Transcript of Visa Advice and International Office Web Chat 4th June 2014 13.30-15.00 BST

International Office: Hi everyone, we will begin the chat at 13:30 (UK

Time) thanks International Office: Thank you for joining the chat, we will begin in 10

minutes. International Office: Thank you for joining this chat. To ask us a

question please type in this box and we will be happy to answer you.

International Office: I am joined by representatives from the International Office and our expert visa adviser, Azadeh. Please ask us any questions

Sheetal: Can I use my UK bank statements for visa application in my home country? And will any alumni fees reduction be included in CAS?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Hi, yes you can use your UK bank statements as long as bank statements are up to date and no more than a month old. The fees reduction should appear on your CAS.

Vamesh: We will receive our CAS in late June/early July, but the result of the Indian Undergraduate Scholarship will come in late July. So will I receive a new CAS if I win a scholarship to show for my funding?

International Office: Hi Vamesh, you would only be issued with one CAS, however if you receive a scholarship from the University this would be updated on your CAS record for when you apply for your visa. Good luck with your scholarship application!

Celia: hi, on the government website for visa there is a test that determines whether or not you need a visa to study for under six months on the UK, the answer was that I didn't require one but redirected me to the visiting student visa page saying I require documents to present. So in this case am I required to apply for the visa itself?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Hi Celia, if duration of your course is 6 months or less then you are required to apply for student visitor visa, please see the following link,

https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa You can request a visa letter from admissions to apply for this visa

Sheetal: So can it be online bank statements that are stamped by the bank?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Yes this should be acceptable. Azadeh - Visa Adviser: More information is available from the following

link,

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-4-student

Vamesh: Thank you! :D International Office: No problem! Please feel free to ask us anything

else about the visa process Felix J M: I would like to know if a savings account bank

statement would be accepted for visa application Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Hi felix, if you can access the money instantly then

yes saving account is acceptable, please see the following link that explains what is acceptable, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-4-student

Heejin Kim: While uploading my visa/ID card to finish pre-registration, I came out with a question; since I will not own my visa until my CAS number is assigned, and not being sure about the date of the assignment, is it okay if I upload my Korean ID card instead?

International Official - Miriam: Hi there, You don't need to upload your visa details on to the pre-registration right now; we would advise you to wait until you have entered the UK and received a UK clearance/ entry stamp before uploading your visa. There are lots of useful FAQs for pre-registration here: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.284012!/file/PreregistrationFrequentlyAskedQuestions2013stu.pdf

Sheetal: If I have a current tier 4 visa expiring in October, do you advise applying a new one before coming for September intake or extend it after coming to the UK?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You should apply for fresh Tier 4 visa from your home country if you will be in your home country over summer. We cannot register you unless you either have a tier 4 visa or applied for Tier 4 visa in the UK and awaiting the outcome.

stephen: can I apply for visa in august Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Hi Stephen, can you confirm when your course

starts and if you already have any Tier 4 visas? stephen: my course start sept 29 Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You can start you visa application 3 months prior

your course start date therefore you can apply from 30th June onwards. So, the answer is yes you can apply in August

Vamesh: How many months before can we have our test of tuberculosis before we apply for visa?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: The TB test is valid for 6 months so you must do it now if you are aiming to apply for visa soon

RagheshV: Hello All... International Office: Hi, please use this chat to ask us any questions Asma Farhat: I have received a sponsorship from an international

organization based in the UK. I want to know if I can apply for the visa with a sponsor letter from them.

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: If they are a recognised sponsor then yes you can use original sponsor letter from them for your visa application. They must clearly mention that they are paying you more than £820 per month for maintenance and full fees otherwise any shortfall, you must submit bank statements, please see the following links,

http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration/overseas Falowo 2: Can I start the visa application before getting a CAS

number is assigned? International Office: Hi Falowo, you will need to be issued with your CAS

in order to apply for your visa. These will be sent out no more than 3 months before your course starts. Thanks

Letsibogo: Hi. I have a Tier 4 Visa and will be transferring to Sheffield from another UK university and i understand i have to apply for a new Visa through Sheffield Uni..When will I be issued a CAS number then to apply for a new one?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You should receive a CAS in few weeks time, but you must make sure you had applied for visa before registering with us. We cannot register you if you had not submitted your Tier 4 visa using CAS from Univ. of Sheffield.

stephen: Please will August 20 not be too late for sept intakes to apply for visa?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: It depends on which country you are applying from, start earlier as 20th Aug. may be little late.

RagheshV: During January-February, the University website showed that CAS number will be provided 5 months prior to classes i.e., from the month of May.. But now it is showing that CAS will be provided 3 months before classes.. What happened? The time for applying Visa also starts 3 months prior to classes.. So if a student get his CAS early before start of 3 months, i.e July, it would have given us students enough time..

