Who is subject to immigration control?
If your nationality is not UK or Irish you are subject to immigration control. Being subject to immigration control means that you will need a visa or have an immigration permission that permits study in the UK.
What visa do I need?
- Visiting/exchange students visiting for one semester (less than 6 months in duration) - Standard visit visa
- Programmes of study longer than 6 months in duration - Student visa
Please note that if you are registered on a collaborative programme of study that is jointly awarded by the University of Southampton, you will need a Student visa even if your study on our campus is less than 6 months in duration.
If you already have a valid visa or immigration permission for the UK which permits study on your intended programme of study at Southampton, you are not required to apply for another visa.
If your status is as: British overseas territories citizen, British overseas citizen, British national (overseas) or British protected person you are still subject to immigration control and do not have the automatic right to study and work in the UK. If you are a British subject you will usually be subject to immigration control. This means that if you are studying a course that is longer than 6 months in duration you will need a CAS to apply for a Student visa, unless you apply for a suitable alternative immigration type that permits study.
These webpages provide guidance on applying for a Student visa, completing a Right to Study check, Student visa conditions, what to do if you have lost your passport/visa, placements, a change in your circumstances (including programme transfer, change of personal details, immigration status, repeating a year, suspending/deferring/withdrawing and early completion), absence from study, and, working after study.
Visa & Immigration Student Advice Service (VISAS Team)
The University of Southampton's VISAS Team:
- Offer advice and guidance on matters relating to the UK Student visa
- Support international students, their dependants and recent graduates with immigration issues relating to study in the UK
- Liaise with UKVI on compliance matters
- Issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) in support of Student visa applications
- respond to Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) enquiries for study at the University
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.
