Suspensions, temporary leave and external students
Students with a student visa who are not required to be on campus are expected to leave the UK.
This may happen if:
- your studies are suspended
- you are on temporary leave
- you are repeating part of your studies as an external student
- you complete your studies early
The University is required to notify UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if you are absent for any of the above reasons. The University will tell you when this notification has been sent. UKVI will then take action to cancel your visa.
When UKVI cancel your visa, they will send you a letter called a notice of cancellation. This notice will confirm your new visa expiry date. You will be required to leave the UK or submit a valid application to switch to a different visa, before this date. You do not need to wait for this notice before you leave the UK.
UKVI will send you the notice of cancellation using the contact details they hold for you, which will normally be the email address linked to your UKVI account or the email address you used for your most recent visa application. You must keep your UKVI account updated with your current contact details to make sure that you do not miss any essential emails from UKVI. You should also check your email’s spam/junk folder as emails from UKVI may sometimes be incorrectly marked as spam.
If you have any doubts or concerns about an email you have received from UKVI or the Home Office, please contact the Student Visa Advice team.
It is also vital that you keep both your current term-time and permanent home addresses updated on your student record in Minerva.
Returning to the UK
Before returning to the UK, you'll need to request a new CAS from the University and apply for a new visa. No refund will be given for any visa or Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees you have previously paid.
You'll only be able to register as a student again when you have returned to the UK, and you've provided evidence of your new immigration permission to the University.