Urgent advice needed regarding student extension/CAS number

[rock981]

Hey all,

I would like some urgent advice regarding two separate visa situations concerning me and my friend who are both studying at the same University. I would really appreciate if some advice is offered at the earliest as I am in a rather tight situation.

Case 1 - Me

I am a postgraduate student at the University of Leicester. My visa expires on the 12th of November 2010. I was recently informed by my course director that I would be, in all likelihood, asked to resubmit my dissertation. The confirmation of the decision regarding the resubmission should be available within a day or two.

Not only is it essential for me to utilize the University Library for more in-depth research required during the resubmission of my dissertation, the topic itself shall require me to conduct more research within UK and thus it is extremely important for me to get a student extension. I contacted the welfare office of my University and they agreed with me that it would be unfair if I was not granted the extension as I would not have access to the same resources.

However, when I emailed the registry, I got the following response

Thank you for your email. Unfortunately we are not able to issue a CAS until the decision of the exam board at earliest, as we can only issue CAS for studies that are confirmed. Furthermore, we are not able to issue a CAS to sponsor students who have completed the taught element of their course and are only studying in order to re-submit work. If this is the result of the exam board you will need to return home to complete your resubmission work, and liaise with your department resubmitting from there.



Kind regards

Moira

I am positive that when the Exam board takes place, they will ask me to resubmit the dissertation but it is the part in bold that causes a lot of worry. First of all I can say with certainty that this is not a decision that is being taken because of Home Office regulations but simply because the University does not want to do it. The evidence of this is available in the following link where they clearly state that extension is possible in the case of resits of examinations or in the case of write ups.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/emplo ... d-retakes/

Basically it seems that University has no qualms in issuing a CAS number when they want 10,000 pounds in tuition from a new student but when the same student needs genuine assistance (in accordance with home office regulations) the university shirks away from its responsibilities and does not care whether the student is kicked out from the country and is unable to perform well in the dissertation due to a lack of available resources.

As I have stated before, I do have support of the welfare officer at the University who has recommended me for an extension but it is the registry that makes the ultimate decision. Please advise me regarding what I should do in this situation as there is very little time left before my visa expires.


CASE 2: My friend

My friend was enrolled at the University during the same year as me and her visa expires on 12th of November as well. Although she is a good student, a medical condition seriously compromised the quality of her work during her course and it led to the termination of her course. She appealed against the termination by obtaining a medical certificate which proved that she had a medical condition. Her appeal on medical grounds was accepted as genuine and she has been invited to attend an appeal panel meeting which will take the final decision with regards to reversing the termination.

Now, the only problem is that the letter inviting her to the appeal panel states that the next meeting is due to be held during late November and early December.

It is extremely essential for her be present at the panel since she would be able to effectively address all concerns raised by the members of the panel as opposed to the other scenario. She would like to seek a student extension in order to be present at the panel meet. I would like to know whether it is LEGALLY possible for her to get a student extension or a CAS number at this stage. If not, what are the other alternatives she can pursue in order to stay in the UK (without leaving the country and reapplying) until the panel meeting takes place?


Thanks a lot for all your help and I hope someone responds soon!

[vzh0916]

Why there's no one answer this. Same thing happened on me!!! Im in leicester Uni as well. Please give some advices!!!!

[Deviser]

Actually there is no way to remain in UK without visa.

On Tier-4, visa cannot be issued without CAS.

Finally, CAS can only be issued by sponsors on taught/confirmed courses.

So, in first case:

CAS is needed. If you think university/sponsor is doing something wrong. Contact your university higher authority/international student advisor or go through Solicitor. UKBA role start after CAS.

Second case:

Again CAS is needed to get Tier-4 visa which cannot be issued for medical grounds or penal meetings. She may go back to home country with all documents and apply for visit visa to attend panel meeting.