Specialist Masters Programmes 2009 Entry apply pplying visa MBS Guidance for applying for student visa

under new PBS immigration regulations

The document is for guidance only and does not constitute official advice. We are not permitted under UK law to provide individual advice about visa applications. You should always check the latest official information on the official UK government websites: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/quickguideforstudent/adultstudents/ http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk

What is the Points Based System for Immigration (PBS)

From April 2009 students requiring a visa to come to the UK will be assessed under the new points based system for immigration (PBS). The Visa is called Tier4 (General) Student.

Student PBS Student Visa Requirements.

You need to have 40 points in total; 30 points for your course and 10 points for maintenance and funds and need to provide proof with your application form. Points will be awarded based on: a visa letter from the sponsoring institution (Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester) confirming the unconditional offer; the qualification documents used to obtain an offer from the sponsoring institution (Bachelor degree transcript/certificate); and evidence of sufficient funds to pass a maintenance test.

The UKBA website and Policy Guidance pdf document specifies the exact type of official documents; bank statements, loan agreements, sponsorship letters, degree transcripts etc that are accepted. Guidance for students applying from 31 March 2009 http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/quickguideforstudent/adultstudents/

Do you need a visa?

If you are not sure whether you need a visa to visit the UK, please check the 'Do I Need a UK Visa' questionnaire on the UK Border Agency Visa Services web site: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/

When can you apply for your PBS student visa?

Once your offer is unconditional, you will be issued with your PBS visa letter. The PBS Visa Letter is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You can apply for your visa up to 3 months before the start of your course. Before you apply it is very important to make sure you have all the supporting documents ready to submit with your application. We will send your PBS visa letter that meets the new immigration requirement during the April/May (by DHL courier if you are living outside of the UK). The letter will include the University of Manchester sponsor license number.

Where to go for advice

Guidance notes for students applying for UK visas are available on the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website and we strongly advise that you read these notes carefully before applying for your visa. Guidance for applicants resident outside of the UK: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf29pbsstudent#15332357 Quick guide for applicants applying for a Student PBS Visa: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/quickguideforstudent/adultstudents/ Comprehensive guide: Guidance for students applying from 31 March 2009 2009 The University of Manchester also provides guidance and FAQs on the University website: www.manchester.ac.uk/pbs

Apply? Where to Apply?

If you are overseas, find your nearest Visa Application Centre using the official British Government website for visa services: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/wheretoapply/ You can also get contact details of your nearest UK visa issuing office from the Foreign and website: Commonwealth Office website http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-fco/embassies-and-posts/find-anembassy-overseas/

How to apply (applicants outside of the UK)

You will need to check the application process and apply for your visa at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country. http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf29pbsstudent#15332357 http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/quickguideforstudent/adultstudents/applyingforanad ultstudentvisa/#header8 Depending on which country you are applying from you may be able to complete the application form online. Visa4UK is the official British Government Website for UK visa applications: http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx You can find out if your country accepts online applications by checking the Supported Countries page: http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/CountrySupport.aspx
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If you cannot apply online, you will need to complete a paper application VAF9 PBS Migrant and also PBS Appendix 8 (General Student). Application form VAF9 - PBS Migrant PBS Appendix 8 (General) Student (all mandatory sections completed) Remember, whether you apply online or in person you also need submit the official supporting documents required to qualify for the PBS student visa. Quick Guide: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/quickguideforstudent/adultstudents/applyingforanad ultstudentvisa/#header3 Comprehensive Guide: Guidance for students applying from 31 March 2009

(applicants How to apply (applicants inside of the UK applying for a visa extension)
If you are an international student already living in the UK and you require a visa extension you will need to check the application process for inside the UK: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/quickguideforstudent/adultstudents/extendingadultst udentvisa/

Biometrics
You will need to provide biometrics (photograph and finger prints) as part of the visa process. If you are applying from outside of the UK, you will need to check with your local Visa Application Centre to find out how to provide your biometrics. The biometric information can usually be collected at the Visa Application Centre. http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/biometricvisa/

Can your dependents join you in the UK?

Please see the information on the UKBA website concerning dependents. http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf29pbsstudent#15492358 You will need to show documentary proof that you have 400 for each dependant accompanying you or joining you later in the UK, for each month they intend to be in the UK, up to a maximum of 9 months.

Advice for Specialist Masters Students starting September 2009

The information in the table below is for guidance only and does not constitute official advice. We are not permitted under UK law to provide individual advice about visa applications.

Course: The Course: 30 Points

You are required to do a course at an acceptable level with an approved education provider (also known as the sponsor). The University of Manchester has a PBS sponsorship licence and is an approved education provider.

Proof Required: Visa Letter from Manchester Business School (University of Manchester) and original
certificate(s) of Bachelor qualification; and/or original transcript of results. All documents must be originals, not photocopies and a fully certified English translation must be provided if applicable.

