International Office: Welcome to the Visa Advice web chat International Office: Type your questions here: Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Javed International Office: Hello - we are starting the chat now.... International Office: type your questions here.... Javed: Hi Javed: What are basic requirements for the visa? Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Javed, please see the following link -

https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa Azadeh - International Adviser: You should have a CAS before you can

apply for visa International Office: hello Javed... do you have a question? Javed: I mean the University of Sheffield will

send an acceptance letter for visa processing or directly we can apply in the embassy for the visa?

Azadeh - International Adviser: You should have a CAS before you can

apply for visa ERICK LANGAT: hi! What are the procedures for one to

obtain a visa? Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Erick, please see the following link -

https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa Ishita Agarwal: Hi, I need ATAS clearance for my course

I’ve applied for it around a month ago, but have received no replies. I have even tried emailing them regarding it, but still got no replies. Can u please let me know is there any other way I can contact them? And is it normal to not hear back from them for a month?

International Office: hello Ishita - Yes, ATAS can often take

some time and a month is not unusual. Students sometimes do not hear back

from emails when it is very busy..... I will make a note of your details (please email me your app number to katy.woodford@sheffield.ac.uk

Landon Peck: hello and thank you for hosting a chat

concerning visas. I have a few questions and will ask them one by one, if that works best. 1: I'm from the US, a 'low-risk' country for entry, and saw that I have to apply as such under 'differentiation arrangements' on my visa application to ensure I don't have to submit as much paperwork. I did no see this as an option and was wondering if that is something that will be taken care of their end and not mine.

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Landon, you must apply for Tier 4 visa,

based on nationality, it will ask for the relevant documentation to submit

Sara: I have some questions regarding the proof of funds documents. Is a line of credit acceptable proof and can I use my parents' line of credit?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Sara, no credit line is not acceptable;

please see the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/330612/T4_Guidance_07-14.pdf

Javed: When & how can I get my CAS? International Office 2: Your CAS will be sent to you only when

you have an unconditional firm offer with Sheffield, and if you are a master’s applicant you must have paid your £1000 deposit first. Then an email is sent out with instructions for you to get CAS.

Ladan Amiri: I understand that you should have the full

sum of tuition and accommodation fee prior to applying to the visa, a portion of my money is coming from the government of Canada and won’t be imbursed until September. Does that

mean that I have to wait in order to apply or am I eligible to apply now?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Ladan, as long as you have an official

letter from government that confirms you are awarded the funds then you can use that letter with bank statements to cover the funds. You must make sure the funds are in your bank account for 29 consecutive days

Anuradha: hello - I was wondering what the

'evidence to obtain offer' section of the CAS was about?

International Office: Anuradha - these are the docs you have

uploaded online to show you have met your entry requirements

Landon Peck: re: 'low-riskright, I understand but there

is a discrepancy between what is asks Azadeh - International Adviser: Based on your nationality the form will

ask for the relevant documents. Landon Peck: ^ in multiple places Sara: What should I do then, if I can't use a

student line of credit? How is that different from a loan (which is acceptable) I do not have proof of funds for 28 consecutive days.

Azadeh - International Adviser: If you will get the funds from Gov. (from

line of credit) into your account then you can use a bank statement that shows you have maintained the funds for 29 days. As I mentioned, if they will provide you an official letter then you can use the letter.

Anuradha: Since I did my IB, in my 'evidence to

obtain offer' section in the CAS it has been mentioned: International Baccalaureate Total Points (TOT) (IE) in Total Score, grade 35, awarded by International Baccalaureate; Result confirmed by The University of Sheffield via either the UCAS website or the

International Baccalaureate Organisation on-line checking service, as appropriate==== I was wondering whether this meant that the university already has evidence for my offer?

International Office: Anuradha - sorry for the delay, yes we do

receive your results directly. When you apply for your visa they will need to see evidence of your results also though...

Javed: Do I have to pay all my tuition fee and

accommodation fee in advance to get a visa or I can pay in instalment?

