Points Based System
What is the Points Based Immigration System (PBS)?
The UK government has introduced a new Points Based System (PBS) of immigration for non-EU / EEA nationals who wish to work and study in the UK. There are 5 tiers of immigration under the Points Based System and Tier 4 relates to students.
The University acts as a `sponsor´ for non-EEA students under Tier 4. The University of Sheffield is a licensed sponsor and has been given responsibility to comply with its sponsorship duties.
How will PBS affect me?
Under PBS you have responsibilities and you must take these seriously. Below is a summary of how the points based system will affect you:
1. Your visa will be linked to one educational institution.
When you apply for a visa under Tier 4, your visa will state the University of Sheffield sponsor licence number. You will only be allowed to study at the University of Sheffield for the duration of your visa unless you apply to change university. If your visa does not state the University of Sheffield sponsor licence number, you MUST seek immigration advice before travelling to the UK – email: international.students@sheffield.ac.uk
If you applied for your Tier 4 student visa before 5 October 2009:
If you wish to change institution you will need to obtain permission from the UK Border Agency (UKBA). You must complete and submit the Tier 4 Permission to Switch application form and pay £160. The Tier 4 Permission to Switch application form can be found on the UKBA website:
You can study at your new institution whilst UKBA consider your application. There is no guarantee that UKBA will grant you permission to study at another institution. If you do not obtain permission, you will not be allowed to study at the new institution. If you do, you will be breaking the terms of your student visa.
If you applied for your Tier 4 student visa on or after 5 October 2009:
If you wish to change institution you must apply for a new student visa. You will not be able to start your new course until you have provided evidence that you have applied for a new visa.
2. The University will keep a copy of your passport and ID card.
If you use the University´s Visa Extension Scheme to extend your visa, your passport and ID card will be returned to the University. We will take a copy of these documents before returning them to you.
If you do not use the University´s Visa Extension Scheme you must inform the University of your new visa details and bring your passport and ID card to Registry Services, Level 6, Students' Union so that a copy can be taken. The University of Sheffield is required to keep these copies under the immigration rules and you must supply this information is in accordance with University Regulations. Copies of your passport and ID card will be stored securely.
3. You will need to inform the University of any changes to your address.
The University of Sheffield is required to keep this information under the immigration rules and you must inform us in accordance with University Regulations. You can update your address via the myRecord tab in Muse.
4. The University will report to the immigration authorities those students who have been issued with a CAS but who do not enrol or who withdraw, take a leave of absence, change their course or have a series of unauthorised absences.
5. You must ensure that you always have a valid visa for the University of Sheffield. Registered students whose visa expires and who have not made an application for a new visa will be deemed withdrawn from the University and reported to the UK Border Agency (UKBA). You must submit evidence to Registry Services that you have made an application for a new visa before your current visa expires.