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Hi Raghesh, students can only apply 3 months prior course start date, any applications submitted

earlier will be refused. 5 months may be a mistype but I do apologise if created any confusions

Falowo 2: okay thank you International Office: No problem Falowo2 Divyansh Gehlot: Sir, I do have a local guardian in UK who's a close

member of our family. Would declaring his presence help me for good through the Visa process in India?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Yes you are required to submit information about your UK Guardian, please read the Tier 4 guidance on what you need to include - http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration/overseashttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-4-student

Celia: for proof of funding I plan to take out money that is within my educations saving. However the bank requires written proof for the amount I require. Who should I contact in order to get the amount?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Dear Celia, the fees will be mentioned on CAS and for your maintenance you are required to show £7380

stephen: I am applying from Nigeria hope august 6 would not be too late?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Please check with UK embassy about processing time

Divyansh Gehlot: Eagerly waiting. International Office: Hi Divyansh we are answering everyone's queries

as they come in and thank you for your patience. remedan feki hasseno: Can I apply for a visa without receiving CAS from

the university? International Office: Hi, you will need to first receive your CAS and then

apply for your visa. The CAS will be issued within 3 months of the start of your academic programme so these should be issued around early July for students joining a programme which begins in September. Thanks

Heejin Kim: The pre-registration form reads that I need to upload the scan of my biometric card/visa stamp or vignette. Since I don't own a visa right now, biometric ID card or vignette are my only choices. I would like to ask, does my Korean ID card count as one of those?

International Official - Miriam: Hi, please see section 4, (on page 4) of the FAQs on pre-registration - this confirms that you do not require to upload your visa at this stage. You can upload your visa when you receive it, or you can

complete this part of registration when you arrive at Sheffield.

International Official - Miriam: The FAQs of pre-registration can be found here: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.284012!/file/PreregistrationFrequentlyAskedQuestions2013stu.pdf

Yuki Nakanishi: When can I get my CAS number? It will take about one month to be issued visa, and I'm going to participate in pre-sessional course starting from early August. So it's possible that I will not get visa until leaving.

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Dear Yuki, please contact PBS Apply Team - pbsapply@sheffield.ac.uk directly regarding CAS

Falowo 2: Do you know the minimum amount of money meant to be in my account before application?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You must maintain £7380 for maintenance plus full tuition fees in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying for visa.

Felix J M: One of my family members would like to accompany me to the UK for a week's stay but i would like to know what type of visa he or she would need. May be a link to the desirable page please..?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Please check the following link for general visitor visa - https://www.gov.uk/general-visit-visa

Sheetal: Also how would you record the alumni fees reduction on the visa application form?

International Office: Hi Sheetal, if you will be receiving the alumni scholarship, this is one of The University's automatic scholarships so you do not need to apply for this. Any automatic scholarships would usually be reflected on your CAS statement when this is issued. I hope this helps.

Rumana: Hi Azadeh. This is Rumana. I am in UK studying MA TESOL at the University of Leeds which is supposed to be completed by September 2014. My Tier 4 visa would expire in January 2015. I have my family (my husband and two sons aged 12 and 13) here with me in Leeds as my dependants. We are going to visit our country on 21 July for Eid and would return to UK on 25 August'14. My query is in order to study at the University of Sheffield whether we (me and my dependants) can apply for our visa from UK after we return in August, as my offer letter states the start date of my course to be September'14?Do I need to obtain my visa before the registration? Will I be able to apply for my dependants at the same time with me? Can I show

my local account in Bangladesh for my financial evidence as I do not have the required fund in my UK account? I have available funds for myself and my children in my own account. But not sufficient enough to support all four of us. Can my husband use his own account as his financial evidence?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Dear Rumana, could you please send your query directly to the following email address - international.students@sheffield.ac.uk I will answer it tomorrow, your query is long and will take long time to reply

Mehr: Hi I wanted to know if I can show my pay slips and certificates of deposit instead of my bank statement for the proof of funding?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Hi Mehr, no pay slips and some certificate of deposits are not acceptable. Money most be deposited in your bank account for 28 days, please see the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-4-student

Vamesh: For my English Language proof, will the Supplementary Statement and IGCSE English as a First Language be okay? I took the test in November 2010 and have a B and 1 in Listening and Speaking.

International Official - Miriam: Hi Vamesh, there is lots of information about English language tests here http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/policies/englang

I will answer your question more fully in two minutes.

International Official - Miriam: Vamesh, are you asking about English language for your application to the University, or your visa application?