International Office 2: No, if you are a master’s student you will

need to pay a £1000 deposit, but you can arrange payments at a later date or in instalments. However you must be able to show you have sufficient funds in your bank as per the visa requirements

Ishita Agarwal: Thanx I will send in my details International Office: no problems Ishita Ladan Amiri: I want to pay off my accommodation fee

and half of my tuition fee now. Would my CAS document show these changes and would they be evident when I apply for a visa? Furthermore, would I then only have to show that the rest of the funding is available and in my bank account for 29 consecutive days?

Azadeh - International Adviser: If your accommodation is University

owned accommodation then your CAS will show the payment, whatever fees you pay towards your tuition fees will also appear on your CAS - more information is available from the following link - http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration/overseas

Landon Peck: thanks. Do the supplied photo(s) have to

be cut to size--45mm x 35mm, or can they be larger?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Please check the webpage - https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports

Anuradha: When I go for my visa is better to take a

copy of my 12thh grade marks with me? - I mean the marks with which then university has given me a place

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Anuradha, if your CAS shows that

qualification then you do need to submit it with your visa application

Sara: Do I have time to do that and still obtain a

visa? Azadeh - International Adviser: You should check with the UK embassy in

your area regarding this Javed: My Company is bearing all my study

expenses and accommodation fee. In this case which documents I have to produce?

Azadeh - International Adviser: What company is that? If it is private

company then you should show minimum total of £7380 plus first year's tuition fees in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, please see the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/330612/T4_Guidance_07-14.pdf

Ladan Amiri: oh that's perfect. Thank you. One last

question, how long does the visa process take since I already have my cas

International Office 2: This will depend upon your local visa

office as the process of getting a visa varies country-to-country, and even office-to-office. Make your visa appointment as soon as possible now you have your CAS so you can ensure plenty of time

Ishita Agarwal: Will a letter from bank approving my student loan be a good enough proof of funding for visa?

Azadeh - International Adviser: If you do have an official letter from the

bank that clarifies the available funds to you and your details then this should be fine, please see the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/330612/T4_Guidance_07-14.pdf

Javed: How long it takes in visa processing? Azadeh - International Adviser: Please check with UK embassy in your

area Sara: Also, if I am using my parents' funds as

proof and my birth certificate doesn't state their names (they don't in Canada), can I use my baptismal certificate instead (this states their names).

Azadeh - International Adviser: As long as it is an official document then

yes you can, please see the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/330612/T4_Guidance_07-14.pdf

Anuradha: Do the photos have to be the same as the

ones that they use for your medical (TB clearance) certificate?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Pleases see the following link -

https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports

Landon Peck: thanks. It does not say anywhere that we

need to submit a copy of the CAS--is that something the visa office just looks up or is a hard copy needed?

Azadeh - International Adviser: You don't need to submit a hard copy,

when you enter your CAS number on your visa application, UK embassy are able to find your details and see the CAS electronically

Anuradha: thhank you Azadeh:) chika: Hi, I was told to get Student Visitor Visa,

but I don't know what I should do now. Could you tell me?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Chika, please see the following link -

https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa You would need a visa letter from University which you can send an email to the pbsapply@sheffield.ac.uk to request it

Javed: Is there any deadline for applying visa? International Office: javed - there is no official visa deadline

but there are deadlines to consider here at the university like your start date etc - so you need to be sure you have enough time to get your visa, come to the UK, sort your accommodation etc.

Camille: I still need some clarification with loan

documents vs. bank statements - I am getting basically all of my tuition covered by loans. Do I still need to provide my bank statements as well when I go to my loan application?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Camille, please see the following link -

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/330612/T4_Guidance_07-14.pdf If loan only covers the fees then you still required to show £7380 for your maintenance in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying for visa

Sam Tse: Hello, what kind of documents should I

bring along before I arrive to the airport in the UK? I know that someone was rejected and being expelled.

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Sam, are you applying for Tier 4

(general) student visa or Student Visitor Visa?

Anitah Azairwe: hullo is the chart going on

International Office: Helllo anitah - yes welcome Javed: The City School (Pvt) Ltd is my company

name and I am working as a senior master in its international school, The City School International, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Azadeh - International Adviser: This is not an international company so,

you still need to show the required funds, please check the link to see if your company is named or classed an international company - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/330612/T4_Guidance_07-14.pdf

Anitah Azairwe: Am in Uganda can I use British council

offices for visa application International Office: hi anitah - you will need to check if they

offer this service Anitah Azairwe: which other office in Uganda can I go to

because I have not heard about the UK EMBASSY?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Anitah, have you checked UK embassy's

webpages, there should be some information available on it.

hassan: I want to defer my admission because do

not have IELTS do know when next session starts?

