Arrival in the UK
Upon arrival in the UK, you must show your documents to an immigration officer.
Please make sure you have the following documents in your hand luggage.
- Passport
- Bank statements, a sponsor’s letter (in English) or a bank draft to prove sufficient funds are available.
- Unconditional offer letter plus any letters from academic department or/and Admissions.
- Proof (written or verbal) of intention to return home at the end of the course.
- Copy of certification of TB/BCG vaccination, including report of chest x-ray in English (to be sent to you in next mailing)
- Important University contact numbers, so you can telephone the University if in difficulty.
- Letter about University accommodation (if you have one).
The Immigration Officer
Immigration officers may:
- Search baggage. Letters or documents (in any language) which suggest reasons other than study brings someone to the UK can lead to refusal of entry to the UK.
- Ask ambiguous questions, the purpose of which is not always clear to students. Remember: entry to UK as a student is granted on condition that you DO NOT work full-time and DO NOT plan to stay in this country after completing your studies (with some exceptions).
Everything you say to Immigration Officers must be:
They keep records of all information given. If there is a misunderstanding or discrepancy
- You might not be allowed in, or
- You might not be able to get your visa extended later
The Immigration Officer:
- Will demand the documents above
- Can ask questions
- Can cancel your Leave to Enter if s/he believes that your circumstances have changed or are different from the time that entry clearance was obtained. (There is a right of appeal within the UK.)
You have permission to stay in the UK until the date on your visa/entry certificate. If the Immigration Officer is satisfied, s/he will stamp the date in your passport.
Students entering without prior Entry Clearance/Leave to Enter
- You will examined by an Immigration Officer at the port of entry before being granted Leave to Enter.
- The length of your Leave to Enter or expiry date will be stamped in your passport by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. You have permission to stay in the UK until that date (if you remain a student).
- Documents missing? Entry may be refused or only one or two months Leave to Enter given. An application for extension of Leave to Remain must then be made soon after arrival at the University of Bedfordshire at a minimum cost of £295.
