It can be quite daunting to apply for a visa. Depending on which country you are from, the process might also be a bit confusing. Hopefully, this blog will help you apply for a student visa and understand some jargon! It definitely would’ve been helpful for me when I was applying from China 😊
To start with, here is a timeline of the application process for Durham University.
Timeline summary
- You’ll need to accept your unconditional offer from Durham and pay your tuition fee deposit if applicable.
- We’ll send your pre-CAS through your applicant portal, where we will confirm all of your personal details, your qualifications, and the programme you are coming to study.
- You’ll need to check this information carefully and let us know if you need to change anything in the portal as soon as possible.
- We’ll then be able to issue your CAS through email.
- Make sure you meet any financial requirements and prepare any evidence you may need.
- You’ll take a TB test if required in the country you are applying from.
- You’ll apply online outside or inside the UK.
- You’ll choose where to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
- You’ll pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) and the application fee during your online application.
- You’ll book a biometric enrolment appointment.
Jargon explained
What is CAS?
CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. It is the main document confirming your student status. It also contains your CAS number, which is a unique reference number that confirms the University has agreed to be your Student Visa Sponsor. CAS provides UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) with your personal details, information about Durham University and your course of study. It also includes details of fees and payments.
TB test
If you are applying from specific countries (including China), you might need to take a TB test. TB stands for Tuberculosis and the test involves a chest X-ray. It is really straightforward, just check the list of approved clinics, book an appointment and the results will follow.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
It is basically an ID card that confirms your right to study and stay in the UK. It will say things like:
- your name, date and place of birth.
- your fingerprints and a photo of your face (this is your biometric information).
- your immigration status and any conditions of your stay.
- whether you can access public funds, for example, benefits and health services.
You can collect it when you arrive in the UK.
Top tips
- Save your CAS email as a PDF and email it to yourself or save it online somewhere, then print the email. This helped me a lot, as I was asked for my CAS number at various different points, including at the airport!
- Check your inbox and spam/junk folder for your CAS if you have accepted the offer and uploaded the required documents but haven’t received CAS. There is no need to panic but it can be helpful to check the spam folder regularly in case something useful ends up there.
Check out the links below to find out more about student visas and CAS
https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa
https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/documents-you-must-provide
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/visa-information/applying-for-a-student-visa/