International Office: Hi Hassan - you can defer your place by

emailing shefapply@sheffield.ac.uk - the next start will be sept 2015

Ishita Agarwal: Thank you Azadeh. Also, I applied for

ATAS clearance with course details of Phd with integrated masters in advanced computer science (duration 60 months) as per the details provided to me by university in ATAS information sheet. But in the CAS statement I received my course written in MSC in Advanced Computer Science (duration one year). Can that be an issue?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Ishita, you should send an email to the

ATAS team to explain this to them and seek advice. Or you can apply for fresh ATAS providing information of your MSc

Landon Peck: thanks, Azadeh. 'Biometric residence

permit' is that the paperwork I received at my biometrics appointment? It was just a stamped page stating my fingerprints and photo has been catalogued

Azadeh - International Adviser: BRP or Biometric Residence Permit is an

ID card which will be issued to you when you applied for Tier 4 visa inside the UK. If applying for Tier 4 visa outside the UK, you will be issue visa inside your passport

Anuradha: CAS has mentioned that I need to show

my IB transcripts, my IB transcripts (hard copy) might not reach me until mid-August - therefore can I get my school to attest a copy of my IB transcripts on the school letter head by the principal and send it to me as proof?

International Office: Anuradha - yes you can do this but it can

sometimes be a little more risky. Do you have your visa appointment booked?

hassan: ? International Office: Hope your question was answered

Hassan chika: Thank you, Azadeh! Anuradha: Anuradha: CAS has mentioned that I need

to show my IB transcripts, my IB transcripts (hard copy) might not reach me until mid-August - therefore can I get my school to attest a copy of my IB transcripts on the school letter head by the principal and send it to me as proof ? This is easier and hence I would be able to apply for a visa faster

International Office: anuradha - has this answered your question?

Javed: A person whose overall grade is 6 in IELTS

can still eligible for admission in the Sheffield University while the requirement mentioned is 6.5?

International Office: Javed, which course will you be studying?

You will need to meet the conditions of your offer so reach a 6.5. Have you got a 6?

Camille: By fees do you mean just tuition? Because

I have been approved for a loan to cover all of my expenses - room, board, tuition, books, etc. I do not have 7380 pounds in my bank account, nor have I ever had that much. I'm a US student and with the exchange rate that's around 13,000 USD

Azadeh - International Adviser: As long as your monthly payment (from

loan) is more than £820 per calendar month and your tuition fees is covered then you do not to submit bank statements

Oluwaseun: hi there Anuradha: not yet Farida: hi I am Farida Oluwaseun: I'm a year 3 online master’s student and I

will need to visit Sheffield in September for dissertation induction

Azadeh - International Adviser: You should apply for Student Visitor visa -

see this link - https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa You can request a visa letter from admissions closer to the time you are applying for visa

Sae Sugai: Hello. Now I'm preparing online

application and I don't know how should I answer this question, “Have any of your accommodation fees been paid to your

sponsor?". Should I choose “Yes, paid to UK Education provider”?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Did you apply for Univ. accommodation?

Or a private one? If it is Univ. accommodation and you already paid any fees to the Univ. then you can say "yes" otherwise the answer is "No"

Javed: Yes I got 7.5 in speaking, 6 in listening, 5.5

in reading and 5.5 in writing. Overall grade is 6

International Office: Hi Javed, you will need to retake this ielts

test Landon Peck: thanks. Do I need to submit my original

diploma for evidence of qualifications or will a cop suffice?