Programmes Specialist Masters Programmes

Full-time Masters degree level course. Length of Specialist Programmes Masters Programmes 12 months Start Date of Date Programmes Programmes The start date is: Monday 21st September. The end of the programmes is the 30th September 2010. The full length of the course plus four months after the end of the course. You should receive a visa from September 2009 January 2011. End Date of Programme Length of Stay Allowed

PreUniversity English Language Centre Pre-sessional English Language Courses

If you are participating in the University Language Centre pre-sessional and you have no other outstanding offer conditions you can obtain a combined PBS visa letter from the admissions team. You will need to have accepted your place on the pre-sessional programme before we can issue the combined visa letter. Length of Pre-sessional PreEnglish Course 5-10 weeks Start Date of PrePresessional sessional courses PS10b: Monday 6th July. PS5: Monday 10th August The end date of both the 5 and 10 week pre-sessional English courses is Friday 11th September. The full length of the presessional course, plus the full-length of the Masters programme, plus four months after the end of the course. You should receive a visa from July or August 2009 January 2011. 4 End Date of Programme Length of Stay Allowed

Maintenance and Funds: 10 Points Funds:

You are required to have enough money (also known as maintenance or funds) for your course fees and living costs. The money you need includes course fees and monthly living costs and depends on whether you are studying in London or outside London. Below is the amount of money we believe you will to prove you have available.

Proof Required: Cash in an account in your name; a loan in your name; official financial or government
sponsorship. Bank statement and/or loan contract and/or sponsorship letter confirming that you have enough money available to cover your course fees and monthly living costs for up to one year at the time you submit the application. All year, documents must be originals. If you apply for your visa before 1 June you will only need to show proof that you have the money needed on the day that you apply. If you apply after 1 June you will need to show proof that you have had the full amount of money required in your bank account for 28 consecutive days prior to your visa application application. Your visa letter will state any payment you have made towards the tuition fee at the time it is issued (eg. reservation fee payment). If you pay additional tuition fees after the visa letter is issued and before you apply for your visa, you will need to provide proof that you have made this payment.

Specialist Masters Student (single)

1 year course fee You will need to prove you have the following amount of tuition fee (less 250 or 500 for your paid reservation fee) Maintenance (Living Expenses) You will need to prove you have your monthly living costs for up to nine months. The outside of London monthly amount is 600 / month Accounting and Finance Finance Finance and Business Economics Finance and Economics Quantitative Finance Mathematical Finance International Business and Management Marketing Corporate Communications and Reputation Management Operations, Projects & Supply Chain Mgment 5 12,900 5,400 18,300 14,600 14,600 5,400 5,400 20,000 20,000 15,500 17,900 17,900 14,600 5,400 5,400 5,400 5,400 20,900 23,300 23,300 20,000 16,800 16,800 16,800 5,400 5,400 5,400 22,200 22,200 22,200 Total amount required for 10 points

Specialist Masters Student (single)

1 year course fee You will need to prove you have the following amount of tuition fee (less 250 or 500 for your paid reservation fee) Maintenance (Living Expenses) You will need to prove you have your monthly living costs for up to nine months. The outside of London monthly amount is 600 / month Information Systems (All 4 pathways) Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship Analytics: Operational Research and Risk Analysis Global Business Analysis Chinese Business and Management Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations International Human Resource Management and Comparative IR. Organisational Psychology Managerial Psychology Healthcare Management MPA (Public Administration) 5 Week Pre-sessional Course 10 week Pre-sessional course 2,010 1,800 1,005 1,200 You will need to provide an additional 2,205 You will need to provide an additional 3,810 12,900 12,900 12,900 16,800 5,400 5,400 5,400 5,400 18,300 18,300 18,300 22,200 12,900 5,400 18,300 12,900 5,400 18,300 15,200 14,600 5,400 5,400 20,600 20,000 12,900 5,400 18,300 12,900 5,400 18,300 12,900 5,400 18,300 Total amount required for 10 points

family Masters Student with partner and/or family

You will need to show documentary proof that you have 400 for each dependant accompanying you or joining you later in the UK, for each month they intend to be in the UK, up to a maximum of 9 months. Maintenance (Living Expenses) for Masters programmes programmes For each dependant 3,600 (9 months) Maintenance (Living Maintenance Expenses) for Masters preprogramme plus 5 week presessional For each dependant 4,800 (2 months + 9 months) Maintenance Maintenance (Living Expenses) for Masters preprogramme plus 10 week presessional For each dependant 5,400 (3 months + 9 months)

Remember: This document is for guidance only and does not constitute official advice. The legislation for the new PBS visas is still changing and you should always check the latest official information on the official UK government websites.