How to apply for a visa

Find out how to apply for a student visa in our international section.

Support and advice on extending your visa

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has introduced Tier 4 (General) of the Points Based System (PBS).

Students have to meet new requirements and fulfil stricter criteria to extend their visa such as:

• level of course
• amount of money needed in bank account for student and any dependants etc.

If you apply for a visa extension you will need to meet all the requirements of the new Tier 4 regulations.

How we can help you with your student visa extension

1. The Welfare Advisers hold an information session each month to discuss the new Points Based system. Call us on 0117 312 5000 to find out when the next sessions are taking place. 

Please contact a Welfare Adviser at least 3 months before your visa expires to discuss your visa requirements. If your current permission to be in the UK is about to run out, there may not be enough time to help you, so please do not leave it to the last minute.

2. You are advised to download the latest version of the UK Border Agency Tier 4 visa extension form and familiarise yourself with it before your information session so that you can ask questions. You can find the form on the UK Border Agency website

3. After you attend the information session, you should complete the form and gather all the relevant evidence. You can then make an appointment with one of our Welfare Advisers to check that your form and documents are correct.

4. If you wish to apply for your student visa extension by post, the Welfare Office organises a Batch Scheme to help you with this. If you contact us early and follow our advice we will accept your student visa extension application and send it to the UKBA on your behalf.

The Welfare Office only accepts visa extensions in the Batch Scheme that meet all the immigration rules.

What we can and can not help with

Immigration advice available for:

• Student/prospective student visa applications – including eligibility, requirements, costs
• Student visa extensions in the UK – including eligibility, requirements, and costs. Student Batch Scheme available in College.
• Fee status assessments
  

Only advisors who have completed the UKCISA training can offer this advice.

Advice can not be offered on:

• Appeals
• Other types of visa application
• Asylum claims
  

If you require advice on the above you can contact the Avon and Bristol Law Centre, Refugee Action or Immigration Advisory Service.

How to contact us

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0117 312 5275 to find out about the next available information session. You can also book your follow-up appointment when your form is completed and you have all the required evidence.

City of Bristol College holds a licence to sponsor international students. Only Welfare Advisers, who have completed the UKCISA training, can offer advice on student immigration matters.

Want to find out more about being an international student?

Visit the international section of our website.