International

CAS is a unique number, attached to an electronic document created by your sponsor [Leeds City College]. The document provides details of the academic course to the UK Border Agency. They check that the course meets Tier 4 regulations and that you are qualified for a place.

We cannot sponsor you until:
- We have seen copies of your financial evidence: see ‘Your Money’ for more details.
- We have received your deposit: 50% of your first year fees.

Four checkpoints to help you score 30 points:

(1) Study with a Tier 4 sponsor.
Leeds City College is a Highly Trusted sponsor.

(2) Have a valid CAS.
Your sponsor [Leeds City College] provides your CAS.

(3) Study a course at an appropriate academic level.
Submit original certificates of education with your application, proving that you are qualified for the course. Your course must show ‘academic progression’. You are not allowed to keep studying courses at the same level. You have to progress upwards through UK levels of study.

(4) Have the required English language skills.
You must hold a valid test certificate from one of the UKBA-approved English test providers. See English language for full information about this.

Interviewing has always been part of the visa application process. You could be interviewed at the visa application centre when you submit your application form. You might be asked questions about the course you are going to study, your reasons for studying in the UK, or why you chose Leeds City College. Just answer all questions truthfully and don’t worry: being interviewed does not mean that there is a problem with your application.

You may work for 10 hours per week during term time whilst studying at Leeds City College.
You will not have access to any state benefits during your stay.

The UK Border Agency checks two things:
1) The amount of money you have
2) The length of time that money has been held in your account

You need to hold the right amount of money – continuously – for long enough.

You score 10 points for holding enough money (also known as maintenance, or funds) for the length of time stated in the Tier 4 Policy Guidance.

You must be able to prove that the required money (to cover your course fees and living costs) is genuinely available to you. The UKBA decides how much you need for living costs. Read their website and calculate the amount you need to successfully apply for a visa.

For example:
Total money required = 1st year fees [less deposit paid to College] + £7,200 living costs*

* Students in the UK wishing to extend a visa may qualify for lower maintenance. You must meet the condition of ‘established presence’.

To score 10 points, ask yourself three questions before you apply for a visa:

(1) Has the total amount of money been in your bank account for long enough?

You must hold the required amount of money in your bank account for 28 days or longer before you apply for your visa. Check the Tier 4 Policy Guidance in advance to see how long you must hold your money before applying.

(2) Has the total amount of money been in your account every day?

You must hold the money continuously, for 28 days or longer and not withdraw any of it, at any time. UKBA will check the balance of your account for every day of the length of time that their policy told you to hold the money.

If the balance of your account went below the total money you were required to hold on any day throughout that period, your visa application will be refused.

(3) Is your financial evidence correct – has the date expired?

Once you have held the right amount of money continuously for long enough, you need the right documents as proof of this. Your financial evidence must be original documents that meet the criteria in the Tier 4 Policy Guidance. (A bank or building society statement, or other relevant document stated within the guidance.)

The date shown on your evidence statement must not be older than 28 days before the date of your visa application.