Points Based Immigration System

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Points-Based System (PBS)?

PBS is a new immigration system in the UK. There are five tiers covering the work and study and has been gradually introduced since June 2008. Tier 4 (Students) of PBS was launched on 31st March 2009.

What is a “registered sponsor” and is Bournemouth University one?

Institutions must be registered with the UK Border Agency (UKBA) to be able to recruit international students.

Bournemouth University (BU) is a registered sponsor and has been awarded an A rating. This is the highest level a registered sponsor can be.

We have a Sponsor License number issued by UKBA and we will write this on any visa letters we issue for you.

I′m applying for my visa. What do I need to know?

The rules for PBS are very strict and there is no flexibility. This means that it is very important that you have exactly the documents required as you will not be granted a visa if all necessary documents are not supplied. These requirements apply to all students regardless of which country they apply from.

For details of the documents you need for your application and how to apply for a visa extension from in the UK, go to our extending your visa whilst in the UK section of the website. For details on how to apply for your visa from outside the UK, go to the UK Visas website.

I will be arriving late. Do I need to do anything?

It is extremely important that you contact the University as soon as possible if you think you might be arriving late.

Under PBS, institutions are required to report any students who have not arrived within 10 days of registration to the UKBA. If we have reported you as non-registered and you try to enter the UK, you will be stopped at the border and told to return home. If you have a genuine reason for being late, however, and we have approved your late arrival, we can let the UKBA know that we are expecting you at a later date and you will be allowed to enter the UK.

Are there any new rules after I arrive?

Yes, and it is important that you know what they are:

Visa/passport copies: You will need to present your visa or ID card and passport to the University or you will not be able to register. We will keep copies of your visa and passport
Up-to-date contact details: We will be required to keep up to date contact details for all international students. If you change your address or phone number, you must let the University know by updating your details using myBU or by contacting askBU
Attendance: It is a requirement of PBS that attendance be monitored and that non-attending students must be reported to the UKBA. It is therefore essential that you attend all mandatory seminars, lectures etc. If you have a good reason for missing a class, you should contact your Programme Administrator in advance to let them know that you will not be attending and why. You will receive a warning if you miss too many classes, and will be required to meet with University staff before the reporting stage is reached .

This is just the first phase. What happens next?

In November 2009, BU will start using the Tier 4 Sponsor Management System for students currently in the UK. From February 2010, all students will be monitored under this new system. This IT system will be used for:

Issuing CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Study): A CAS is a unique reference number attached to a student record in the IT system. This number will replace the “visa letters” from November 2009 or February 2010. Students will need to use their CAS number when applying for a visa.
Reporting: Institutions will be required to report non-arrivals and non-attendance to the UKBA, using this system.

UKBA have made many changes and updates to the application forms and guidelines since it was launched in March 2009, and so it is very important that before you try to apply for your visa extension, you keep checking our immigration pages.

If you have any questions after reading these pages, please contact askBU.

How do I find out more about PBS?

The UK Council for International Student Affairs has a helpful website with lots of information for international students, including updates on the Points-Based System.

For official policy documents and more detailed information, visit the UKBA website.

Bournemouth University

International / Points Based Immigration System