International Official - Miriam: Hi Vamesh, for the visa application it is best to have proof of English language that is less than two year's old. That is best way to ensure that the visa application will go smoothly. I hope that this helps.

Divyansh Gehlot: Shall the student loan letter along with some proof of savings be enough to apply for Visa?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Loan letter must meet UKVI's criteria, please see the following link for more information - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-4-student

stephen: what would I be expected to submit to the embassy for my visa apart from the finance

Azadeh-Visa-Adviser: Please see the following links - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-4-student

http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration/overseas RagheshV: My course starts from 29th September. What will

be the optimum time for me to apply for Visa??.. Will it be ok if I apply in August 1 week??

International Office: Hi RagheshV, this really depends on which country you are applying from and the length of time it takes there to process the visa. Thanks

remedan feki hasseno: I am from Ethiopia, is the university going to send the acceptance letter directly to the embassy or i have to submit it myself?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Do you mean CAS? If you are asking about CAS then University will send it directly to you.

Rumana: Yes sure. I'll send a mail International Office: Great! tomoyo: Hi, I want to ask about the evidence of money in

the visa process the designated "low-risk" nationality, we needn't to show evidence of money.

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You do not need to submit financial documents but you must make sure you have them available and money were kept in your account for 28 days before applying as UK Embassy can ask for financial evidence anytime during your visa application

Niyati: Hi. What are the chances of my visa being declined last minute? And how do i deal with such a circumstance?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: If it was refused then you can contact us - International.students@sheffield.ac.uk If you can still be accepted on the course then you have two choices, either to apply for Admin Review or apply for fresh Tier 4 visa

Mehr: Do I have to show the mentioned amount which covers the living expenses or do I need to show the full tuition fee in my bank account as well?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Yes, the total amount must be in your account for 28 days, it doesn't need to say that it is for maintenance or for fees, the total must be in your account for 28 consecutive days.

Vamesh: Okay. :) Are we interviewed as part of the visa process? What sort of questions?

International Office: Hi Vamesh, the interviews would usually focus on questions relating to your programme of study, what your plans are to see that you understand your course. The University has produced a helpful video which follows two students in China through the application process.

http://www.weareinternational.org.uk/uk-visa-application-from-china/ Thanks

Celia: A lot of people are applying for Tier 4, does the outline linked apply to visiting student visa?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: If duration of your course is more than 6 months then you must apply for Tier 4 visa, here is the link - https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

Heejin Kim: I will be a study-abroad student from this September. To receive a scholarship starting my first semester, are there any qualifications?

International Office: Hi Heejin Kim, there is information about the Study Abroad programmes at this website: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/studyabroad/overseas/prospective/funding and if you have any queries please contact the team who will be happy to help ieu@sheffield.ac.uk

Celia: Does the amount £7380 apply for students staying less than 6 months? or is the amount reduced?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: No the amount is £820 for each month of study, i.e. 6 months times £820 = £4920

Niyati: As an Indian, by when should I submit my visa application?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You can only apply 3 months prior your course start date, we cannot advise you when is the best time to apply, check with UK Embassy in your area to ask about visa process time

stephen: Is there a discount for paying the tuition fee in full at once?

International Official - Miriam: If your share of the tuition fee is £3,996 or more you will be eligible to receive 2% discount. If you receive a scholarship or are part-sponsored then the discount is calculated on the amount that is left for you to pay. Please see the information below (from http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/fees/payment/how) The discount is only guaranteed if you pay your tuition fee within three weeks of the start date of your course. To pay please read the information on our Tuition Fees webpages. (http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/registration/tuitionfees) Alternatively, if you are an international student, you can pay your tuition fee in full by Bank Transfer. A BACS payment form (which includes the University´s bank account details) is available: please click on the right-hand download. You must authorise your bank in your home country to make

the payment no later than 15 August 2014. Send a copy of your completed BACS Payment form to tuitionfees@sheffield.ac.uk.

Niyati: What type of a bank account should it be? can it be a fixed deposit account or does it have to be a savings account?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Usually fixed deposits can create problem so, it should be either current account or a saving account, please see the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-4-student

Nancy Ansah: I am a remote location scheme student for a PhD programme, what do I need to show for visa processing

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: When you are required to come to UK for study purpose then you can apply for student visitor visa (SVV), you can contact admissions or SSiD (ssid@sheffield.ac.uk) to request a visa letter - https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa

remedan feki hasseno: I am wondering if you can tell me whether the UK embassy in Ethiopia contacts the university directly about the guaranteed scholarship or i just have to submit the CAS and they will issue the Visa/

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: If you will receive a scholarship from your country/government then you must submit an original sponsor letter outlining the amount of scholarship.

stephen: The money has to be in my account 28 days before applying or from the day I apply?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: No must be in your account more than 28 days before applying for visa

