Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions with their answers. If these do not answer your questions, please email isa@uel.ac.uk
Please note that the information provided here is for general information only.
- Applying for a Tier 4 Visa (outside or inside the UK)
- Enrolling at UEL and Visas for students already in the UK
- Course problems, resits and changes
- Other issues (Lost passports/ Registering with the Police)
- Traveling (to and from the UK)
- Work (during and after studies)
- Visa Problems (refusals and rejections)
For questions relating to our Welcome Programme, Enrolment and Orientation, visit Orientation FAQs.
For question relating to UEL applications, please visit Your Questions.
Applying for a Tier 4 Visa (outside or inside the UK)
- I am in my home country. I am going to study at UEL. How do I apply for a visa?
- I am in the UK. I need to renew my student visa. What should I do?
- I need a CAS. What is it and how do I get one?
- How much money do I need to show for my student visa application?
Enrolling at UEL and Visas for students already in the UK
- I have a Tier 4 (student) visa for another institution, can I study at UEL?
- I have an old style student visa (applied for before 31st March 2009), can I study at UEL?
- I have a work visa, can I study at UEL?
- I have a visitor visa, can I study at UEL?
- I have some other type of visa, can I study at UEL?
Course problems, resits and changes
- I have failed a module(s) and have to resit. What should I do?
- I am in my home country. Can I defer my studies?
- I am already in the UK. Can I defer/ take a break from my studies?
- I'm having problems with attending my course. What should I do?
Other issues (Lost passports/ Registering with the Police)
- I have lost my passport. What should I do?
- My Visa says that I have to register with the Police. What do I do?
Travelling (to and from the UK)
- Can I travel outside the UK during term time?
- Can I travel outside the UK during official vacation time?
- I want to travel to another country, do I need a Visa?
- I have finished my course and want to return home for a while. I still have time remaining on my student visa. Can I come back to the UK on the student visa?
- Returning to the UK for my Graduation Ceremony - what do I need to do?
Work (during and after studies)
- Can I work whilst I study?
- When can I work full time?
- Can I volunteer whilst I study?
- I have finished my course and I want to apply for a work visa. What should I do?
- What other kind of visa can I apply for, now that PSW route has closed?
Visa Problems (refusals and rejections)
- My Visa application has been refused. What should I do?
- My Visa application has been returned as invalid. What should I do?
Applying for a Tier 4 Visa (outside or inside the UK)
1. I am in my home country, I am going to study at UEL. How do I apply for a visa?
If you wish to study at UEL and you are not a British national or a national of a European Union member state, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland, you will require a visa in order to study in the UK.
If your main reason for coming to the UK is to study, you will need to apply for a student visa under Tier 4 of the Points Based System for UK Migration. In order to successfully apply for a Student Visa you need to obtain 40 points.
Detailed information on the requirements for Student Visas (Tier 4) are available on the Student Visas section of our webpages as well as on the UKCISA and UKVISAS websites.
2. I am in the UK. I need to renew my student visa. What should I do?
If you need to renew your student visa because you have started a new course or because you need extra time to complete a course that you have already started, please see our webpages on Student Visas for detailed information. We also hold regular workshops for students who need to renew their student visa.
3. I need a CAS. What is it and how do I get one?
In order to successfully apply for a Student Visa you need to obtain 40 points under Tier 4 of the Points Based System of UK migration. 30 of the 40 points required are awarded for a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).
If you are a new student at UEL or are starting a new course at UEL, a CAS will be issued once you have met the academic requirements as well as having paid the required deposit as outlined on your International Offer Letter (Normally this is a minimum of 50% of the course fees except for short courses, where the full fee is required)
If you are a continuing student at UEL, a CAS will be issued to you if you meet the student requirements including satisfactory attendance, progress and fee payments.
More details on CAS are available on the Student Visas section of our webpages.
4. How much money do I need to show for my student visa application?
In order to successfully apply for a Student Visa you need to obtain 40 points under Tier 4 of the Points Based System of UK migration. 10 of the 40 points required are awarded for holding the relevant amount of funds for the specified period.
In all cases, you will need to show that you have enough funds to cover any outstanding tuition fees for the current academic year as well as living costs. The amount of living costs that you are required to show will depend on whether or not you have an established presence studying in the UK.
If you do not have an established presence studying in the UK, you will need to show the higher maintenance requirement. If you have an established presence studying in the UK, you will need to show the lower maintenance requirement.
More details on the maintenance requirements are available the Student Visas - Maintenance section of our webpages.
Enrolling at UEL and Visas for students already in the UK
1. I have a Tier 4 (student) visa for another institution, can I study at UEL?
If you have an existing Tier 4 (student) visa which was issued for study at another institution and does not have the UEL Sponsor Licence Number on it, whether you can enrol and study at the University of East London will depend on the date that you applied for the visa.
