Extending your student visa through International Student Support
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From 5th April 2013, most Tier 4 (General) applications that are made in the UK must be submitted to the UK Border Agency using a method called “Print and Send”, this involves completing an application form and making your payment online and then printing the application form out before submitting it to the UKBA by post.
How to extend your visa through ISS
ISS based in the Student Support Centre operates the “Student Batch Scheme” for student visa extension applications. We would strongly encourage you to send your application through this scheme so that ISS can support you through the application process.
A comprehensive booklet called “A guide to extending your student visa under Tier 4 of the Points Based System” is available to collect in hard copy from the Student Support Centre (50 Park Place).
It is essential that you read this guide carefully before making your visa application.
Most applications are processed within 14 weeks from the date of posting, although it can take longer at busy times such as October or January, or if the UKBA make enquiries.
We strongly advise you not to book any travel until your documents are returned as we cannot guarantee how long the process will take.
Step by step guide to using the Student Batch Scheme
Step 1
Attend an ISS workshop at least 4 weeks before your current visa expires to get information on how to complete the Tier 4 Print and Send application form and advice on the supporting documents you will need to provide. You can book a place on a workshop by calling the Student Support Centre on 02920 874844 or by emailing iss@cardiff.ac.uk
Step 2
Complete the Tier 4 Student Print and Send application form as instructed in the ISS workshop and gather together all of the required supporting documents and take a photocopy of each document.
Step 3
Save your application form as a PDF document and email it to iss@cardiff.ac.uk as an attachment. In the main body of your email please include the following information:
• Your full name
• Your contact telephone number
• Your student ID number
• The date your current visa will expire
• The date you attended an ISS workshop
Step 4
ISS will contact you within 5 working days to book an individual appointment for you to review your application with an International Student Adviser, and if it is complete to pay the visa fee and submit your application and supporting documents to the UK Border Agency.
Is there a more urgent service?
ISS may be able to assist you in making a premium in-person application at the UKBA Public Enquiry Office (PEO) in Cardiff. This costs £781 and your visa usually takes approximately 2 weeks to be issued from the day you give your biometric details at the PEO. Please note that Cardiff University have been given a limited number of appointments each week at the PEO. These will be available on a first come first served basis.
You will need to book an appointment with an International Student Adviser so that we can discuss this process with you. Please DO NOT complete the on-line Print and Send application form in this situation.
Once your application is complete it will be sent to the PEO and you will then be allocated a biometric appointment. If your application is successful then all of your documents and your Biometric Residence Permit will be returned to the Student Support Centre and we will contact you to let you know that you can collect them.
My parents are providing financial support, is there a template letter that they could use?
If your parents are providing financial support you will need to submit additional documentation as outlined on page 8 of our guide. To assist you we have produced a template letter that your parents could complete:
Don't forget that the letter must be signed and it must be an original document. Scanned copies, faxes or emails are not acceptable.