Mehr: Savings certificates cannot be shown as proof either?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Hi Mehr, please read the following link as some saving certificates are not acceptable - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-4-student

Felix J M: Is it necessary that the funds need to be in the account even after the 28 days of the bank statement provided by the bank?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Yes, we strongly advise to maintain the money in your account until visa is issued to you

Yuko: Hi, I am an exchange student and I am going to apply for a tier 4 visa - as an exchange student I will not be paying any tuition fees to Sheffield, so does it mean that I will not have to show the amount in my bank account besides the living expenses?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: If your fees is paid or you have no fee to pay then you are required to show £7380 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days

Heejin Kim: Thank you very much!! International Office: No problem Heejin Niyati: What sort of help does the University provide

when it comes to submitting visas? International Office: Hi Niyati, we have a very useful website with lots of

information to help with the immigration process: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration You may also like to see a video which has been produced to show two of our students going through their visa application: http://www.weareinternational.org.uk/uk-visa-application-from-china/ If you have any specific queries please just ask

remedan feki hasseno: I have received the scholarship from university of Sheffield not from my country government

International Official - Miriam: HI Remedan, If you have received the scholarship from the University then the information will be automatically on your CAS statement when it is produced.

Rumana: Sorry Azadeh...I wrote to international office before but missed the mail somehow. I have just 2 more queries: Is it alright if we submit for our Tier 4 visa at the end of August or beginning of September, as my offer letter states the start date of my course to be October'14 ? My current Tier 4 visa expires in Jan 15

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Hi Rumana, you can submit your visa at end of Aug. but you must make sure that you have your CAS as well. You cannot register with us unless you applied for Tier 4 visa using Univ. of Sheffield's CAS

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: I had replied to your previous emails but if you send us again then I'll look at it and reply again. Thanks

Celia: My University has an exchange agreement with Sheffield and I am required to pay my home university's tuition. If the tuition has been paid out in full to my home university after I apply for visa do I have to show the tuition amount in my bank statements along with the living amount?

International Office: Hi Celia, If your fees is paid or you have no fee to pay then you are required to show £7380 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days. Thanks

Nancy Ansah: How many months do I need to put in my student-visitor visa application before the date of coming to Sheffield for study purposes?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You will be issued visa that you can travel to UK few days before course start date (will mention the visa validity on your visa). It will be up to the UK embassy to decide when the visa starts taking into consideration your course start date

Celia: To clarify, I am applying for a student visitor visa for studies under 6 months therefore I am required to show 6x820 = 4920 in my bank account for 28 consecutive days correct?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Yes this is correct Celia, good luck with your visa application - Please make sure you include any tuition fees (if applicable)

Nancy Ansah: Do I have to show any amount of money in my account, considering that my stay at any particular trip will last for one month

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You must show that you have required funds to support yourself during the time you need to stay in the UK, for maintenance, it is £820 for each calendar month

remedan feki hasseno: The accommodation confirmation form to be submitted to the university deadline is on August 7, which requires to have a VISA to complete the form but you are planning to send the CAS form on July and it takes at least one month to process a visa in Ethiopia. How can we meet the requirement without passing the deadline?

International Office: Hi, you can apply for accommodation as soon as you have accepted your offer to study at the University and there is a step by step guide on the process available on the website: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/accommodation/prospective/apply/stepbystep. You will need to have your visa before you can accept your place in accommodation so please ensure that you leave enough time when you have received your CAS for this to be applied for. I hope this helps

Disha Shah: Hi. Can you brief me on how to get started with the whole procedure? I'm lost.

International Office: Hi Disha, please let us know what your query is and we will be happy to help

yafesi Bukenya: Hey when do i have to apply for my visa International Office: Hi, you can apply for your visa once you have

received your CAS (confirmation of acceptance to study). Further information can be found here: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration

Niyati: My parents want to come to drop me off and plan on staying with me for a week, would they require a general visa or something else?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: They need to apply for General Visitor visa stephen: For a student sponsored by home country but have

been paid the worth of the scholarship directly do we need to submit sponsorship letter since one is still going to show account with the full amount given to the student

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: If funds are paid into your account then you must submit bank statements that shows you have maintained the required funds £7380 plus fees) in your account for 28 consecutive days

Disha Shah: I have got a conditional offer. And my results aren't out yet. So am I supposed to wait for my results to come, or start soon?

International Official - Miriam: Dear Disha, Yes you will need to wait until you have an unconditional offer before you can apply for the visa. Once you have an unconditional offer, and approximately 3 months before the start of your course we will start the CAS process. You need the CAS to apply for your visa. Unless you are coming to the English Language Teaching Centre to study English?

