UKVI Information

Plymouth College is a UKVI licensed sponsor and supports enrolled international pupils applying for a Child Student Visa. This visa is necessary for courses lasting longer than six months and applications must typically be made from your home country prior to travel. We will guide you in obtaining a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the school, which is essential for your visa application.

The CAS is a unique reference number linking your application to Plymouth College as your sponsor. Please note that the visa itself cannot be transferred from another school; a new application under our sponsorship is required if moving from another UK school or starting a new course. For detailed guidance on the Child Student Visa and CAS process tailored to your circumstances, please contact our admissions team.

Applying for a Child Student Visa involves submitting specific documentation and paying associated fees, such as the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which allows access to the NHS. Key documents generally include a valid passport, your CAS from Plymouth College and evidence of parental consent.

Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may also need to provide financial evidence demonstrating funds for course fees and living costs, and potentially a Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate. It is crucial that all submitted paperwork is accurate and aligns with information provided to the school to avoid refusal. Our admissions team can provide a comprehensive checklist and clarify the specific requirements for your application, so please do get in touch.

Ensuring the safety and welfare of our international pupils is paramount. As part of this commitment and UKVI requirements, international pupils usually need a UK-based guardian. Plymouth College has signed up to the BSA Certified Guardian Scheme to help families ensure these arrangements meet high standards and can recommend using an AEGIS accredited guardianship body if you do not have a suitable friend or family member in the UK.

The admissions process can seem complex but our experienced team, including Fiona, Daisy, Jess and Melissa is here to offer support and guidance at each stage. We provide templates for necessary documents like the Letter of Consent and will work with you to ensure all paperwork for the CAS application is correctly prepared.