Important Administrative Tasks

A visa is stamped or sealed in your passport; it is NOT a separate document. It is official permission from a country to stay in that country. The type of visa indicates how long and under what circumstances you can be in a country.

The United Kingdom has heightened security measures for all migration into its countries. International students studying and working/interning in Northern Ireland are required to obtain a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. This will allow you to study at Ulster University, CGEE’s academic partner in Northern Ireland, as well as participate freely in your internships. The British Consulate in New York grants visas to US students.

IMPORTANT! CGEE will provide you with a detailed guide when you are applying for your visa. The outline below ONLY summarizes and outlines the process. DO NOT attempt to apply for the visa without CGEE’s detailed instructions and documentation! Applying on your own will delay or prevent your visa being granted.

Note on the potential for changes in visa requirements: The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) frequently changes its visa requirements and the format for submitting documents. CGEE strives to give you the most up-to-date information available and to support you in the application process. However, you are responsible for applying for your visa, including following UKBA instructions. Below are the steps involved in the visa process. 

Step 1: Acceptance at Ulster University 

Once you have submitted all required documents to CGEE, we will submit materials to Ulster University on your behalf. Ulster University will send you an email with your Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) number. This number is essential for the visa application and you cannot start the rest of the visa process without it.

Step 2: Complete the visa application

• A live webinar will be held during which we will assist you in completing the online application. Here are some instructions and screen shots from previous application cycles. Please review these carefully so you are familiar with what will be asked and how to answer. 

• Print/Submit a copy of your online application, pay for your visa (~$640 payable by Visa or Mastercard). 

• Schedule a biometrics appointment (a fingerprinting appointment) at your nearest USCIS support center.  Find your closest service center. 

Step 3: Attend your biometrics appointment  

Go to a USCIS Support Center and have your fingerprints digitally taken and your biometrics confirmation form signed.

Step 4: Send a hard copy of your completed visa application and materials to the British Consulate in New York

Mail your visa application and supporting items (passport, biometrics confirmation) as directed on this page. 

Step 5: Receive your passport back with the visa inside  

Within two or three weeks of sending your visa application to the British Consulate in New York City, you will receive your passport with the UK visa sealed on an inner page.

1. Once you have submitted all required documents to CGEE, we will submit materials to Ulster University on your behalf. Ulster University will send you an email with your Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) number. This number is essential for the visa application and you cannot start the rest of the visa process without it.

2. You also will receive an invitation to sign into Ulster Central Authentication Service (another "CAS," not be confused with your Confirmation of Acceptance for Study CAS), CAS Shield. It is important that you do so as soon as possible after receiving the invitation. 

3. Finally, a housing application will be emailed to you. The Program Director will have already reserved accommodations for you, so this is merely a formality, but you do need to complete and return the application for policy purposes.