Rumana: Thanks Azadeh...I'll write for CAS after July 2 when I have my IELTS scores as my offer letter is conditional. Can I show my local account in Bangladesh for my financial evidence for the visa purpose while applying from UK?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Rumana, you can use your foreign account but must meet the UKVI's requirements, please see the following links,https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-4-student https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-rules-appendix-p

Disha Shah: And how much time will the entire procedure take? Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Please check with UK Embassy in your area, it can

vary for each country Mehr: I am sorry for repeating the question but I cannot

seem to find the exact answer. I have the required amount in government bonds, will I have to sell the bonds in order to make the application or will the evidence of these bonds be enough?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: No bonds are not acceptable Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Even evidence of bonds or receipt of purchase or

selling is not acceptable

Only money that is in your bank account (current or saving) that is kept for 28 consecutive days is acceptable

hiral mehta: i have received one preregister email from the university and have filled in the details except the visa and sponsorship thing. Now will i be mailed another preregister mail for CAS

International Office: Hi hiral mehta, you don't need to upload your visa details on to the pre-registration right now; we would advise you to wait until you have entered the UK and received a UK clearance/ entry stamp before uploading your visa. There are lots of useful FAQs for pre-registration here: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.284012!/file/PreregistrationFrequentlyAskedQuestions2013stu.pdf

yafesi Bukenya: hello Azadeh,when do i have to receive the CAS certificate..?

International Official - Miriam: Dear Yafesi, Once you have an unconditional offer, the University will start the CAS process 3 months before the start of your course - so end of June / start of July.

hiral mehta: also the maintenance funds are to be shown for 9 or 12 months

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Maintenance is for 9 months if duration of course is 9 months or more. 9 months times £820 = £7380

Heejin Kim: I got an unconditional offer as a study-abroad student, so I need to arrive in UK a month before my first semester which starts this September. May I ask, is there any exact date set for my arrival?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Hi Kim, if you obtain a Tier 4 visa then you can only enter the UK one month prior course start date. Check your course start date. If you are applying for student visitor visa (SVV) then the validity of visa will be mentioned on your visa.

Fridah: I have currently registered for IELTS Exam for 21st June, will this affect my visa application?

International Official - Miriam: Hi Fridah, you should have enough time to apply for a visa. Do you know when your IELTS results will be released by the British Council in Kenya? I would ask them for this information, and then we can advise you better. But the time scale should be fine.

yafesi Bukenya: Which type of visa do i have to acquire for my stay in Sheffield University

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: For full-time courses that duration of course is more than 6 months, you need to apply for Tier 4

(general) visa - https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

stephen: My account is Nigerian, do I need to change it to GB Pounds before applying?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You can use your bank statements that shows local currency, as long as you convert them on the following link - http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/

Disha Shah: So in that case, I have pretty much nothing to do, till my results come right?

International Official - Miriam: Disha are you waiting for your academic results? yafesi Bukenya: so do receive the unconditional offer? International Office: Hi Yafesi, once you have met all of the conditions

of your offer, this will become unconditional and a CAS will be issued. Thanks

hiral mehta: And what about the pre-register email? International Office: Hi Hiral, could you clarify please have you already

received the pre-registration email and are you asking when the CAS will be issued? If so, please see my reply above, thanks.

Disha Shah: I have been given an academic condition. International Official - Miriam: Hi Disha, so you are applying for a visa to attend the

ELTC? hiral mehta: And for how long i can stay after completion of my

course? and can i work in that period? Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Hi Hiral, if you are coming to study fulltime course

that duration of course is 12 months or more than your visa entitlement should be extra 4 months after course end date. Once you completed your course then you can work full-time. Please seek advice from us when your are due to complete your course

Fridah: I have a conditional offer to study Masters in Global Marketing Management at Sheffield University, is there any other sources of funding that you offer to international students apart from those that are already there at the management school?

International Official - Miriam: Fridah, can I ask what your nationality is? Sometimes we have country-specific scholarships.

yafesi Bukenya: can i change my students visa into a working visa once i am through with my studies...?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: If you have a job offer then yes, you can change your Tier 4 visa to other visa categories. You cannot switch or extend student visitor visa.

Disha Shah: What is eltc? International Official-Miriam: Disha, are you coming to Sheffield to study a

Postgraduate Masters course? Or are you coming

to learn English, at the English Language Teaching Centre (the ELTC)?

Vamesh: Just send you the mail, Miriam ma'am! International Official - Miriam: Thank you Vamesh, I will aim to respond quickly

once we have the answer. Fridah: I am Kenyan International Official - Miriam: There is the Kenya Merit Postgraduate

Scholarships 2014 (£7,000) this is a competitive scholarship - see more information here http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/countries/africa/east-africa/kenya/scholarships There is also the Kenya Sheffield Scholarships 2014 We are pleased to offer the Kenya Sheffield Scholarship 2014 to all Kenyan students starting a Taught Masters programme in September 2014.

