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Immigration and visas

Depending on your nationality and UK immigration status, you may need to follow specific regulations to enter, study and work in the UK.

Visa

A visa gives legal permission to enter or to remain in the UK. You need to submit a successful application to get this permission.

It's important to apply for the right type of study visa for your needs. You can check which type you may need using the UK Government’s visa checking tool.

  • Close up shot of a woman's hand cutting a strip of fabric with scissors
    A student working at London College of Fashion

    Visas for short periods of study

    For students coming to the UK to study for short periods of time on an English language course, a short course, or to retake a unit

  • Photo of a woman sitting at a sewing machine
    Image courtesy of UAL,

    Student Visa

    For students coming to the UK to study on courses like degrees, diplomas and presessional courses

  • Interview with Jack Rowe

    EU Settlement Scheme  

    If you're an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family can apply to the scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.

  • Student at desk using a laptop
    © John Sturrock, Studying at the Library Group Zone. Central Saint Martins. UAL.

    Enrolling on your course

    Check what information you'll need when you enrol as a visa holder

  • A blue landscape of hills made from denim fabrics
    Xijun (Francis) Liao, 2023 Graduate Diploma Textile Design, Chelsea College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Kristy Noble

    Changes to your studies

    Read more about the changes to your studies that can impact your visa

  • Student in full graduation robes walking towards the Royal Festival Hall
    Image courtesy of UAL, UAL Graduation 2018 at Royal Festival Hall

    Options after graduation

    Find out more about attending graduation and staying in the UK after completing your course

Immigration and visa compliance

If you need a visa to be in the UK, you must follow the immigration rules attached to your visa.

By law UAL must comply with the immigration rules and requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We must meet our obligations for the benefit of all our sponsored students.

Take action to get your eVisa

UKVI are developing a digital immigration system. If you have physical visa documents, they’ll be replaced by an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your visa. This is called an electronic visa (eVisa).

You’ll need to take action before 31 December 2024 to get your eVisa. We'll be asking for eVisa details when you enrol in autumn 2024.

Your Student visa responsibilities

You must protect your visa. Understand how to meet the conditions of your visa and remain enrolled at UAL.

Attendance and engagement

Find out more about how we monitor your attendance and engagement with your course. What you need to do if you miss a session and how to request authorised absence if you hold a Tier 4/Student Route visa.

Travelling abroad

If you hold a visa for studying in the UK and plan to travel outside the UK during your course, there are important considerations to make when planning your trip.

Visas

You must check if you need a visa for the country you wish to visit as your UK visa will not be valid for travel to other countries. Refer to the embassy website of the country you wish to visit for more information.

If you are travelling to European countries, you may be able to apply for a Schengen visa.

Before travelling to any country outside the UK you must check that your passport is valid and that it will not expire while you are there.

Lost or stolen visas and passports

Find out what to do if your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card or vignette is lost, stolen or damaged, in the UK or elsewhere.

Returning to the UK

If you're still studying on your course with a valid study visa, you can leave and return to the UK. Make sure you have the following documents at the border:

  • Student status letter - download one from your online portal, or visit the Language Centre or the College short course office.
  • Passport.
  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if applicable.
  • Police registration certificate, if applicable.

Get help

If you need assistance, you can get in touch with: