As a Student Sponsor, UAL must comply with the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
We have a legal responsibility to keep records and make 'right to study' checks in line with UKVI regulations. We’re required to ensure that all students subject to immigration control have permission that allows them to study.
Read more about what we expect of you as a visa holder whilst you study at UAL.
Tier 4 or Student Route visa holders
Read more about your Tier 4 or Student Route visa responsibilities.
All other visa holders
If you have any other type of visa, when you enrol at UAL you're confirming that you understand and agree to comply with:
- the conditions of your visa
- the University’s requirements.
Your responsibilities as a student
During the time you study at UAL you must:
1. Ensure that you follow the conditions of your visa and that the principal purpose of your stay in the UK remains unchanged. If you don’t comply with these regulations you may not be able to continue or complete your studies.
2. Enrol for your course on time for each academic year. If you’re delayed, contact your College or Institute as soon as possible.
3. Pay your tuition fees when expected and in line with any pre-arranged payment plan (if applicable). This is important to make sure that your studies are not disrupted and that you can continue to pursue your academic goals.
4. Provide up-to-date documents at enrolment and at any other time if asked. This will include but is not limited to:
a) Your current visa and immigration documents. These may include:
- Entry clearance vignette
- Visa/Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (copy of the front and back)
- Share code to provide your digital immigration status. This only applies to digital immigration status (eVisas)
- UK visa stamps obtained at the UK Border
- Evidence of travel to the UK such as a boarding pass or travel ticket
- Evidence of an ongoing visa application that you submitted on time, if you have a pending application.
- Any additional information on your visa/immigration status e.g. if you have a dependent visa, you will need to provide evidence of the main visa holder. Read more UAL enrolment information for visa holders.
b) Your current passport, or EU/EEA or Swiss national ID card for those with EU Settlement Scheme status
5. Ensure that you have valid permission to enter or stay in the UK for the whole duration of your course.
6. Tell the University of any changes to your immigration status, passport or EU/EEA or Swiss national ID card for those with EU Settlement Scheme status.
7. Check your UAL email regularly, undertaking any instruction given to you by the University regarding your immigration status.
8. Give permission to the University to contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regarding your immigration status.
9. Keep your contact details up to date on the UAL Portal. This a UKVI requirement and includes:
- your personal email address
- your UK telephone number (UKVI does not allow overseas numbers)
- your address in the UK
- your address in your home country.
UAL's responsibilities
UAL must comply with the requirements of the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). If we become aware that you’re not meeting the conditions of your visa, we’re required by law to report this to UKVI.
If we fail to follow our legal requirements it will have serious consequences for UAL. This includes the removal of our Sponsor Licence. We must meet our obligations for the benefit of all our sponsored students.
The Immigration Compliance team manages UAL's record-keeping and reporting duties to UKVI. Students and staff can contact the team by emailing immigrationcompliance@arts.ac.uk. They don’t offer appointments.
Recordkeeping
For all other visa holders, UKVI rules state that we must keep on file:
- up-to-date contact details of all students subject to immigration control
- copies of students’ passports and immigration documents to confirm their right to study in the UK
- copies of all certificates and qualifications to show that students met the entry conditions of their course.
Contact details include:
- your email address
- your UK telephone number (UKVI does not allow overseas numbers)
- your address in the UK
- your address in your home country.
Help and guidance
Contact the Student Advice Service for personalised advice relating to your immigration status or visa.
Find further guidance and advice from the following resources:
- UAL representatives
- The British Council office in your home country
- The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
- The UK Government
The Immigration Compliance team manages UAL's record-keeping and reporting duties to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Students and staff can contact the team by emailing immigrationcompliance@arts.ac.uk. They don’t offer appointments.