Recently, the UK Border Agency has rolled out a new rule that states that migrant students intending to apply for UK Tier 4 visa, which is based on points system to pursue study courses must contain a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance to Study) number in their applications. Along with the new rule for the students, the UKBA has set new instructions for the Tier 4 sponsors or education providers as well.

The whole procedure of sponsoring students under Tier 4 is going to change from February, precisely when the phase 4 of Tier 4 kicks off! From February 22, no matter whether the students applying from inside or outside the country, would require to produce the CAS number provided by their respective sponsors. This means, students are no longer be able to apply for visa using a visa letter. However, they are permitted to apply under the Tier 4 with a visa letter until February 21, but this should also be kept in mind that they cannot do this from February 22, without due consideration to their visa letter issued before that date.

To be very precise, the issuance of visa letters will completely be dissolved from February 22. Instead, all Tier 4 licensed sponsors/education providers would take the help of the Sponsor Management System to issue Confirmation of Acceptance to Study to potential students, including students applying from inside and outside the UK. All students’ applications must possess a CAS number. This applies to students who receive visa letters from their sponsors before February 22 and intend to apply with the UKBA on or after that date.

For further information on the new amendments to Tier 4 sponsorship, contact an Immigration and Visa Consultant!