Immigration and Welfare

My Visa Expires Before Graduation Can I Extend It?

You cannot extend your Tier 4 visa in order to attend graduation. The Tier 4 rules only allow the university to sponsor students up to the expected end date of their course. If your course is for 12 months or longer you should be issued with a visa for the duration of your course plus an additional amount of time of four months. If your course is for less than 12 months your visa will be issued for the duration of your course plus an additional amount of time of two months. If your graduation ceremony falls outside of this time you will be required to return home and apply for a visitor visa in order to return to the UK and attend your graduation. Further information can be found on about applying for a visitor visa.

Can I Extend My Tier 4 Visa?

More information on extending your Tier 4 visa.

I Have Lost My Passport And Visa What Do I Need To Do?

Firstly you will need to report your passport and/or visa as lost or stolen to the Police. You will be given a reference number which you should make a note of keep in a safe place. You will need to contact your country’s embassy in the UK to check how to apply for a new passport.

If you lose your BRP you will need to report this to UK Visas and Immigration and apply for a replacement BRP. You can do this from the webpage below:

https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/lost-stolen-damaged

What Should I Do If I Need To Travel For An Emergency?

Travel during term time is not normally approved unless there are exceptional reasons. You must seek advice from the International Student Journey Officer before leaving the UK during term-time. If you are required to travel during term-time you will need authorisation from your Programme Leader and you will be expected to provide evidence of why you need to travel.

Healthcare in the UK

If you have a Tier 4 visa, which has been issued for 6 months, or longer you will have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge when you applied for your visa. This means you to access healthcare through the National Health Service whilst you are studying in the UK.

You will need to register with a Doctor/GP in the UK.

You can find health services close to you on the website below:

www.nhs.uk/service-search

If you are studying in the UK with a student visitor visa that is valid for 6 months you will not be able to access healthcare through the NHS and must ensure you have medical insurance.

Do I Need To Register With The Police?

Your visa will tell you whether you need to register with the Police. If you are required to register you must contact the International Visitors Registration Office within seven days of arrival in the UK to make an appointment. For more information about Police Registration please see here.

Can I Work In The UK?

Your Tier 4 visa will state the number of hours per week which you are entitled to work in the UK. You can view more information on working during your studies and after your studies here.

Can I Travel During Vacation Period?

During the university vacation period, you can travel within the UK or return to your home country. If you wish to visit any other country you will need to apply for immigration permission for that country before leaving the UK. The Schengen Visa Scheme allows students to travel to certain countries within the European Economic Area using just one visa.

Can I Open A Bank Account In The UK?

If the course you are enrolling on is for a period of one academic year or longer you should be able to open a bank account in the UK. There are a number of high street banks in the UK which offer current accounts to international students. Once you have chosen a bank you will need a letter of introduction which can be issued by the Student Advisors. You can request this in the Student Centre or by email studentadvisors@bolton.ac.uk.

Can I Make Changes To My Studies?

If you are studying at the University of Bolton with a Tier 4 visa you will need to be aware that certain changes to your studies may impact on your visa. Find out more information about changes to your studies and how they will impact your immigration status in the UK. You must seek advice from the Immigration and Welfare Officer before you request any change to your student record.