Essential information: 
The UK government has advised that they will review the return of university students not already being taught on campus "by the end of the Easter holidays". Due to this deadline being close to the end of term and start of Examination period 2, King's has already communicated to these students that the remainder of the academic year will be taught online. 
 
If you are unable to access resources from home then you can come to campus if you need to use a library, computer room or informal study space.
 
If you are currently abroad and know that you will continue to study online for the 2020-21 academic year, please consider whether you have an essential reason to travel to the UK and make sure you understand the national restrictions for travelling to England from outside the UK. 
 
Currently King’s are unable to offer financial support for testing and/or quarantine required to enter the UK, so please factor this into any decision to travel.
 
 

In this article:


I already hold a Tier 4/Student Visa but have not yet travelled to the UK
Check that your visa vignette (sticker) is valid for the date of travel.  If not, you will need to apply for a vignette transfer to change the dates of your visa vignette prior to travelling to the UK.  You will have to pay £154 for this new application and provide your biometric information again, but you will not have to submit a new Tier 4/Student Visa application.  

You will need to apply online for a Transfer of conditions (vignette transfer). You should select the following options:    

  • Confirm your visa type: BRP Vignette Transfer  
  • Category of application: To transfer or replace your visa (vignette) 


I have a CAS issued by Admissions but haven’t applied for my visa yet
Your CAS remains valid for you to apply.  We recommend that you apply for your Student visa as soon as possible.

If you have paid additional tuition fees since your CAS was issued,  you can request your CAS is updated to evidence this by emailing Visa-Reg. Please include your full name, Student ID number and confirm the amount of fees paid to date in your email. 
 

Important to know: 

  • The visa application can take at least 3 weeks to be processed by the UK Visas & Immigration. 
  •  You can find more information on how to apply for the Student Visa on our webpages.


I’m an EU/EEA/ Swiss (excluding Irish) national already in the UK
You will be eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.  

I’m an EU/EEA/ Swiss (excluding Irish) national currently outside the UK
If you were able to arrive in the UK prior to 11pm on 31 December 2020 you will be eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme in the UK which will protect your status in the UK for up to 5 years.


If you arrived in the UK after 11pm on 31 December 2020 you will be required to apply for a Student Visa in advance of travelling to the UK. 


To be eligible to apply for the Student Visa you will need to request a CAS from the University.  We advise you to do this as soon as possible.

Important to know:

  • If you plan to apply for a Student Visa, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible as it can take at least 3 weeks for this application to be processed by the UK Visas & Immigration.
  • You can find more information on applying for the Student Visa on our webpages.


We have provided some basic comparison information below to assist you to make your decision.
 

Cost of application

EU Settlement Scheme (Pre-settled Status):  Free

Student Visa: £348
 

Financial documents required to apply


EU Settlement scheme (Pre-Settled Status):
None (you will only need to provide evidence you were living in the UK prior to the deadline of 31st December 2020)
Student Visa:
Enough funds held in your bank account every day for 28 days prior to applying for your visa to cover your first year’s tuition fees + £11385 living costs
 

Length of visa


EU Settlement scheme (Pre-Settled Status):
If you are granted Pre-settled status this will be valid for 5 years.
Student Visa:
The full length of your programme at King’s with an additional 2/4 months wrap up period (depending on the level of your programme)

 

Study restrictions in the UK


EU Settlement scheme (Pre-Settled Status): None
Student Visa:
Study only at the institution and on the programme for which your visa was granted.

 

Work restrictions in the UK

 

EU Settlement scheme (Pre-Settled Status): None
Student Visa:
Work restricted to a maximum of 10/20 hours per week (depending on the level of your programme) during term time.  Restrictions on the type of work you can do including no self-employment.

Important to know:
Visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) guidance on working on a student visa for more information.
 

Access to healthcare

 

EU Settlement scheme (Pre-Settled Status):
It is recommended you purchase Comprehensive Sickness Insurance to cover your healthcare costs in the UK.
Student Visa:
You will pay an Immigration Health Surcharge with your visa application (£470 per year of visa granted).  This payment ensures you have access to NHS treatment in the UK.

I’m an Irish National 
If you are from the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, there are no requirements for you to apply for immigration permission to study in the UK.  You can use your current passport to travel to the UK.

 

Important to know:  For more advice on applying for a Student Visa or the EU settlement scheme, contact Advice and Guidance, who can support you further. 

Keywords: Tier 4/Student Visa CAS EU/EEA Swiss Irish National outside the UK

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