The visa and immigration process can seem complex. We are here to help and guide you every step of the way. We can help you with your application whether you are a new student looking to start studying with us, or are renewing an existing visa.

As an international student joining us to study at Canterbury Christ Church University, you will likely require a visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in order to study in the UK. If you’re unsure if you need a visa to study in the UK, you can access guidance here (or, for EU students, here).

The visa application route for students studying on degree-level courses is called the Student Route (this replaces the Tier 4 route). If your study with us is less than six months, you may be able to apply for a standard visit visa or a short-term study visa instead.

Some students are eligible to bring dependants, including partners and children. Students applying with dependants will be required to pay the immigration health surcharge for each dependant and provide financial documentation showing enough funds to cover the living expenses of each dependent. Dependents can apply for their visa at the same time as the Student Route Visa applicant or make a separate application at a later time.  

How much time will I be given for my visa?

  • Students on courses lasting 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.
  • 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. 

Applying for a visa from UKVI requires planning and preparation. We recommend that international students make their visa application at least three months before the course start date of their course, to give them the best possible chance to arrive in time for their course’s Welcome Week.

Your Welcome Week gives you a chance to:

  • meet your tutors and other students
  • discover the different ways we support you
  • begin settling into your new life in the UK, before teaching starts.

Once you’ve received your Student Route Visa, you’ll be able to arrive in the UK up to one month before the start of your course. (If you're unsure of your course start date, you can look it up on your Course Essentials.)

Confirmation of Acceptances for Studies (CAS)

Before you can make an application with UKVI for your visa, you must receive a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) from the University. This is a digital document with a unique 14-digit number. This shows UKVI that we are supportive of your visa application. You cannot apply for a Student Route Visa without a CAS.

The sooner you start the CAS process , the sooner you can make your visa application. Once you have your CAS, you can apply for your visa up to six months before the start date of your course.

If you apply via UCAS, you may be granted an 'academically unconditional offer' – however, you will still be required to meet several immigration-related conditions before the University will grant your CAS. Without a CAS, you will not be able to proceed with your visa application.

To be eligible to receive a CAS, you must meet the following:

  • meet the CAS criteria
  • pass your credibility interview (if you are invited to attend one)
  • submit the necessary documents (including the Immigration History Form and a scan of your passport)
  • pay your study deposit.

Your guide to the CAS process

View our step-by-step guide to applying for a CAS.

Documentation required for your visa application

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

  • CAS issued by 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 £9207); nationals of low-risk countries as deemed by the UKVI (immigration rules - 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 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 or
  • 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.

These majority-English speaking countries are 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: £1023 per month for 9 months
  • Maintenance funds required per dependant 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 UKVI with their application must also submit their documentation to the university for review.

You must show UKVI that you have enough 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 £9207 (£1023 per month for 9 months). Applicants applying with dependants require an additional £680 per month for each dependant.

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, a 60-day vignette (sticker) will be added to your passport and/or travel document - this 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.

Please 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 you need in order to receive your BRP.

Your visa application decision letter will also include instructions for collecting your biometric residence permit (BRP) once you arrive in the UK. If you are studying at the Canterbury Campus, your BRP collection point will most likely be the the Post Office in WH Smiths located at 19 St George’s Street, Canterbury, CT1 2LB.

To collect your BRP, you need your passport and/or travel document that includes your visa vignette sticker to collect your BRP. When you collect your BRP, please check it carefully for errors, including your name, your start and end dates, the sponsor (CCCU), and the conditions of your leave.

Once you have arrived in the UK, you will need to attend a registration session with the Compliance team to show your passport, BRP, and original academic documents used to obtain your offer (degree certificate, transcripts, etc). Details of when and where to attend a registration session will be sent via email. 

Once you have completed your online registration and your documents have been approved by the Compliance team, you will officially be a student of Canterbury Christ Church University meaning you will be able to:

  • get your student smartcard
  • download letters confirming your student status
  • access materials related to your studies on Blackboard (once your Course team have enrolled you on your modules).

Work and your student visa

Depending on the conditions of your visa, you may be allowed to undertake work whilst 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 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
  • Attend and engage with your course both in-person and online as required and
  • Submit all assignments and coursework.

If you need help with your Visa application, CAS or other immigration-related issues, please contact:

Compliance team: ukvi.compliance@canterbury.ac.uk

Admissions team: +44 (0)1227 925 555