Azadeh - International Adviser: You must always submit original

documents, copies, scans etc are not acceptable

Farida: My class of Mphil is starting on 1st sep and

still not received CAS so will it delay towards issuing of visa or university will manage it in time?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi farida, you must contact the PBS Apply

Team to ask about your CAS. If you don't have enough time to start in time then you should speak to your department to postpone your start date.

hassan: but I am very much confused it’s too late

to get admitted n 2015 International Office: hassan, you can defer this year’s place to

2015 if you wish Anuradha: so do you suggest I wait for the official

transcripts? International Office: do you expect them early or mid-august? Javed: I will study MA-Education Full time 1 year

course

Azadeh - International Adviser: OK Landon Peck: copy* Azadeh - International Adviser: Not acceptable hassan: I want to get admitted in 2014 International Office: do you have an offer with us Hassan? Is

there anything you need advice on? Anuradha: oh yes - sorry - I unknowingly copied it

twice - sorry! International Office: that’s okay! If you do not mind I want to

check with our cas team after this chat so we can do what is best for you - can you email me your app number and details so I can look into it for you? katy.woodford@sheffield.ac.uk

nitin: hi this is nitin kamble from India Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Nitin, welcome to the webchat hassan: is there any session starting n February

2015 International Office: no hassan just september hassan: can get visit visa on basics of conditional

offer? International Office: no, you will need to have an unconditional

offer raj: Hi International Office: Hi Raj, how can we help? Oluwaseun: I'm a year 3 online master’s student and I

will be visiting Sheffield in September for dissertation induction programme which is just for 2 days. Will I need to do the TB test?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Please check the link - https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa

raj: I’m raj, will be joining PHD with the

mechanical engineering dept. this sept. Could you please me with the updated info on visa?

International Office: what information do you require please?

How to apply? This website is very helpful https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/overview

Taiwo: hi International Office: hello - welcome! Oluwaseun: I planned to stay for just a week. Azadeh - International Adviser: Still you need to apply for Student Visitor

visa Carol Wanjohi: When applying for a Tier 4 (General)

Student VISA do I need to fill the for Student Visitor

Azadeh - International Adviser: No, if you are coming to study full-time

course and have a CAS then you must apply for Tier 4 (general) student visa

Ishita Agarwal: Fresh ATAS will take up a lot of time, my

course starts in September. If I reapply now, I don’t think I will have enough time to get a visa. I informed the university regarding this while confirming my details for CAS but was told the CAS is given only for MSC as PhD is conditional. And as mentioned above students often do not hear back from ATAS team. Please help me. What will be the best way out of this situation?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Please check with ATAS team as this is

something they will need to confirm to you, ATAS is not issued by us, is issued by Gov.

nitin: hiii This is Nitin

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Sae Sugai: I paid accommodation fees by credit card

last week. Will this statement be added to CAS statement automatically?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Sae, please check with PBS Apply team

which they can advise you and update your CAS to show how much fees is paid

Carol Wanjohi: Hi International Office: hello - how can we help? Landon Peck: I have the "Notification of Student Loan

for Academic Year 2014/15" paper stamped and signed by uni. Will this suffice as evidence of funds? Also it's only a copy I’ve never received the original --is that a problem for submission?

Azadeh - International Adviser: You should ask for the original, yes, the

original of that document will suffice Oluwaseun: I'm being sponsored by my organisation

and the money that will be paid into the account will just be enough for the trip, will that be a problem or I will need to have excess

Azadeh - International Adviser: Please check with the UK embassy, what I

know is that you still need to show that you have enough funds to manage yourself in the UK.

Farida: I have contacted PBS apply but reply given

is that they are making progress on my CAS

Azadeh - International Adviser: Please wait until you receive your CAS as

my colleagues are doing their best to issue CASs

Taiwo: I am a sponsored student, my sponsor

letter was issued as a group, I can only get a copy of it and not the original, hope this will not affect my visa application

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Taiwo, please ask for original letter as copies are not acceptable

raj: I uploaded My masters certificate on PBS

CAS portal, but it was deleted as it was in Latin, but it also has English version of description which was detailed in small font. I believe that was unnoticed and have been requested for transcript

International Office: okay raj I would upload it again with the

English section clearly marked nitin: I’m applying for Phd In school of clinical

dentistry, starting on Oct01,2014,i yet have not received CAS

Azadeh - International Adviser: Please contact pbsapply@sheffield.ac.uk

regarding your CAS Once you received your CAS then you can start visa process, please see the following link - https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

raj: can I re-upload my certificate ? Azadeh - International Adviser: You mean required certificate for your

CAS? Please check with pbsapply@sheffield.ac.uk

Hiren Patel: can I speak with someone regarding the

accommodations in Sheffield International Office: hello hiren.... hope you are fine we have

Azadeh our visa specialist here now, so we are talking all about visas! I can try and help..... Or I can direct you to our accommodation team if it is something more complex

deeksha gautam: Hi. This is Deeksha Gautam from India Azadeh - International Adviser: Hello Deeksha Farida: What will be your advice in this regard

keeping in view the normal time taken by visa department in our country because its 30 July today.

