Arriving and living in the UK
Arriving in the UK
When you arrive at a port of entry in the UK, your passport and entry clearance will be checked along
with your documents, you will then have a date stamp placed in your passport. Your leave to enter the UK
will begin from that date. It will expire on the 'valid until' date stated on your entry clearance unless
your leave is curtailed because you take a break in your studies or finish earlier than planned.
If your visa is in an old passport you must bring both passports with you to enter the UK.
Tier 4
From the 21 April 2011 if you are entering the UK as a Tier 4 student the UKBA will have the right to
refuse you entry if, when interviewed by a UKBA officer, you are not able to hold a simple conversation
in English without the need of an interpreter. Interviews will not be routine.
Student Visitor
If you are a non-visa national coming to the UK to study for less than 6 months you may be
seeking entry upon arrival as a Student Visitor.
Provided you can show that you meet the immigration rules and requirements for the category you
are seeking entry under, you should have a stamp placed in your passport. If you are entering as a
Student Visitor you should ensure that the Immigration Officer understands
that and writes 'VST' on the stamp.
Before you travel
Before you travel we recommend you read the detailed information regarding customs and travel,
including what you can expect when arriving in the UK and appeals, produced by the
UK Border Agency.
UKCISA and the
British Council also produce useful guidance and information that is worth reading.
Entering the UK
If you experience any difficulty with Immigration Officials on entry to the UK you should ask
the Immigration Officer to telephone Student Support at the Colchester campus.
Contacting Student Support
Telephone: 01206 827366
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.45am – 4.15pm