Documentation required for your visa application

Note: Official translations should be provided for any documents not in English

• CAS issued from the university
• Original in-date passport with no less than six months before expiry date
• Official degree certificate and/or transcripts; you must supply the evidence used for your offer as listed on the CAS given to you by the university
• English language qualification: the list of acceptable qualifications can be found here
• TB certificate if required

• ATAS certificate if required
• If you were previously granted a visa for the UK and possess a BRP (biometric residence permit), you need to include your BRP
• Financial documentation to show you or your sponsors possess the funds required by UKVI (remaining tuition fees + maintenance fees of £ 9,207); nationals of low-risk countries as deemed by the UKVI (Appendix ST, para. 22.1) are not required to submit evidence with their application but should retain evidence in case it is requested

English language requirement

Students studying at degree level must demonstrate the ability to read, write and understand English to a sufficient level as defined by the UKVI.

What you’re studying	Level
Degree level or above	Equivalent to CEFR level B2
Below degree level	CEFR level B1

*CEFR refers to the Common European Framework of References for Languages

Students can demonstrate their proficiency by submitting evidence of:

• passing a Secured English Language Test (SELT),
• having a GSCE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English from a UK school at which you began studying when you were under 18
• via assessment by a Higher Education provider

You will not need to show proof of English language ability in the following circumstances.

• You are a national of the countries listed below
• You are a national of Canada

• You are applying for a visa to study in the UK as part of a study abroad programme with a US university
• You previously proved your English language ability in a prior visa application

List of majority-English speaking countries exempt from proving English language abilities

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• the Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize

• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Jamaica

• Malta
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• UK
• USA

Costs

It’s important to understand the financial requirements to study in the UK as an international student. In addition to tuition fees, there are several related costs. Unless exempted, you will need to demonstrate you have the required amount of funds as part of your visa application.

Standard fee for student visa: £ 348

Immigration Health Surcharge: £ 470 per year

Maintenance funds required: £ 1,023 per month for 9 months

Maintenance funds required per dependent per month: £ 680

Financial Documentation Requirements

All applicants are required to submit evidence of their finances as part of their visa application unless they are exempt (list of exemptions found in Immigration Rules Appendix Student, ST para. 22.1) As part of the university’s compliance process, applicants who need to submit their financial documents to the UKVI with their application must also submit their documentation to the university for review.

You must show UKVI that you have adequate funding to cover any remaining tuition fees as well as the requisite maintenance funds as defined by the UKVI. For students joining Canterbury Christ Church University, the amount is £ 9,207 (£ 1,023 per month for 9 months). Applicants applying with dependents require an additional £ 680 per month for each dependent.

Please read the section about financial documents here before sending your financial evidence to the university. The UKVI’s stipulations for financial documentation can be found in Immigration Rules Appendix Finance and you can access the guidance for financial documentation from UKVI here.

Making your application

You can find the link to UKVI’s visa application system here.

Find your nearest visa application centre here.

After your visa is granted

If your application is successful, you will receive a 60-day vignette in your passport that will allow you to travel to the UK to undertake study as a student. Once you receive your vignette, please check it carefully for errors. You’ll also be given instructions detailing where to collect your biometric residence permit (BRP).

You must attend enrolment with the Compliance Team to show your passport, BRP, and original academic documents used to obtain your offer (degree certificate, transcripts, etc.)

When you receive your BRP from the post office, please check it carefully for errors, including your name, your start and end dates, the sponsor (CCCU), and the conditions of your leave.

Note: Nationals of certain countries have the option of entering the UK via the eGates. However, it is not recommended that students arriving for study use the eGates for entry to the UK. It is recommended that students enter via an immigration officer who will stamp their passport. This stamp serves as proof of entry to the UK which is required in order to enrol and receive your BRP.

Work & your student visa

Depending on the conditions of your visa, you may be allowed to undertake work while studying in the UK.

Students studying full-time on a degree-level course at Canterbury Christ Church University may work up to 20 hours per week during term time as per the UKVI’s rules. Outside of term time, students may work full-time hours. Your BRP will detail the conditions of your leave.

Your responsibilities while in the UK on a Student visa

• Attend induction, orientation, and registration on campus

• You must attend and engage with your course both in-person and online as required

• Submit all assignments and coursework

FAQ

Do I need a student visa to study at the university?

To check if you need a visa to study in the UK, use the UKVI’s UK visa checker.

I’m an EU/EEA/Swiss national. Do I need a student visa?

Guidance for EU students can be found here.

What is a CAS?

A CAS is the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies issued by the university. It is a document that tells the UKVI that you are sponsored officially by the school and is used for your visa application.

Do I need a CAS for my visa application?

Yes. All students submitting a visa application to study at CCCU must have a CAS in order to make their online application with UKVI.

How do I get my CAS?

The university will send you a draft of your CAS via email. You will need to check this document carefully to ensure it is correct and report any corrections to us. Once all compliance checks have been completed, your CAS will then be issued to you via email.

When can I apply for my visa?

Students may apply for their visa up to six months in advance of the start date of their course once they have received their CAS.

How much time will I be given for my visa?

Students studying on programmes 12 months or longer will be given up to 1 month before the start date of the course and 4 months after the end date of their course.

If the course is longer than 6 months, but shorter than 12 months, students will be given up to 1 month before the start date of the course and 2 months after the end date.

For those studying a pre-sessional course, such as English, which lasts less than 6 months will be given 1 month before the start date and 1 month after the end date.

Can I bring my family with me?

The UKVI allows applications for dependents only, including partners and children. Students applying with dependents will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for each dependant and provide financial documentation showing adequate funds to cover the living expenses of each dependent.