- Tier 4 Visas (applied for on or after 5th October 2009) - If you want to study at UEL and you made your last application for a Tier 4 visa for another institution on or after 5th October 2009, you will need to apply for a new Tier 4 visa. You can begin studying at UEL before you have received a decision on your new Tier 4 application. Before enrolling, you will need to provide evidence that you have applied for a Tier 4 visa for studies at UEL (even if you have not yet been granted your new visa). The evidence can be an acknowledgement letter issued by the UK Border Agency confirming receipt of your Tier 4 application or the special delivery receipt from the post office addressed to the UK Border Agency.
You can, at your own risk, start your new course at UEL after applying but before receiving a decision on your Tier 4 application for UEL. If for any reason your application is not granted, you may have to stop your studies and return to your home country. Once you have a decision on your Tier 4 application, you must notify the International Office.
- Tier 4 Visas (applied for before 5th October 2009) - If you want to study at UEL and you made your last application for a Tier 4 visa for another institution before 5th October 2009, you must get the written permission of the UK Border Agency. To request this permission, you must complete and send a Permission to Change Tier 4 Sponsor (T4 - PTS) application form. You can download this form and guidance notes from the UK Border Agency website. This application costs £160 and can only be made by post.
You can, at your own risk, start your new course at UEL after requesting permission, but before receiving permission from the UK Border Agency. If for any reason permission is not granted, you may have to stop your studies and return to your home country. Before enrolling, you will need to provide evidence that you have requested permission to switch your studies to UEL. This evidence can be an acknowledgement letter issued by the UK Border Agency confirming receipt of your T4 -PTS application, or a receipt of postage (special delivery receipt) showing that you have made the T4- PTS application. At some point in the future, the UK Border Agency will send you a letter granting permission (or not as the case may be) - at which point you must inform the International Office.
2. I have an old style student visa (applied for before 31st March 2009), can I study at UEL?
If you have an existing old style student visa (pre - Tier 4, applied for before 31st March 2009), you can study at UEL. However, If your old style student visa was issued for study elsewhere, you should email the UK Border Agency at migrantreporting@ukba.gsi.gov.uk to inform them of your change of circumstances. You should quote your name, date of birth, nationality and contact details. You should also provide details of your new course/ institution and briefly outline the reason for the change.
You may need to apply for a Tier 4 visa extension at some point if you do not have sufficient time on your current visa to complete your new course.
3. I have a work visa, can I study at UEL?
Most work visas (including Tier 1 - General & Post Study Work, Tier 2 & Work permits) do not prohibit study. This means that if you are in the UK on one of these work visas, you can study. However, you must ensure that you are fulfilling the conditions of your visa and that you have not changed the main purpose for your stay in the UK to study. Therefore, you should continue working within the specific conditions of your visa and study should not be the main reason you remain in the UK.
You can normally study full or part time if you are in the UK on one of the work visas. However, you must be careful to ensure that you can finish your studies within the existing time on your work visa or that you are able to extend your work visa. Only some categories of work visa allow you to switch to Tier 4 (student) visa in the UK, if you need to do so. In other cases, you may need to return to your home country in order to obtain a Tier 4 (student) visa, if you need to switch to student. Be aware that you cannot study part time on a Tier 4 student visa.
4. I have a visitor visa, can I study at UEL?
If you are in the UK on most types of visitor visa (including tourist, business and family visitors), study is prohibited. This means that you cannot study on a visitors visa. You will have to return to your home country and apply for a Tier 4 student visa.
The only exception to the prohibition of study on a type of visitors visa are Student Visitor and Prospective Student. These are very specific types of visitor visa. Student Visitor visa is suitable for short term and part time courses, will not be issued for more than 6 months and cannot be extended in the UK. Prospective Student is suitable for those who intend to undertake studies in the UK but have not completed all the arrangements for your course of study. Please see UKVISAS website for more information on visitor visas.
5. I have some other type of visa, can I study at UEL?
If you are in the UK on some other type of visa, whether you can study at UEL will depend on the visa you have.
If you have a visa as the dependant or spouse of someone legally in the UK (i.e.: PBS dependant, spouse visa or EEA family permit), you can study. You can normally study full or part time. However, you must be aware that your stay in the UK is dependant on the person that you are the relevant family member of. If your relevant family member leaves the UK, if your relationship ends or you are not able to extend your stay in the same or other some other categories -your stay in the UK will no longer be valid, and you may not be able to continue your studies or you may have to apply for a Tier 4 visa in your home country.
If you have a Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa, you can study full or part time. However, you must be careful to ensure that you can finish your studies within the existing time on your visa. You cannot switch to Tier 4 student visa in the UK if you are already in the UK on a Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa. If your course ends after your Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa expires, you will have to apply for a Tier 4 visa from your home country.
NOTE: You cannot study part time on a Tier 4 student visa.
If you have any other type of visa and you wish to study at UEL, please email isa@uel.ac.uk for advice.
Course problems, resits and changes
1. I have failed a module(s) and have to resit. What should I do?
The following information applies to international students, studying on an old style student visa (applied for before 31/03/09) or a Tier 4 student visa (applied for on or after 31/03/09).