The scholarships are: £1,000 for each student studying Nanotechnology courses run jointly with the University of Leeds or the MSc in Global Marketing Management course run jointly with Hong Kong Baptist University £1,500 for each student paying fees between £13,390 - £15,410 £2,000 for each student paying fees of £15,411 and upwards See more information here http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/countries/africa/east-africa/kenya/scholarships

johnson: hi, please i have two questions.. firstly, i was offered a non-conditional offer for Process safety and Loss prevention on a part-time basis, and i already have a visa that will run through till 2018, although it’s a general visitor visa which will not permit me to stay more than 180 days on a stretch, but since my course of study is done on modular basis, my visa can permit me to take up short courses, So i want to find out if i am allowed to use this visa whenever i am coming for my lectures and exams, or i have to wait for my CAS and apply for a Tier4 student visa? Secondly, in the pre-registration actions, one of them was to upload my visa and a requirement is '' DO NOT UPLOAD YOUR VISA UNLESS IT IS STAMPED'' and ''

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Hi Johnson, you can take up maximum 30 days short courses with restrict conditions attached to it but in your case that you are going to be registered for a part-time course with us that possibly be for 2 years then you MUST apply for

Student Visitor Visa every-time you are coming to UK - Cannot register on general visitor visa

Azadeh –Visa Adviser: Please see the following link -https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permitted-study-when-visiting-the-uk/permitted-study

Disha Shah: Postgraduate Masters course - Marketing Management Practice - MSc

International Official - Miriam: Hi Disha, If you are applying for a visa to come to Sheffield to study a Master’s degree then you will need to wait until you have completed all of the conditions of your offer (i.e. all academic and English language requirements), before you can apply for a visa. Have I answered your question?

remedan feki hasseno: I got the unconditional offer on April, how long does it exactly take to get the CAS. Class starts on September 22?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Dear Remedan, our admissions team will keep you informed but usually CAS will be issued around end of June or early July, please be patient

johnson: Although my visa has been stamped by an immigration official in November 2013, when i visited the UK, can’t i upload it and go ahead and pay for tuition fees? or do i have to wait till prior to my coming for registration before i upload my visa?

International Official - Miriam: Hi Johnson, you can upload your visa onto the pre-registration system after you arrive in Sheffield, you don't need to upload your visa to the pre-registration system now. It is best if you email your other questions to international.students@sheffield.ac.uk so that they can see your documents and advise you best.

yafesi Bukenya: At the moment am taking classes of IELTS certificate which is the only document pending and expecting to do the test in July. will i still be able to apply for the visa...?

International Office: Hi Yafesi, you should check how long the visa application process will take in your country and as soon as your offer becomes unconditional your CAS will be issued. If you would like to apply for a University scholarship please check our webpages to see which ones are still open: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/enquiry/money/scholarships. Thanks

Niyati: How long does it take for a CAS to be issued? International Office: Hi Niyati, please see our answers, above. The CAS

will be issued within 3 months of the start of your academic programme. Thanks

International Official - Miriam: Hi Niyati, It can take between 5 and 10 working days between when you confirm your CAS Application Information and when we email you with your CAS number. If you have not received your CAS Statement Email within 20 working days, please let us know by emailing pbsapply@sheffield.ac.uk.

yafesi Bukenya: I would like to apply for a scholarship at Sheffield University what do i have to do..?

International Office: I hope my answer helps Disha Shah: Okay. Perfect. Thanks a lot. International Official - Miriam: No problem. The process to apply for a visa, starts

with applying for a CAS statement. You can only do this when you have an unconditional offer. There is lots of useful information about the CAS process here: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/welcome/cas-application/faqs

Please do ask if you have any other questions. johnson: Please Azadeh or Miriam, i will appreciate if my

questions are answered. Thank you Azadeh-Visa Adviser: Please see the following link -

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/permitted-study-when-visiting-the-uk/permitted-study

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: My colleagues in admissions will reply to your visa upload shortly

Shams: Hello...how Are You? International Official - Miriam: Hello Shams Have you got a question? Fridah: How do I get to apply for the Kenyan Merit

Postgraduate Scholarship? International Office: Hi Fridah, if you are eligible for this scholarship and

hold an offer, you will be sent an email inviting you to apply. If you have not received this and you have received an offer to study in Sheffield, please let me know. Thanks

Vinayak R Kartha: Hi guys.....I was previously given an ILR status in the UK, but it expired since I moved out of the UK and was away for more than 2 years. My dad still has a bank account there. I wanted to ask whether I should apply for a Tier 4 visa or whether I can go for a returning resident visa.

