Regulations Governing Students Sponsored by the University under the Student visa route of the Points Based System

Background

The University is licensed by the UK Visas and Immigration to act as a sponsor for visa purposes under the Student visa route of the Points Based System to Eligible Students admitted to Relevant Programmes of Study at the University. The University of Southampton is a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.

As a licensed Sponsor, the University has certain specified obligations to the UK Visas and Immigration.

Definitions

For the purposes of this section of the Regulations, the following terms shall have the meanings specified.

Headings are inserted for convenience only and shall be ignored in interpreting the terms of these 
Regulations. 

1. Application and admission

1.1 Following a request from the student, after sponsorship eligibility assessment, the University will request a CAS from the UK Visas and Immigration in respect of all Eligible Students admitted to the Relevant Programme of Study when:

• a) the student has (firmly) accepted the offer from the University
• b) there are no remaining academic and/or English Language conditions

1.2 The University reserves the right to require payment of a (non-refundable) deposit as a condition of the offer which will be due at the time of the student's acceptance of the offer.

1.3 The University may require students wishing the University to request a CAS from the UK Visas and Immigration to provide further information and documentary evidence to the University to enable the University to satisfy itself that the student is an Eligible Student, and to enable the University to request a CAS from the UK Visas and Immigration.

1.4 Requesting a CAS from the UK Visas and Immigration does not guarantee that a student will be successful in securing a visa under the Student visa route of the Points Based System from the UK Visas and Immigration. The University is not responsible for any decisions made by the UK Visas and Immigration and cannot accept any liability for any student failing to obtain a visa and/or for the consequences and/or losses (whether financial or otherwise) of such failure.

2. Enrolment and Right to Study checks   

2.1 The University reserves the right to prevent any student subject to immigration control from enrolling before it has checked their immigration status.

2.2 Where the University has requested a CAS from the UK Visas and Immigration in respect of a student, the University reserves the right to prevent that student from enrolling and commencing studies until it has seen the student in person, checked their identity and (if the student used the CAS to obtain a Student visa) taken copies of the student's passport and immigration documents. 

2.3 The University reserves the right to withdraw its Visa Sponsorship of students who do not enrol. 

2.4 The University reserves the right to withdraw its Visa Sponsorship of students who do not attend a Right to Study check..

3. Maintaining up to date contact details and passport or visa information

3.1 The University reserves the right to withdraw Visa Sponsorship of students if they:

• a) fail to keep their contact details up to date (address, telephone number, email address);  
• b) do not inform the University visa compliance when they change their passport or obtain a new visa or immigration permission.

4. Study, attendance, and interruptions to study

4.1 The University reserves the right to withdraw its Visa Sponsorship of students who do not attend and participate in their studies as required for their programme of study.

4.2 The University reserves the right to withdraw its Visa Sponsorship of students whose studies are suspended for any period of time including (but not limited to) suspension in accordance with Regulations about Student Discipline, the Regulations about Transfer, Suspension, Withdrawal and Termination and the University Student Support Review Regulations.

4.3 The University reserves the right to withdraw its Visa Sponsorship of students who undertake a repeat year as an external student.

4.4 The University reserves the right to withdraw its Visa Sponsorship of students who transfer programmes if the student does not remain an Eligible Student.

4.5 The University reserves the right to withdraw its Visa Sponsorship of students who undertake a period of study or work or work experience/placement outside the University (save where the study, placement or work experience forms an integral and assessed part of the programme of study).

4.6 Following a request from the student, the University will request a CAS from the UK Visas and Immigration in respect of a student whose Visa Sponsorship has been withdrawn in accordance with clauses 4.1 - 4.5 above provided that the University deems the student eligible to return and ready to resume Eligible Study in accordance with their programme of study and (if applicable) in accordance with:

• a) the Regulations about Student Discipline;
• b) the University Student Support Review Regulations;
• c) the Regulations about Progression;
• d) the Regulations about Transfer, Suspension, Withdrawal and Termination. 

5. End dates and extensions to study

6. Termination, withdrawal, and completion

6.1 The University will withdraw its Visa Sponsorship of students whose studies are terminated under the Regulations.

6.2 The University will withdraw its Visa Sponsorship of students who withdraw or are deemed withdrawn under the Regulations.

6.3 The University will withdraw its Visa Sponsorship of students who complete their programme earlier than anticipated or have returned to their home country to complete their programme of study.

7. Refusal or removal of visa sponsorship

7.1 The University reserves the right to:

• a) decline to request a CAS from the UK Visas and Immigration
• b) withdraw a CAS which it has assigned to a student
• c) withdraw its Visa Sponsorship of students

in circumstances where the University has reason to believe that the student or students concerned is/are or is/are likely to:

and/or where Visa Sponsorship of a particular student or group of students would, in the opinion of the University, pose a risk to and/or compromise the University's Sponsor Licence.

7.2 Where the University:

• a) declines to request a CAS from the UK Visas and Immigration
• b) decides to withdraw a CAS which it has assigned to a student
• c) decides to withdraw its Visa Sponsorship

in respect of a student, and the student believes that this decision was inappropriate, the student may follow the Appeals Procedure and/or the Complaints from Applicants (as applicable).

8. Graduate Route 

8.1 The University will report to the UKVI students sponsored with a CAS for a Student visa that have successfully completed their course and meet the eligibility requirements as set out in the Immigration rules.

9. General