International Student Clearance and your visa conditions

International Student Clearance

The University will need to check your passport and immigration status to ensure that a copy of it is stored in our student records system.

This is done at the start of your studies in International Student Clearance. All new non-UK students will be invited to book an appointment via a link in the August edition of their Welcome Email.

During your appointment you will be able to collect your UniCard and if you have arranged for your BRP card to be delivered to the University (see here), you will be able collect this as well.

Remember to keep your BRP card safe as you would your passport. If it is lost or stolen, replacing it takes time and money! If you have a digital immigration status, you will need to present a share code along with your passport.

Student visa conditions

Working regulations

Student visa-holders on degree-level courses can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time and unlimited hours during vacations. Vacations are defined differently depending on the course that you are studying. It is important that you do not let your studies suffer.

In reality most postgraduates find that seven to eight hours per week is the most they can do. Students on Visitor visas are not permitted to work.

Most dependants of Student visa holders on degree-level courses will be given permission to work full-time in the UK. If your dependants are not allowed to work, this will be stated on their visa.

Complying with the conditions of your Student visa

Student visa-holders have a number of specific duties and responsibilities imposed by UKVI. The key requirements that you should be aware of include the following which you must do:

• Comply with the conditions of your immigration permission (e.g. only working part-time)

• Register on a course of study at the education institution which is printed on your BRP card or digital status

• Provide the University with specific information including your current passport and visa/BRP

• Updates on your current address, email and telephone numbers

• Updates on any other changes (e.g. an extension to your visa)

• Attend all of your classes and immediately inform your academic department if you will need to be absent for any reason, even if you will only miss one class.

The University’s responsibilities as a Student visa sponsor

Any education institution in the UK that wishes to admit nonUK students must hold a licence from the Home Office. The University of Exeter is a licensed Student visa sponsor.

Our responsibilities include:

• ensuring that all of our students have immigration permission which allows them to study with us.

• Keeping a record of your current visa, BRP/digital status and contact details.

• Monitoring your attendance at the University

• Reporting to the Home Office if you change your programme or if you leave the University.

• Withdrawing immigration sponsorship if you leave the University or interrupt your studies for more than two months.

You can find more detailed information on all of the above in the Visa Conditions section of our website: exeter. ac.uk/students/international/ visaconditions