Azadeh - International Adviser: The quickest way would be to contact

ATAS (their email is on their website) and ask to amend your pending ATAS application.

Will: hello, my wife and I plan to attend

Sheffield in September, what is the latest we should apply for the visa. Also, my wife is from Ethiopia and I am from America, she has yet to get her green card for America. Should I be concerned about here and I obtaining a visa for England?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Will, it really depends on how long it'll

take to receive the visa which is vary from one country to another. I don't think not having green card will have any impact on her visa application as long as she is in the US legally and has a valid passport

Javed: The next IELTS test will be on 9th August

and I will get my result on 22 August. Do I have enough time to upload my IELTS result then? As the session will start in end of September?

International Office: You will need to find out how long visas

are taking to process. Some courses have a short grace period and try to be flexible with international students who arrive a few days late - you will need to keep us informed.

Anuradha: I have sent in my details :) International Office: Thank you!!!! I will get back to you ASAP Abel M'kulama: This Abel M'kulama from Zambia Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Abel, how can we help? Carol Wanjohi: Thank you. Azadeh - International Adviser: Most welcome Anuradha: I expect my transcripts on mid-august

International Office: Okay - let me get back to you raj: Could you help me How I mark the English

section on the certificate? Do you meant to mention it on the available notes space available?

International Office: yes in the notes space would be fine. It is

just to draw attention to it for the reviewer. If you pm me your app no I can make a note on your application

Anuradha: thank you Azadeh - International Adviser: Most welcome Hayley: Hi. I have not received the CAS number

which I need to submit my Visa application. Second, I leave the U.S. for Europe August 14th and will be travelling on my passport until arrival in Sheffield in mid-September. It seems too late to apply from here. Can I apply once I have arrived in Sheffield?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Hayley, you can either apply and obtain

your Tier 4 visa from US or apply for Tier 4 from Europe. If you apply for visitor visa to enter the UK then you cannot register with us nor can you switch to Tier 4 visa from inside the UK.

Taiwo: hiiiiii Hiren Patel: how many are going from INDIA International Office: We hope lots!!!! Hiren Patel: raj where are you from??? Farida: I know the reputation of the university

and thank you but kindly may I know the reason for this delay as I am little anxious :)

Azadeh - International Adviser: You must send an email to

pbsapply@sheffield.ac.uk if it is related to your CAS

Abel M'kulama: I am to be sponsored by the CSC and am currently waiting confirmation for me to apply for VISA what is advice on this

Azadeh - International Adviser: Please see the following link for more

information - https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

deeksha gautam: Hey. I have not given any English

proficiency exam. I received 94% in English in 10th and 12th grade and this was accepted by the university. Do I need to give an English proficiency exam for my visa?

International Office: did you receive 94% in your 12th Standard

English? Which board please? International Office: We usually accept standard 12th English Sam Tse: I am not asking for the visa. I am curious

to the documents that I should bring and show to the airport authority when I arrive in the UK.

International Office: Some suggestions....

All original documentation and letters from the University Accommodation confirmation letter (if you have one)

Medical certificates / visa documents All your original transcripts and certificates

University Welcome pack Bank statements, a sponsor’s letter or bank draft Cash and/or travellers cheques for first few days

Your passport Valuables, medicines deeksha gautam: Yes. CBSE (Central Board of secondary

education) International Office: perfect - this is proof of English! Hiren Patel: sorry........... I don’t have a CAS copy yet so

when shall I expect that

International Office: hiren - do you mean your cas link by email?

