HELP!

If your visa application has been refused you will need a new CAS number before you can make another application. To obtain a new CAS number you must

• contact the International Student Support team immediately and
• email us a scan of the refusal letter

Once we have assessed the refusal letter and seen new supporting documents for your next visa application, we will be able to determine if you can be issued with a new CAS number.

If you are thinking about taking a break from your studies, this is called an interruption of studies. The break is usually for the reminder of the academic year or a full calendar year and most often is needed for health-related, financial or other personal / work-related reasons. If you decide to pause your studies your student status will change (you will still be registered but not enrolled). This may affect things like your funding, your right to remain in the UK or services that depend on being an enrolled student. It is important that you understand the implications.

The Student Support Zone webpage provides guidance so that you understand what you need to think about, who is available to advise and support you, and how to apply for an interruption of studies.

The International Student Support team are able to advise specifically on matters related to student visas. Where we are unable to advise we will recommend that you seek legal advice from an immigration specialist.  We have compiled a list of suggested Immigration solicitors [pdf] however you should still conduct your own search to find an appropriate solicitor for your particular circumstances.

If your passport is lost or stolen you must

1. Report this to the police and obtain a crime reference number/letter from the police.
2. Apply for a new passport through your country’s Embassy or High Commission

• As soon as your new passport is issued you must upload a scan of the photo page to your Student e-Service.

Within the UK

If you have not lost your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) then you just need to apply for the replacement passport.

If your visa is still a sticker in your passport you will need to apply to the Home Office to have your visa transferred into the new passport. You will need to complete a Transfer of Conditions (TOC) application. This will result in you being issued with a Biometric Residence Permit instead of a new sticker in your passport. More information is available on the Home Office website about transferring your visa to a new passport.

Outside the UK

If you have not lost your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) then you just need to apply for the replacement passport.

If your passport is lost or stolen from outside the UK, and your visa is still a sticker in your passport, then you will need to make a new Student Visa application however you would NOT need a new CAS number nor supporting documents except for a Statement of Attendance from the College to confirm you are still studying on your course. You will still need to pay the full cost of the application. Please refer to the Home Office website for further information.

If your visa is in the form of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and has been lost or stolen you will need to

1. Report this to the police and obtain a crime reference number/letter from the police
2. Contact the Home Office via their webform to report the loss or theft. The Home Office will contact you within 1 working day to tell you if you need to apply for a replacement. You need to provide the Home Office with the following details: your full name, nationality, date of birth, and an email or postal address to report your BRP lost or stolen.

Your BRP will then be cancelled.

Further steps you will need to take depending on whether your BRP was lost/stolen within the UK or outside the UK

Within the UK

If your BRP is lost or stolen while you are in the UK you must apply for a replacement within three months of notifying the Home Office by email. Refer to the Home Office website for the BRP(RC) Form.

Outside the UK

1. You have to apply for a Replacement BRP (single entry) visa at the British Embassy. You do NOT need a new CAS. The application costs £154. You will need to complete the online application form. Please note that when it asks you to Select Visa Type, choose Other > Others > Replacement Biometric Residence Permit.
2. Once you have returned to the UK, you must apply to the Home Office for a BRP(RC) to obtain a new BRP card within 1 month (or you may have to pay a fine of up to £1,000 or your visa could be curtailed). This application costs £56 and it can take several weeks to be processed. There is no priority service for this type of application.