Immigration & visa advice
Support for International students including sub-pages on Tier 4 monitoring and ATAS.
The advice provided on this page is strictly informal. All students are encouraged to consult Edinburgh Global to properly clarify their own immigration status. Edinburgh Global, based at 33 Buccleuch Place, is the main point of contact for all immigration and student visa enquiries.
Visa information for existing students
Visa information for new students
Tier 4 doctorate extension scheme
Visa applications & extensions
Students applying for a visa, or visa extension, are required to have a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The CAS documentation is prepared by the Immigration Compliance team.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
Certain science and technology programmes in the UK require you to have Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance. You must apply for this before starting your studies.
If you need to apply for a Tier 4 visa, you will need to obtain your ATAS certificate before you can make your visa application.
For more information see the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) page on the left hand navigation bar.
Tier 4 method of study
Edinburgh Global confirms that all Tier 4 students must be full time, meaning any proposal to change to part-time study will be rejected on the basis of visa status. Further information is available at:
UKV&I Tier 4 Points Based System Guidance
Tier 4 doctorate extension scheme
As of 6th April 2013 a new work visa route has been introduced for students studying a PhD or other doctorate level qualification.
This new 12 month work visa route is part of the Points Based System (PBS) and is called the Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES). In order to qualify for this new visa you must:
- Be on a Tier 4 (General) visa or a Student visa
- Be studying a PhD or other doctorate level qualification
- Apply before completing your course (expected submission date of the final version of your thesis)
- Apply up to 60 days before your course end date (submission date)
- Meet the financial requirement (maintenance)
You also need to:
- Apply from inside the UK
- Have a valid Tier 4 (General) visa or Student visa at the time you apply
For full details and for information regarding the application process please visit the Edinburgh Global web page below: