Urgent Advice Needed: Visa Expiring Before In-Person Resit — University Refusing In-UK CAS

[simrann]

Dear Sir,

I would like to seek your guidance regarding a visa issue that may affect my ability to complete my Master’s degree.

I got resit in modules, which is scheduled for April 2026 and requires in-person attendance. However, my current Student visa expires on 5 February 2026, which is before the resit date.

The university has informed me that they cannot issue a new CAS while I am inside the UK. I have been advised that I must return to my home country and apply for a new visa from overseas once a CAS is issued. They have also stated that issuing a CAS is not guaranteed.

The reason provided is that there is no required attendance between my visa expiry date and the issuance of a new CAS. However, I remain a registered student, and my resit assessment requires physical presence in the UK.

I am finding it difficult to understand why a CAS cannot be issued from within the UK despite enrollment and the requirement to return for an in-person examination. This situation places me in a very uncertain position regarding my immigration status and my ability to complete my course.

I would greatly appreciate your advice on whether the university’s position aligns with UK immigration regulations, and if there are any alternative options available in my case.

Thank you very much for your time and guidance.

[lolo2]

The reason provided is that there is no required attendance between my visa expiry date and the issuance of a new CAS. However, I remain a registered student, and my resit assessment requires physical presence in the UK.

I am finding it difficult to understand why a CAS cannot be issued from within the UK despite enrollment and the requirement to return for an in-person examination.

Normally resits do not require that the student has to be physical present in the UK, and universities have their own provisions in this regard. For example, you do not need to be in the UK between February and April and that's the reason why the university is not extending your visa. You're still enrolled in the course because you have not yet (successfully) completed it.

You can travel to the UK in April with another visa type, for example a visitor visa to do the resits.

Speak with an advisor at the international students department in your university.

[sah10406]

I am finding it difficult to understand why a CAS cannot be issued from within the UK despite enrollment and the requirement to return for an in-person examination.

Because if it was issued while you are in the UK, you might try to use it to apply from within the UK. That would be refused and would be a strike against the university's sponsor license.

You can only apply in your home country because your new period of study / CAS for the re-sit starts in April 2026, which is more than 28 days after the expiry of your visa.

I am surprised that the university did not explain this.

This situation places me in a very uncertain position regarding my immigration status and my ability to complete my course.

Your university is offering to sponsor a new Student visa precisely so you can come back and do your resit in April. If you prefer, you could come back as a Standard visitor instead and do the re-sit with that status. You can choose whichever option works best for you.