Visa and Immigration Student Advice Service

Important advice for students studying in the UK on a visa

Please see here for specific information about Covid-19 (Coronavirus) for students studying here on a visa.

The University has a dedicated team of staff to provide information and advice about visas and immigration for students and their dependants.

The University of Southampton's VISAS Team:

Offer advice and guidance on matters relating to the UK Student visa type.
Support international students, their dependants and recent graduates with immigration issues relating to study in the UK.
Manage the application process and help to submit applications on behalf of current students extending their visas under the Student visa route.
Liaise with UKVI on compliance matters.

The University is an Alternative Collection Location (ACL) for Student visas. We recommend that you use the University as the ACL if you are applying for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card for your Student visa. The ACL code is: 2HE382.

Frequently Asked Questions

Enquiry form

You can contact us through our online enquiry form. We strongly encourage people to contact us through the online enquiry form rather than emailing us directly.

Lost passports and visas

If you have lost your passport or visa (e.g. BRP card) then there are some important steps that you must take.

Visa drop-in and appointments

We offer a drop-in service for quick questions regarding your visa or you can book an appointment to speak, in depth, with one of our visa advisors.

Applying from outside the UK

Information on applying for a Student visa from outside of the UK.

Applying from inside the UK

Information on applying for a Student visa from within the UK.

Attendance and absence

Information on attendance requirements for students on a Student visa, as well as absence from studies.

Working in the UK

Find out more about restrictions and advice for working alongside your studies in the UK under a Student visa.

Inviting visitors to the UK

How to arrange for visitors to come to the UK.

Deferring, changing or suspending your course

Information regarding deferring, changing, or suspending your studies and how this will affect your Student visa.

Travelling outside the UK during your studies

Find out more information about travelling abroad while studying in the UK and how this may affect your Student visa.

Police registration

Information on registering with the police if you have this requirement on your visa.

Pre-sessional

Advice and guidance for pre-sessional students looking to extend their Student visa.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

If you cannot find the information that you need on our website then the UK Government's website may contain further information.

Further information and advice from UKCISA

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website contains useful further information for international students.

Useful Downloads

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The information contained in this website is believed to be correct at the time of publication. For further information please ensure that you refer to the relevant guidance from the UKVI at the time of applying. The University of Southampton is not responsible for the content of external webpages or information published by Government bodies.

Please note: The University of Southampton is not responsible for the content on any external websites.