Immigration during your stay in the UK
UK immigration details – student and university responsibilities
If you applied for your visa on or after 31 March 2009, and you have a Student (entry clearance) visa with 'Tier 4' written on it or an Identity Card For Foreign Nationals (ICFN) with 'Student' written on it the following information will apply to you.
The university we will need to keep details of your passport, and your local term-time or contact address up to date. We will ask you during online enrolment for your passport details and for your term-time address, and you will be able to keep the address up to date either via your personal tab on studentcentral, or by notifying a Registry Site office. Your school will ask to take a copy of your passport and the identity card if you have one.
The university is required by law to report certain changes to your course (like length) or withdrawals from study to the UK immigration authorities.
Registering with the Police
Registering for the first time
Students from certain countries need to register with the police once they have arrived in the UK, and inform the police of any change of address or visa extension. See the Sussex Police Nationality Unit website for all information on Police registration.
The Student Advice service arrange sessions for new international students for Police Registration at the start of the academic year, we will contact students with booking information, though if you have any questions please email visas@brighton.ac.uk.
Travel application
Please contact the International Student Adviser for advice before making an immigration application: if you wish to go to another country for a study trip or holiday, you should contact the country's embassy in London to find out if you require a visa and if so how to apply. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website provides a list of embassies.
Changes to your study
You may consider either taking a year out from studying or changing to part-time study. This is not possible if you have a student visa so it is essential that you get in touch before you make any changes.
Thinking of leaving?
If you are a non-EEA national residing in the UK with a Tier 4 or Student visa, withdrawing from your course has serious implications. Under the terms of a Tier 4 or Student visa you must be enrolled on and attending a course of study. Therefore, if you withdraw from your course you must, unless you have a place to start another course elsewhere, leave the UK and return to your home country.
The UK Border Agency (UKBA) will expect you to leave the UK within 28 days of the date you withdraw from your course.
Whatever your circumstances, if you are thinking of withdrawing from your course you are strongly advised to contact the International Student Adviser to discuss your situation.
