Returning to the UK after your course has ended
Find out what you need to consider if you want to return to the UK after your course has ended.
Returning to the UK for further study
Returning to the UK for the purpose of further study should be straightforward. However, we advise keeping documents to hand that show you still meet the visa requirements, in case you are questioned by immigration.
These documents could include:
- your CAS letter
- Student Registration Status Certificate
- bank statements
- sponsor letter
- student card
Returning to the UK for graduation
You can return to the UK for graduation if your visa is still valid.
You may be questioned about your intentions, as you are no longer studying. You should keep documents to hand that prove you were a student and are returning for your graduation.
These documents could include:
- your CAS letter
- Student Registration Status Certificate (choose the option for 'graduation invitation')
- your graduation booking confirmation email
- bank statements
- student ID card
- return flight ticket
If your visa is no longer valid, or you completed your course early and your visa was curtailed by UKVI, you must apply for a new visa to return to the UK to attend your graduation. You should apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. Find more guidance on the family and friends visits page (note that you do not require an invitation letter).
Returning to the UK to apply for the graduate visa
If you wish to apply for the graduate visa and have left the UK, you can apply if you return to the UK and apply before your current visa expires.
When your degree has been awarded the University will inform UKVI of this and that you are eligible to apply for the graduate visa. You will receive an email from the University to confirm this so you can carry this email with you when returning to the UK. The timeframe to apply for the graduate visa is after receiving this email and before your current visa expires.
Returning to the UK for another reason
If you've finished your studies, do not intend to take another course and want to re-enter the UK, there is a risk that you may no longer meet the immigration rules, especially if your course end date was brought forward.
If an immigration officer considers that your reason for coming back to the UK has changed then they could cancel your immigration permission. In practice, this is unlikely to happen but please note that you travel at your own risk.