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If you are a registered Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) and you need more time to complete the examination process or have had an Extension of Time approved, you may be eligible to apply for an extension to your current Student Visa (formerly Tier 4). If you decide to apply for an extension to your visa you will need a new CAS number as evidence of the University's continued sponsorship of your visa.
To request a new CAS number you should complete the Visa Extension Request Form and send your Gantt chart/timeline to completion to pgr@ulster.ac.uk. Ulster would only be able to issue a CAS for one visa extension so please keep this in mind when preparing your timeline.
If you are undertaking a course that is subject to ATAS clearance, you will require a new ATAS certificate before a CAS can be issued. This can be a lengthy process so it's important that you contact us well in advance of your visa expiring so that your ATAS can be approved before you apply for the visa extension.
What is a Student Visa extension?
A Student Visa extension is simply an extension to the Student Visa that you were granted when you began your studies.
Who can apply for an extension?
Any PGR within the UK who has current leave to remain under a Student Visa and who requires further leave to remain in order to submit their thesis and attend their viva voce examination may submit an application for consideration.
A Student Visa extension will not be granted for the purposes of attending graduation.
When can I apply?
Applications must be made before your existing leave expires. The ATAS application process can take over 8 weeks so you are encouraged to begin making initial enquiries with the Doctoral College at least three months in advance of your visa expiration date.
What do I need to do before applying for the visa?
You should express their interest in applying for the visa by contacting the Doctoral College. You should also liaise with your supervisors to get their input into your estimated timeline to completion.
If you have had a Student Visa for over 12 months immediately prior to your new visa application it is likely that you will not be asked to provide financial evidence by Ulster/UKVI. However, we highly recommend that you have this available should the UKVI request it. This evidence usually takes the form of bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover both any fees and your maintenance for the remaining length of your course. You should read the UKVI's guidance for further information.
How long do I apply for?
The request form, linked above, will ask for information such as your estimated viva date. The Doctoral College will use this date, plus an additional 6 months, to determine the new 'Course End Date' that will be included on your CAS. If you believe a shorter period is appropriate, please email us to discuss your circumstances.
When planning your visa extension application, you should also be aware that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will normally grant an additional 4-month 'wrap-up' period at the end of your visa. You may wish to take this into account when considering the length of sponsorship required.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payable as part of a Student Visa extension application is calculated in 6-month increments. As a result, extending sponsorship beyond a 6-month threshold may increase the amount payable, so this should also be considered when requesting an extension of visa sponsorship.
Do I need ATAS clearance?
If your research falls into specific subject areas then further ATAS clearance will be required. If you had to get ATAS clearance when you applied for your initial visa then you will need a new ATAS certificate for your visa extension.
Can an application be made outside the UK?
No – all applications must be made from within the UK.
What do I do after I apply?
Once you apply you will receive confirmation from the UKVI and may be contacted by them requesting more information and/or inviting you to attend an interview and to supply your biometric information.
You should keep the Doctoral College updated with the progress of your application and, when you receive your UKVI decision email forward it, along with your Share Code to pgr@ulster.ac.uk within 7 days of receipt.