Is your offer now unconditional? Abel M'kulama: I am to be sponsored by Commonwealth

and am told that they processing details with Sheffield, I would like to know how that would affect my VISA application

Azadeh - International Adviser: If the sponsorship and funds are clearly

mentioned on your CAS and you are in receipt of full fees plus £820 per month (for maintenance) then you do not need to show bank statements but it would be helpful to submit original sponsor letter from Commonwealth with your visa application. If it is not mentioned on your CAS then you MUST submit original sponsor letter from Commonwealth with your visa application

raj: thank you. Will: what is the best visa for my wife and I to

apply for, I assume tier 4 as I will be in the MPH program for 1 year. My wife however is not enrolled though she would like to enroll after she takes the English proficiency exam.

Azadeh - International Adviser: You must apply for Tier 4 (general) for

yourself and for your wife, must apply for PBS dependant visa, see this link - https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

Hayley: How long is Visa processing from Europe? Azadeh - International Adviser: Check the UK embassy in the country that

you will be applying from Javed: Thank you very much International Office: no worries Carol Wanjohi: Under which conditions is one allowed to

tick "Your sponsor is a Higher Education Institution, and has made its own assessment of your English language

ability" when filling out the section of English Language Ability of the Tier 4 (General) Student Self-Assessment forms?

International Office: Carol, if you have successfully completed

a first degree or postgraduate diploma taught in English in a majority native English speaking country, you will not normally need to provide other evidence of English language ability. Otherwise, in most cases you will need to complete an acceptable English language qualification.

Taiwo: The sponsor letter was sent to my

employer detailing the list of those who will be sponsored. A copy was provided for the awardees, I uploaded a copy of the sponsor letter for my CAS application and It was accepted. It will not be possible to get the original copy for myself alone.

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Taiwo, could you send an email to the

following email address with your details and your application number and I will reply to you directly:International.students@sheffield.ac.uk

Farida: furthermore I am planning to bring my

son with me, any advice in this regard please

Azadeh - International Adviser: Pleases see the following link -

https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa raj: Thank you Katy, I will e-mail today with

the details. International Office: thanks deeksha gautam: So, I do not need to give any addition

exam for English proficiency? International Office: Deeksha, if you have met the standard

12th requirement for English then you will not need an additional English test

raj: to your e-mail address

raj: Thank you. Hayley: Website says that the service for

processing times in currently unavailable. I have already sent an email to pbsapply@sheffield.ac.uk and will need my passport on CAS and will need my passport on my person through Sept. 9. Is there anything else that can be done? I fear that it will not be possible to apply here nor in Europe.

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi hayley, could you send another email to

the PBS team, I am afraid the visa processing time is out of our hand and you must talk to the UK embassy directly

Basheer: Hi, this is first time to me here---- Could I

get Visa for UK from Iraq now? Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Basheer, yes, you can, please see the

following link - http://www.ge2iq.tpcontact.co.uk/

Hayley: sorry for typos....I will try for rush

processing but unless I get my CAS today, that leaves be less than 2 weeks from the United States

Azadeh - International Adviser: Please do try the PBS apply team again Yuko: Hello, I am scheduled to study as an

exchange student from this autumn and I am patiently waiting for my CAS. I received an email asking to confirm information about my previous studies in the UK and I replied to the email 11 days ago, however, I have not received any further emails since. I would really appreciate it if you could tell me how far the CAS has been processed so that I can cope with other processes that I must do at the same time.

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Yuko, please do email -

pbsapply@sheffield.ac.uk - again, they are

extremely busy and they will reply to you in due course

Carol Wanjohi: Which are the acceptable English

language qualifications? International Office: there is a useful list here:

http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/info/englang

Abel M'kulama: I also applied for the CAS number but I

did not get the number, any help? International Office: hi abel - do you have an unconditional

offer, received the cas link and uploaded your information?

Farida: CAN I ask directly ATAS to amend my

application and moreover does my application fall in their criteria?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi farida, I am not sure what you are

asking here? In order for your ATAS to be amended then you must email them directly, we do not deal with ATAS applications

Carol Wanjohi: Thank you. Jazmin: Hi Azadeh, sorry if this question has

already been asked, I am having trouble going back through the chat. Just wanting to double check that my entry date will be okay. I am completing a semester on exchange, commencing 29 September 2014 and my flights put me in the country around 20 September 2014 (to give me time to attend orientation week). I have read a few conflicting time limits (i.e., a week or a month) and just wanting to check I will be able to enter under a Tier 4 visa at this time. Thanks, Jaz.

