Student visas: keeping your status valid

A student visa is not a one-time stamp. It comes with conditions you must keep for your whole course, and some changes in your life must be reported. The UK system is used as the worked example here, but the habits apply everywhere.

What your visa actually says

• GOV.UK says the UK Student visa is for people aged 16 or over with a place on a course from a licensed student sponsor, and you must show enough money and English ability.
• From outside the UK, the earliest you can apply is 6 months before your course starts; GOV.UK says decisions usually take about 3 weeks from outside the UK.
• Your permission has conditions, for example whether and how much you may work, and it has an end date.
• GOV.UK warns that if you break the conditions of your visa, you may not be able to come to the UK again.
• Read your decision letter and write down three things: the expiry date, your work condition and your sponsor (university).

The UK eVisa and your UKVI account

• GOV.UK explains that an eVisa is a digital record of your identity, your immigration status and its conditions, and that eVisas have replaced physical immigration documents.
• You access your eVisa through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account; setting up the account and viewing the eVisa are free.
• You can travel using your eVisa once your passport or travel document details are added to your account.
• To prove your status to an employer or landlord, you generate a share code; GOV.UK says a share code lasts 90 days and the other person also needs your date of birth.
• Keep your UKVI login details safe, and make sure you still have access to the phone number or email you sign in with.

Changes you must report

• GOV.UK says you should update your UKVI account if you change your passport or travel document, name, mobile number, email, home address or postal address.
• To change your name, date of birth or nationality, you need an identity document that proves the change.
• You cannot change your name or passport details while a visa application decision is pending, according to GOV.UK.
• UKCISA (the UK Council for International Student Affairs) says you must also keep your university, any official financial sponsor and, if needed, your home embassy informed of your address and contact details.
• UKCISA notes the old requirement to register with the police was abolished in 2022.

Attendance, course changes and breaks

• UKCISA explains that universities monitor attendance and engagement through 'expected contacts' such as lessons, tutorials, coursework submissions and exams.
• If you will miss an expected contact, tell your tutor or department as soon as possible and ask whether they need evidence, such as a doctor's letter.
• Universities must report to the Home Office if you do not enrol, withdraw, finish early or defer your studies.
• UKCISA says that if your course is deferred, your permission is usually shortened (curtailed) to 60 days, and you will need a new application when you return.
• Before changing course, taking a break or moving university, speak to your university's international student advice team first.

Work limits and public funds

• UKCISA says student permission carries either a work restriction (limited hours and types of work) or a work prohibition.
• Working too many hours is treated seriously: UKCISA warns it can lead to refused applications or removal from the UK.
• GOV.UK says students cannot be self-employed or work in certain roles, such as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
• Students also cannot claim 'public funds' (certain state benefits); UKCISA says doing so can affect future applications.
• Check your exact hours limit on your eVisa and with your university before you accept any job (see the Student Money Survival module).