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Visas and immigration
Read our information, advice and guidance to learn about the different immigration routes for international students in the UK, how to apply and what to do if you have any problems.
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Student immigration: the basics
Begin your international student journey by finding out which immigration categories are most likely to be relevant for you.
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Student route: eligibility and requirements
The Student route is a points-based visa system for all international students, including EU, EEA, and Swiss students, who want to study in the UK.
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Student route: applying in the UK
Applying for the Student route inside the UK is a different process to applying outside of the UK. Check if you’re eligible and find out how to apply from inside the UK.
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Student route: applying outside of the UK
The Student route is for international students who want to study in the UK – find out if you can apply for immigration permission from outside of the UK.
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Student route: bringing your family
If you are on the Student route, you may be eligible to bring your dependants (family members) with you to the UK. Only some family members can join you in the UK and there are rules and requirements that they may need to meet.
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Protecting your Student status
Essential guide on maintaining your student visa status in the UK, covering everything from attendance requirements to visa renewals, ensuring your educational journey remains uninterrupted.
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Short-term students
If you’re coming to the UK to study an English language course of between six and 11 months, you may need to apply for a Short-term Student visa.
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EU Settlement Scheme
The EU Settlement Scheme offers EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, and their eligible family members, who were in the UK before the end of the transition period, the opportunity to protect their residence in the UK beyond the transition period.
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Passport and visa problems
Explore solutions for issues with your passport, visa, or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), including what to do if your documents are lost, damaged, or contain errors, ensuring your stay in the UK remains compliant with immigration rules.
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Immigration on entry to the UK
Find out what to expect when arriving in the UK as an international student, covering visa checks, customs, and initial steps to ensure compliance with immigration rules, making your transition into UK life smoother.
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Entering the UK via Ireland
You might travel to the UK via the Republic of Ireland. It is important that you understand what this might mean for your immigration permission.
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Student sponsor licence changes
Most students complete their studies in the UK with no issues around their visa or Student sponsorship. However, occasionally changes are made to an institution’s Student sponsor licence that could affect you.
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Students' union sabbatical officers
International students can stand as Students’ Union Sabbatical Officers. If you’re intending to stand for election, you may have questions about your immigration permission.
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