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Jazmin, if you are coming to do a short

course (less than 6 months) then you must enter the UK no more than a week before course start date. Please see the following

link:http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/immigration/overseas/duration

Farida: I have emailed the bpsapply and also

called them as well. Azadeh - International Adviser: For your CAS, yes, you should email PBS

apply team, please wait and they shall reply to you in due course

Carol Wanjohi: The link is for postgraduates yet I am an

undergraduate, is there a link for undergraduates?

International Office: apologies! http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/policies/englang

Abel M'kulama: Yes I have an unconditional offer and I

even did the pre-registration. International Office: how long ago was this please? deeksha gautam: Okay, so this will be accepted as a proof

of English for tier 4 visa, I hope. Thank you. International Office: No problem - we look forward to

welcoming you to Sheffield! What course will you be studying?

Carol Wanjohi: Thank you Azadeh - International Adviser: You are most welcome deeksha gautam: MA Politics International Office: Oh wow! What a great dept. to be joining International Office: which city are you from? Farida: thank you adilmaroofbutt: I just received my atas clearance after 2

months but the uni of Sheffield says that the title of my degree on the certificate is not correct. So I applied again with the fast track option. I am bit concerned about the time as I have to apply for a visa. How long will it take for my atas clearance?

International Office: Thanks for all the great questions so far!! Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Adil, could you send your ATAS

clearance to the following email:International.students@sheffield.ac.uk Please do let me know what the correct title (in your email) is and I will do my best to liaise with ATAS (cannot promise anything) to hopefully amend it otherwise you must re-apply

Sae Sugai: Thank you for your help. International Office 2: We have 20 minutes of chat left today. International Office 2: Please do ask your questions now. If you

have questions after the chat on visa please email the visa team at:international.students@sheffield.ac.uk

deeksha gautam: I am from India International Office: Great, I am sure you will like Sheffield! International Office: this gives you a useful time line -

http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/welcome/cas-application

International Office: sorry wrong question answered! Abel M'kulama: About a moth and some two weeks Carol Wanjohi: How long does it take to get a CAS

number? International Office: useful time line can be found here:

http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/welcome/cas-application

SHEYIN AKANET: Hi I am an applicant for MSc Env and

Energy Eng. I have been awaiting my admission letter for this session and have not gotten any feedback yet. Previously I was told I had to reapply which I did but then I saw in the university’s policy that I

am eligible for two deferrals of which I have been granted only one. Please advice.

International Office 2: This is an Admissions question and we

recommend you email Admissions at shefapply@sheffield.ac.uk to see where you stand with your application. Some departments will defer offers twice, but some will not .It is at the discretion of the Department.

International Office: Have you accepted the offer? Farida: what is the financial ceiling to be shown

for visa in an Mphil education (self-sponsored programme

Azadeh - International Adviser: You are required to show £7380 (for

maintenance) plus first year of tuition fees in your bank account for 28 days before applying. If you have dependant then you must add £4140 for each of your dependant and hold the required funds for 28 days before applying for visa

deeksha gautam: I am sure I will. I am really excited. :D International Office: I hope you have chatted to some of our

ambassadors already who have given you some good advice!

Samraghni Bonnerjee: Hello. I received my unconditional offer for

PhD in English and the official scholarship letter (Vice Chancellor Scholarship) as attachments to mails. I met an Entry Officer at the British Council (Calcutta, India) today, who told me, that it'd be better to ask the university to send a formal letter via post instead of my sending a print out for the visa. She also suggested that I could write a covering letter where I mention that my documents have reached me via mails. Since there isn't enough time to post and receive the said documents, do you think just submitting the printouts would help? Along with a cover letter may be, and a

print out of the mail I received, informing me of the scholarship?

International Office: many congrats on the scholarship! This

should be added to your CAS and then yes please take all the docs, official letter (even if printed), emails with you to appointment

deeksha gautam: No worries Carol Wanjohi: Thank you Azadeh - International Adviser: Most welcome Taiwo: which of the English Language

requirements applies to applicants from Nigeria for VISA Application

Azadeh - International Adviser: Please check your CAS, if it does show an

English language certificate which you submitted when you obtained CAS then you must submit that certificate with your visa application

deeksha gautam: No actually. I have not but I would love to

do so. International Office: Oh I can ask someone to call you -

probably will be Friday now - would that be okay? Pankaj will give you a call....... please pm me your app number

Farida: Thank you very much Azadeh - International Adviser: Most welcome Farida Abel M'kulama: Thank you for the help and information. Azadeh - International Adviser: You are most welcome Abel Samraghni Bonnerjee: Thank you. I'm not writing to the

scholarship department to post the letters then. Too much stress and too little time.

