as possible. The first thing you should do is obtain your successful visa decision letter and vignette in your passport before booking any non-refundable tickets. You should begin the process early. When you have been accepted for study (CAS), you will receive an email confirmation. You must use this information. The Student Visa Compliance team at the College will send this to you once you have been accepted for an unconditional offer of study. Student visa applications cannot be submitted with an old CAS. Your application will be rejected if you use it after this date.Applicants for the Student Route in the city of their country of residence should apply online. Then, you must make an appointment at either the British Embassy, Consulate or Visa Application Centre to provide your biometrics. It is also possible to check visa processing times online. Application processing time depends on both when you apply and where you apply. Your visa application date is the day your form and fee are submitted online, not the day of your biometric or in-person appointment. This date is the deadline for meeting all requirements.
When and how to apply from within the UK
You can apply once you have received your CAS and prepared any required supporting documents. If you intend to remain at the same university, you should apply for an extension before your current Tier 4 or student visa expires. If you would like to change institutions or start a new course, your application should be submitted at least six months before the start date of the programme on your CAS. A request made before this point will automatically be rejected. It is necessary for you to apply before the expiration date of your current immigration permission. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.You should apply for an extension of your Tier 4 or student visa, or to switch from one permitted visa category to another via the UK Government website if you are currently in the country. Please read the instructions carefully, and when you are ready to start your application, choose Extend your visa, followed by Apply to extend your stay.
Visa costs
The college admission letter should note that fees for student visa applications have already been paid on account and that refunds are provided if the visa application is rejected. Students must provide evidence of the following:Maintenance: £12,006 (or £1.334 per month for 9 months)UK student visa fees are £363 with a 470-pound NHS surcharge. The UKVI website provides further information on immigration health surcharges: information for migrants. A letter confirming the fees have already been paid (by the lending entity)
Living Costs
Depending on the number of family members, UK life costs will differ. In the UK, the average cost of living for a family of four is between £4,000 and £4,500, including rent. A family of two can expect to spend around £2,500 – £3,000 on living expenses in the UK, while students can expect to spend around £1000 – £1600, including rent. If you live far from the main cities, it will be different. The main expenses you should cover in the above-stated figure are rent, food, transportation, and tax, depending on how well you manage your finances. Here is the list of expenses for the year: Accommodation, Travel, Food, Books, Equipment, Clothing, Social, Leisure and Cost of Living.
what you can expect to earn here
Post-study settlement in the UK: Once the PSW visa expires, those looking to stay longer in the UK need to apply for a skilled work visa or general work visa (Tier 2). Candidates must earn at least £30,000 per year to qualify for the Tier 2 visa, the general work visa. Depending on the job, this can be higher or lower. They should get a full-time job. Permanent residency can be obtained by applying for an indefinite leave to remain visa after working for 5 years. Applicants must also pass the Knowledge of Life in the UK test and a recognized English language test./Part-time work permit as you study: you can take part-time work in the UK subject to certain restrictions/Work permit for your dependent: UK Visas and Immigration allow your dependant family members to obtain visas to come and live with you in the UK/Travelling in and out of the UK: As you are eligible for a work-based immigration category, switching within the UK and travelling out of the UK is straightforward for the duration of the visa./Changing your study plan: you can extend the visa in the UK if you change your study plans and wish to stay longer.
Bringing your family
In order to decide whether to bring your dependents, you must consider the Immigration Rules, which include your financial situation. Your family`s adaptation to life in the UK needs to be taken into account as well. You can bring dependents to the UK if you are: You`re taking a government-sponsored course of over six months or a postgraduate course of nine months or longer. It is important that you prepare well in advance. It is essential that you arrange your finances and arrange appropriate accommodation for yourself and your family. In order to apply for a dependent visa, each family member must complete an online application. The IHS charge and application fee must be paid at the time of application by each dependent. Find out more about family visas from GOV.UK and dependents advice from UKCISA.
Opening a bank account
In order to manage your finances while studying in the UK, you should open a UK bank account. When you open a UK bank account, you will find the process very straightforward. To open a new account with most UK banks, you will need to provide the following documentation in person: If you live in an EU country, you can use your passport or national ID card. For citizens of countries outside the European Economic Area, a visa is required. Provide proof of your UK address (lease contract, accommodation contract, bills, etc.)Proof of your home address (unconditional offer letter for your course, bank statements, bills, etc.).
Work while you study
During the academic year, students who have obtained a valid Student or Tier 4 visa may work up to 20 hours per week. Working during vacations: During the following times, full-time work is permitted: In the 1 month leading up to the start of your course, Study-level official vacation periods, as well as If you have completed your course, you can work full-time during the final 4 months of your visa (a Tier 4 visa is granted for the length of your course plus 4 additional months). As long as your visa is valid, you can work full-time hours on a temporary contract. A one-year master`s student is permitted to work full-time during the College Christmas and Easter breaks and after the course ends. The summer months are not considered vacation time for master’s students. Tier 4 Student visa holders can only work if they are considered `employees`.Visit UKCISA for more information.
Work After Graduation(Post-study settlement in the UK)
Upon finishing their studies, Once the PSW visa expires, those who are looking to stay longer in the UK need to apply for a skilled work visa or general work visa (Tier 2 visa). However, in order to get a Tier 2 visa, the general work visa, the candidate must be getting at least £30,000 per year. For some jobs, this can be higher or lower. They should get a full-time job. When someone has worked for 5 years, they can apply for an indefinite leave to remain ILR Visa that gives them permanent resident status. They will also be required to pass the Knowledge of Life in the UK test and a recognized English Language test. Check your eligibility by using the eligibility checker on GOV.UK`s page About skills worker visas – documents you`ll need.