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Yes, you can use your parents’ UK bank statements, but you must also submit birth certificate along with supporting letter from them when applying for visa, please see the following link for more information - http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immi

gration/overseas https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-application-for-uk-visa-as-tier-4-student

yafesi Bukenya: After getting my visa what will be next for me to do...?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You can plan your trip to UK and arrive one month prior course start date if you have a Tier 4 visa for a course that is longer than 12 months - for more information please read the pre-arrival information

Dawit Mulatu Tadesse: hello my name is Dawit from Ethiopia International Office: Welcome! Vamesh: I have also applied for my ATAS Certificate. I should

ideally have it by the end of this month, right? Azadeh - Visa Adviser: It can take up to 20 working days or more, any

longer and please send them an email directly Dawit Mulatu Tadesse: I have a question about the visa process International Office: Hi Dawita, how can we help? Fridah: I have received a conditional offer to study at

Sheffield and at the moment I'm preparing to take my IELTS exam on the 20th of June at the british council

International Office: Good luck with your IELTS exam - do you have a visa query we can help with?

yafesi Bukenya: do you give any travel guidance once i get my visa..? Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You can check our webpages (pre-arrival page) -

http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/before

Shams: Sir i have little bit confusion regarding my passport, my passport will expire on May 2015 but my course will ended in late 2015, please guide me that i renew my passport now or apply on this passport which i have......

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: No you don't need to renew it now, you can apply for visa with current passport, and closer to passport expiry date then you can renew it within the UK via your embassy

International Office: This should be a straightforward process and our international support team at the University can also give you advice and support while you are here: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international

Dawit Mulatu Tadesse: How can I proceed a visa process? Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Do you have your CAS? Are you within 3 months

from course start date? If answer to both are yes then yes you can. You must make sure that you have your financial documents ready, please see the following link - http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration/overseas

stephen: Will the embassy in Nigeria require us to appear in

person for student visa interview? Azadeh - Visa Adviser: They will contact you after you submitted your visa

application, they will contact you directly. yafesi Bukenya: Basically i am a Ugandan but presently i am in India

so would help me in giving me some guidance before and during my travel to UK..?

International Office: Hi Yafesi, we have a lot of information about preparing for your journey to Sheffield on our pre-arrival page - http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/before

Felix J M: I would like to know if is compulsory for international students to be at Sheffield before the intro week? Or is the weekend between 19-21 September the correct arrival date for a course starting on 29 September?

International Official - Miriam: Hi Felix, it is not compulsory to be at Intro Week, but it is an important week for students, because this is when you formally register, have meetings with the academics in departments, meet your personal tutor. You can do this when the course formally starts but our advice is to try as best you can to make it to Sheffield for Intro week.

Shams: Is it an easy process or laborious you know my studies will be going on at that time...

International Office: This should be a straightforward process and our international support team at the University can also give you advice and support while you are here: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international

Fridah: Before I got the offer to study at Sheffied, I got invited by a friend to visit this friend at the UK and I am still waiting on this visa, my question is if I get this visiting visa which might go for 3 or more months, will I have to come back to Kenya to apply for the student visa?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You cannot register with us with visitor visa to study. You must apply for Tier 4 visa if coming to UK to study for a full time course. You cannot switch or extend visitor visa from inside the UK

Dawit Mulatu Tadesse: I was read the term and conditions, so who covers the academic fees?

International Official - Miriam: Hi Dawit, each student must cover their own academic fees, unless you have received a scholarship. I hope that this helps? There is more information about this here

http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/enquiry/money/tuitionfees

yafesi Bukenya: How easy is it for me to get a visa from India without spend much going back to Uganda to acquire one since I am currently studying in India.

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Please check with UK Embassy in India directly Fridah: Hi Miriam, I think the result will take approximately

2 weeks as from the 21st of June so might be a month or more from now

International Official - Miriam: Fridah, I advise you to contact the British Embassy in Kenya to ask them how long it takes for a visa to get processed by the Embassy in Kenya. We would expect that the visa application process should take no longer than 1 month. But it is best to ask the Embassy for their visa processing times in July. You will need to apply for a CAS before you can start your visa application, so once you have your English Language test results, get in touch with the University immediately to start the CAS application process: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/welcome/cas-application/faqs

yafesi Bukenya: Do I have to apply directly for my visa or i need to use an agent..?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You can use an agent or can apply for it yourself, it is a personal preference.