Azadeh - International Adviser: I hope everything goes well and hope to

see you in Sheffield in September

adilmaroofbutt: ok I will send my atas clearance to the following address. It’s just a small error. Thank you

Yuko: Okay, thank you, I will email the link shown.

About the visa application questions, there is the question "Have you ever voluntarily elected to depart the UK?", and I don't really get what it's trying to ask...Do you think I should answer yes as I have previously lived in the UK and departed when returning to my home country legally, or is it trying to ask whether I have left the UK after overstaying my visa permits or something? Sorry for my messy sentence

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Yuko, it is asking about being in the UK

when you had no visa and departed voluntarily, if you left the UK before your visa expiry date then this don’t apply to you

Carol Wanjohi: When filling the start and end dates of the

course on the Tier 4 (General) Student Self-Assessment application, which end date do I put?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Do you have a CAS? If yes, that date would

be on your CAS Samraghni Bonnerjee: Many thanks! I only confirmed my details

for CAS this Monday. When can I expect to get the number? I'm a bit apprehensive because everyone seems to have applied for their visas or have received it; but I can't until I receive the CAS.

International Office 2: You've still got time; don't worry. Taiwo: Since my sponsorship will cover both

tuition fee and maintenance fee, do I need to wait for the cash to stay in my account 28days before applying for VISA?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Please see the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/330612/T4_Guidance_07-14.pdf

deeksha gautam: Yeah. Friday would be great. International Office: thank you International Office: web chat will be closing in just under 10

mins...... SHEYIN AKANET: although the current status shows I have

declined the offer which was never like that before

International Office 2: Email Admissions at

shefapply@sheffield.ac.uk to clarify with them your offer status with Sheffield

International Office 2: There is 10 minutes left for the chat. International Office 2: Please email:

international.students@sheffield.ac.uk if you still have questions after the chat

Yuko: Oh okay, that helps a lot! Thank you for

answering Azadeh - International Adviser: You are most welcome SHEYIN AKANET: I have sent emails there with no replies

yet International Office 2: You will need to wait up to 7 working days

at very busy times for Admissions to get back. If you cannot wait you can telephone Admissions whose number is given here: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/aid/contact

Carol Wanjohi: I have not yet gotten my CAS. Thank you

for the assistance. Azadeh - International Adviser: Please wait until you receive your CAS as

you must enter the accurate dates Hayley: I have another question regarding VISA

subtype. I am an Erasmus Mundus student with funding for the degree program. Am I Tier 4 General Sponsored or Tier 4 Scholarships?

Azadeh - International Adviser: Hi Hayley, no you must apply for Tier 4 (general)

Carol Wanjohi: Thank you so much for answering my

questions Azadeh - International Adviser: You are most welcome Carol Olutosin Bright: how many deferrals is an MPH applicant

eligible to? International Office: Thank you to Azadeh for all her advice! SHEYIN AKANET: okay thank you very much. I will check

and call them Hayley: Ok, Tier 4 General Student Azadeh - International Adviser: Good luck Azadeh - International Adviser: If you have any questions regarding

immigration and visa, please send an email to:International.students@sheffield.ac.uk

Taiwo: Thanks a lot Azadeh - International Adviser: If you have any questions regarding

immigration and visa, please send an email to:International.students@sheffield.ac.uk

International Office 2: Chat will now close. Thank you for coming

and we hope to see you all in Sheffield soon

hassan: yes thanks Will: I have a couple questions. I have an

unconditional offer for the MPH international development (1year program) and have my CAS # and am about to apply for a visa for my wife and I. I am American, she is Ethiopia, out passports are reflective of our home country. Will she and I having different country passports on the same visa application be a problem?

SHEYIN AKANET: yes I accepted the offer

International Office: The web chat will be closing very soon - thanks to all that participated!