Latest news

Change in documentary requirements for Tier 4 visa applicants from certain countries

The UK government announced (on 15th June 2018) changes to the 'Differentiation Arrangements', that from 6th July 2018 the following countries will be added to to the list of nations not required to provide additional evidence when applying for a Tier 4 visa:

• Bahrain, Cambodia, China, The Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Kuwait, The Maldives, Mexico, Serbia & Thailand

Nationals of these countries will only be required provide the mandatory documents required when they apply. This normally means that applicants are not required to provide financial evidence or evidence of qualifications with their application (although these requirements must still be met). Countries already under the differentiation arrangements are:

• Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Botswana, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United States of America

In addition, holders of a passport from the following authorities will also be considered under the differentiation arrangments:

• British National (Overseas), Hong Kong, Macau SAR, Taiwan (those who hold a passport issued by Taiwan that includes the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)

Statement of changes (15.06.18) in full

(19 Jun 2018)

Master's students: Important information about leaving the UK during the Summer

If you plan to travel or leave the UK during your dissertation period in the Summer, in order to meet the requirements of your visa, you should plan to return to Durham to complete your programme no later than 31st July so that your visa is not affected.

Your Department will indicate whether you are required to be in attendance during this period.

If you do not intend to return to Durham before the end of your programme:

1. You must inform your Department
2. Your department will notify Student Immigration Office
3. Student Immigration Office will notify UKVI and email you thatyour visa will be curtailed.

Please note: All vacation and travel outside the UK should be authorised by your department. You do not need to contact the Student Immigration Office directly.

Full details and further information about travel and leaving the UK 

(25 May 2018)

Tier 4 pilot scheme for 2018/19 master's applicants

Durham University will participate in a Tier 4 Pilot scheme which could benefit applicants for one-year Master's programmes in 2018/2019.

Features will include:

• a streamlined visa application process
• an additional six month's leave after study in order to look for work in the UK

Further information on eligibility and requirements

(31 Jan 2018)

International students targetted by telephone scam

We have been made aware of a number of different scams targetting Tier 4 students.

The scams involve telephoning students, pretending to be from organisations like the Police or the UK Home Office with the aim of getting students to pay money to them.

Details of recent scams and what to do if you think you have been targetted

(6 Jun 2018)

Changing programmes: changes to Immigration Rules from January 2018

Changes to the Immigration Rules in 2016 resricted the ability to transfer to a new programme on your current visa, including where you are looking to add a work placement or year of study abroad, change to a programme at a different academic level or one that is longer than your current visa allows.

The changes also removed the ability to apply for a visa extension in the UK, where you will transfer to a new programme having not completed the programme your current visa is for.

However, recent changes in January 2018 allow you to apply for a new visa in the UK if you are adding a year of study abroad or a work placement to your programme (undergraduates only).

Full details of the changes, implications and advice

(18 Jan 2018)

Increase to visa application fees from 6th April 2018

The cost of UK visa applications will rise by 4% from 6th April 2018, UK Visas & Immigration have announced. 

• Tier 4 applications using the Standard Service in the UK will rise from £457 to £475
• Tier 4 applications using the Priority Service in the UK will rise from £916 to £952
• Tier 4 applications using the Premium Service in the UK will rise from £1047 to £1085 
• Tier 4 applications outside the UK will rise from £335 to £348

Additionally, the Priority Visa fee for applications outside the UK will rise by 15%.

Full list of current and increased fees from 6th April 2018

(19 Mar 2018)

Collecting your new BRP on arrival in the UK

If you are applying from outside the UK come to study at Durham University, during your visa application online you will be given the option to collect your BRP from the Palatine Centre, Durham University*.

If you wish to use this service, enter the Alternative Collection Location (ACL) code 2HE632 in the Alternative Location field in your online application.  

This option will make it easier and quicker for you to collect your BRP and complete the University’s passport & visa verification process.

Details of this and alternative arrangements for collecting your BRP when you arrive

(23 Jun 2015)

UKVI define working 'week' for Tier 4 students

UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) has defined the working 'week' for Tier 4 students for the first time.

Tier 4 students permitted to work part time, must ensure that they work any permitted hours (as stated on their visa) into a 7-day period starting on a Monday and ending on a Sunday.

This change becomes law on 6 April 2017.

Further information about working during your study

(4 Apr 2017)