International Office: Hi everyone, there is just 15 minutes left of our web chat then it will be closing. There will be another session scheduled soon

International Office: the dates are all listed here: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/help/international-online-chats

Vinayak R Kartha: Hi....I still have one query. Can I apply for a returning resident visa if I previously had ILR status in the UK, but moved out for more than 2 years?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: You must seek advice from an immigration specialist in your country or in the UK. We can only offer Tier 4 visa advice

Farida: Hi, what is approximate time for allocation of CAS number for a course to begin in Sept.

International Office: Hi Farida, the CAS will be issued to unconditional offer holders within 3 months of your academic programme, i.e. around the end of June/early July for programmes beginning in September thanks

Stephen: I would be in Ghana by the time I'm supposed to apply for visa, can I apply from Ghana?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Check with UK embassy in your area (Ghana) please

International Office: The transcript for this web chat and all of our

other chats will be made available on the same website for your information

Dawit Mulatu Tadesse: How can I get this scholarship? International Office: Hi Dawit, information about the scholarships

available at the University can be found on our website: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/enquiry/money/scholarships

yafesi Bukenya: Is there any documentation we receive from the University to back us up to quickly help us acquire the students visa...?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: University will issue a CAS. This is the only documents or information that you need from us. You must provide the rest of the documents yourself, please see the following link - http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration/overseas

MF Rama: Dear Sir/Madam, I have been offered a place in Computer Systems Engineering (G500). Can you please tell me how much money deposit do I need to show for the Visa Application?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Dear Rama, please see the following link for more information - http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration/overseas

Dawit Mulatu Tadesse: The medium of instruction in Ethiopia is English, so is that possible replacing the proficiency test?

International Office: Hi Dawit, you will need to provide an English qualification which meets the requirement for your academic programme: further information about recognised qualifications can be found under the relevant country pages on our website: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/

Anosha Malek: Hello, I have a question about having the funds in your bank account. I read that for each month we have to have around 800. Do we have to provide you with that info beginning of each year if we are studying for 3 years or so? Or is it a one-time process?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Hi anosha, it is £820 as of 1st of July, please see the following link - http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration/overseas

Farida: But the University is saying they will send the portal link of CAS by the end of June not issued.

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: So you can apply for visa once you received your CAS and 3 months prior your course start date

Fridah: Yes Miriam, I will surely contact the British Embassy as soon as possible on this so that I get everything sorted out in time for my Masters. Thank you very much!!

International Official - Miriam: Good luck with everything Fridah! yafesi Bukenya: hello Azadeh ,how easy is it for me to acquire a

student’s visa from India without going back to Uganda...(currently i am in India)...?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Hi, it is something that you must check with UK Embassy, we cannot answer this.

stephen: Is there any programme before September 29 for September 29 intakes

International Office: Hi Stephen, all academic programmes start at this time. Thanks

raymondauheiman: Hello, If I from Hong Kong, how can i apply for the visa to study in the University of Sheffield

International Official - Miriam: Hi Raymond, you need to achieve all of the conditions of the offer (i.e. all academic and english language conditions), you will then receive your unconditional offer. Then you need to apply for a CAS number (see here http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/welcome/cas-application/faqs). Once you have received your CAS number you can start your formal visa application. You can contact the British Embassy in Hong Kong for advice on how long a visa application takes in Hong Kong. Do you have any other specific questions?

International Official - Miriam: There is lots of very useful information about the visa process here http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration/overseas

Dawit Mulatu Tadesse: If I get the scholarship,who covers the visa process and other costs?

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Dawit, students are responsible for their visa fees and other costs, i.e. Maintenance, fees etc.

Farida: Will I be required separate CAS for visa if I get admission in PhD while iI have been allocated CAS for postgraduate taught course.

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: Yes, you must request a new CAs for PhD yafesi Bukenya: Azadeh, what requirements do i have to have or

show for me to acquire a student’s visa...? Azadeh-Visa Adviser: Please see the following link -

http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration/overseas

stephen: are all the orientation progs for new students starting sept 29?

International Office: There is an orientation week available for international students before the academic programme starts and details can be found here http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/welcome/arriving/orientation

Dawit Mulatu Tadesse: How much it costs the visa process? Azadeh-Visa Adviser: Please see the following link -

http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration/overseas

Azadeh - Visa Adviser: https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa raymondauheiman: But as you said, that mean i need to apply for the

CAS from Sheffield International Office: Hi, the CAS will be issued once you have an

unconditional offer if you have any queries after this chat please email international.students@sheffield.ac.uk

Felix J M: thank you... remedan feki hasseno: Thank You very much yafesi Bukenya: Sure it does help Niyati: Thank you. Those were the only questions I had.

Have a nice day Fridah: Thank you Miriam for your time. You've been of

great help to me.