Visas and immigration
Start your preparations to come to the UK as soon as your place is confirmed Get in touchThe Student Route – guide to immigration and visas
You may need to apply for a visa as part of your international student journey to LSBU.
The International Enquiries Team can guide you through the visa process and help you to understand the requirements.
For courses lasting more than 6 months, you will probably need a Student visa under the new Student Route.
For courses lasting less than 6 months, from 1 December, you can obtain a Visitor Visa which will allow study for up to 6 months.
Student visa - new points-based immigration system
To apply for a Student visa you will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from LSBU.
The CAS is a virtual document, which contains information about you and your course of study. Read about applying for a CAS.
Currently overseas
If you are currently overseas you will usually need to apply for the Student visa from your home country or country of residence.
See our How to guide: Applying from overseas (PDF File 76 KB)
In the UK
If you are already in the UK, then you may need to apply for a new visa in order to commence your studies with us at LSBU in the following circumstances:
- your visa is due to expire soon
- you hold a Student visa issued by another institution or for a different course
- you need more time to complete a course you have already started at LSBU
- If you are already in the UK and need to request a CAS for a visa extension to complete your course, please submit a query via MyAccount to the Immigration team and we will review your request.
You will be granted a visa to allow you to complete your course plus a few additional months.
Prepare as early as possible
Start preparing your documents as early as possible. It is essential that you submit your application before your current visa expires. Please see our Document checklist (PDF File 290 KB).
The International Enquiries Team can go through your form and help with any queries you may have.
See our How to guide: Student Visa In-Country application (PDF File 181 KB)
We are required to ensure that everyone enrolled at the University has permission to remain in the UK and this permission does not restrict you from study at LSBU. For more information, see Information on Right to Study Checks (PDF File 1,008 KB).
Study Abroad Students
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
- If you are studying for one semester, with no internship, you do not need a Student Visa. From 1 December 2020, students can arrive as a Visitor and study for up to six months.
- If you are studying for one semester with an internship, you will need to apply for a Student Visa under the new Student Route (see above).
- If you are studying for more than one semester with an internship, you will need to apply for a Student Visa under the new Student Route.
- If you are studying for more than one semester with no internship, you will need to apply for a Student Visa under the new Student Route.
You can arrive through the E-Gates at the airport if you have a digital passport and if you applied for your visa via the Home Office app on your smartphone.
You must see a Border Officer at the airport if your visa is stamped in your passport – (Entry Clearance vignette) – you can collect your BRP at the University when you come for enrolment.
Non-EU citizens
- Please follow the guidance as above apart from your arrival.
- You must see a Border Officer at the airport because your Entry Clearance permission is stamped in your passport – you can collect your BRP at the University when you come for enrolment.
Next steps
If your visa application is approved you can find information on the next steps to joining LSBU on the International pages.
If your visa application is rejected or refused by the UK Home Office, our immigration advice team can advise you on your options. You must update the CAS team of the outcome.
Contact us
Our International Student Advice Team are always happy to hear from you. For contact details visit our Advice page.