Immigration

The Doctorate Extension Scheme (Tier 4), announced on 5th April 2013, is designed to give students who have almost finished their UK PhD or other doctorate qualification an additional 12 months of Tier 4 (General) immigration permission in which to look for and start work in the UK.

We currently have very limited information about how this scheme will operate and also how and if students will be able to apply.

Please keep checking this website for updates.

If you are planning to be away from Durham over Easter, please note that you must get authorisation from your Department / School in advance.

In addition, the University must inform the UK Border Agency where you are away from the University for longer than 4 weeks. This includes normal University holiday periods which do not apply Postgraduate Taught students.

Informing the UKBA of this could mean that your visa is curtailed and you may need to aply for another visa to return to the UK.

Follow the link below for further information.

Please be aware that some students have experienced delays when applying for ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance.

If you are required to have ATAS clearance as part of your Tier 4 (General ) visa application, you should apply for your ATAS clearance as early as possible so that you have it before you send your visa application.

Information about recent scams targetting students and what to do if you are contacted.

If you need to extend your Student Visa to complete your current course, you can apply as soon as you have your CAS and other requirements for your application.

It is advisable to start preparing your application at least 12 weeks before your current visa expires so that you give yourself enough time.

Where possible, you should request your CAS at least 12 weeks before your current visa expires.