Protecting your Immigration Status
Once you have your Tier 4 visa, it is very important to be aware of your responsibilities to the UKBA and to the University, who is your Tier 4 sponsor.
Duties that the University has
When the university issued you with a CAS and you used this to apply for your Tier 4 visa, we became your Tier 4 sponsor. All Tier 4 sponsors have specific sponsor duties and these are outlined in the Tier 4 sponsor guidance (see link on right of page). Many of our duties will not affect your day to day study but some things that we are obliged to notify the UKBA about, may involve your leave being curtailed (cut short). Tier 4 sponsor duties include informing the UKBA if:
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you fail to enrol on your course within the enrolment period
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you fail to attend a class or lecture, or submit work for a specific number of times, and your institution has not agreed to your absence or non-submission of work
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you defer, postpone or take a break from your studies for any reason (see the section to the left on intermission for more detailed information on this)
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you change to a shorter course, or you complete your studies early
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you withdraw from your studies before you have finished your course
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your Tier 4 sponsor stops being your sponsor for any other reason, for example, if you move into a different immigration category
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we have any suspicions that you are breaking the conditions of your permission to stay, (for example by working more hours than you are allowed to)
Duties that you have
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Study at the University of Sussex! You cannot study at any other institution when you have a visa which was applied for using a Sussex CAS. If you want to switch to a different institution you will need to apply for a new Tier 4 visa before you can register there. Similarly, if you have a Tier 4 visa tied to another institution (included the International Study Centre), you will need to make a Tier 4 application using a Sussex CAS before you can be reigistered (see our Registration issues section for details on switching institutions)
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Do not overstay your visa – you MUST make an extension application before your visa expires and this means you need certain sums of money (usually) in a bank account for 28 days or more. Overstaying your visa is against the law in the UK (even by 1 day) and both UKBA and the University have strict policies on allowing students who overstay, to remain studying. Make a note in your diary 4 months before your visa expires and ask us for advice if you need to. Most visa refusals happen to students who have left it very late to apply or get advice
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Attend class and submit work on time – talk with someone if there is a problem. The Student Life Centre will be able to advise you on issues arround attendance
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Check whether you need to register with the Police and make sure you keep your registration certificate up to date (see the Police Registration section for more information on this)
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Check your work conditions and do not break these conditions
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Keep copies of your personal documents
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Keep all correspondence with UK immigration authorities
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If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) keep it up to date and make sure the university has a copy of your current visa. You need to apply for a new card for any change of name, nationality, gender, significant change to your facial appearance or if card is lost or stolen
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Keep the UKBA up to date with any change of address – ESSENTIAL!! Report this via their online form: https://contact-ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/contact/changeAddress/update-my-details/
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Keep your address and phone number up to date on Sussex Direct – part of University Tier 4 sponsorship responsibility
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Open a UK bank account that offers paper statements by post and keep these safe – you might need them for future visa extension applications
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Do not get into trouble with the Police or commit driving offences
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Look at this very useful handout from UKCISA for more information on these topics