- If there is no significant break in studies (less than 60 days in term time) because of the re sit, you may remain in the UK and complete your studies. If you do not have enough time on your student visa to complete your course, you may need to renew your visa
- If there is a significant break in studies (more than 60 days in term time) because of the re sit, you will be expected to leave the UK and apply for a new visa in order to return to the UK and to your course, nearer the time. The break in your studies will be noted on your student record and UEL is required to notify UK Border Agency.
Examples of significant break in study are:
- No modules to attempt in Semester B but resits in August
- No modules available to take in Semester A but modules to take in Semester B
Returning to Study
If you need to apply for a new visa in order to continue with your studies, the University compliance team will ask you to prove that you have been meeting the conditions of your previous visa before issuing you with a CAS. If you are on a break you will be required to show that you have left the UK during this period, by scanning and emailing stamps in your passport, flight tickets etc. If they are confident of this and you meet all of the normal Tier 4 requirements, you will be issued with a CAS for future study at UEL. You can request a CAS a maximum of three months prior to your return to study or resit exams. Your break in studies will be noted in your CAS.
If you hold an old style student visa (which you applied for before 31/03/2009), you will still be expected to leave the UK and return only when you are ready to study again. If you are on an old style student visa and you choose to remain in the UK, you do so at your own risk. Please note that you will not be issued with a CAS for future study at UEL if you remain in the UK whilst you are on a break. If you are unsure about your current situation, please contact isa@uel.ac.uk.
More information available in the Student Visas section of this website.
2. I am in my home country. Can I defer my studies?
Your 50% tuition fee deposit is non-refundable except in the case of your visa application being refused. If you are in your home country and you have already paid your 50% deposit you may only defer your course if your visa application has been refused. If you need to defer you course to the next start date, you should email admissions.international@uel.ac.uk with your reasons along with evidence.
If you require a refund of monies paid for tuition fees, please refer to the 'Fees Policy' for the current academic year. Refund requests are processed strictly in accordance with our refund policy.
3. I am already in the UK. Can I defer/ take a break from my studies?
If you are already in the UK on a student visa and you wish to defer or take a break from your studies, you will be expected to leave the UK until you are ready to start again. This is because the student visa rules do not allow for breaks in study and remaining in the UK. Normally deferring/ taking a break from your studies is only acceptable in the most exceptional circumstances.
If you decide to take a break, you will need to contact your school to inform them of the reasons as soon as possible. Taking a break may also have tuition fee implications. See UEL fees policy
More information available in the Student Visas section of this website.
4. I'm having problems with attending my course, what should I do?
The University of East London has a strict Student Attendance Policy, which must be met in order to continue on your course of study. The UK Border Agency also has a very strict attendance requirement and requires the University to report any international student on a student visa who fails to meet the attendance requirements.
Failure to meet UEL's attendance policy will result in your removal from your modules and the University will have to report your lack of attendance to the UK Border Agency. If you are in the UK on a student visa, this will mean that you will be expected to leave the UK.
If you have exceptional reasons for not being able to attend your course fully, you should in the first instance contact your school and explain the circumstances along with sufficient evidence. If the school agree that you have exceptional circumstances and you have provided satisfactory evidence to that effect, your school may agree to authorised absence. However, this can only be in the most exceptional of circumstances and at the discretion of the school.
More information available in the Student Visas section of this website.
If you are having problems attending due to ill health, or because you are stressed out, you might also find it useful to see the University's Health and Wellbeing team for support and advice. You can find more information here: Health and Wellbeing
Other issues (Lost passports/ Registering with the Police)
1. I have lost my passport/ Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)/ Identity Card for Foreign Nationals (ICFN)/ , what should I do?
Passport: If you have lost your passport or it has been stolen (in the UK), you must in the first instance report this to the Police and obtain a report or crime reference number.
You must then contact your embassy or high commission in London to find out what the requirements are to obtain a new passport.
If your passport contained your visa, you will need to apply to the UK Border Agency to request a Transfer of Conditions (TOC) . This currently costs £220 by postal application or £661 for a premium (in person) application. You must read the Transfer of Conditions Guide and complete the Transfer of Conditions (TOC) application form. Your new visa will be issued on a Biometrics Residence Permit (BRP). This will mean that you must make an appointment to provide your biometrics. If you have a premium appointment you will provide your biometrics at the same time as your application. If you make a postal application, you will be sent a letter asking you to make an appointment after you have submitted your application form.
As with all applications to the UK Border Agency, you must ensure that you meet all the requirements, provide the necessary documents, provide photographs in line with the UK Border Agency Photo Guidance , payment by postal order, send by special delivery if making a postal application and keeping a photocopy of your completed application and all documents.
If you are outside the UK and your passport has been lost or stolen and you plan to return to the UK to continue your studies at UEL, please email isa@uel.ac.uk for advice.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) / Identity Card for Foreign Nationals (ICFN): If you have lost your BRP/ ICFN, or it has been stolen (in the UK), you must report this to the UK Border Agency as soon as you discover this. You can telephone 0300 123 2412. Once you have reported the card as lost or stolen, it will be cancelled and you must apply for a new one within 3 months of reporting it as lost or stolen. Failure to do so could mean that your leave to remain in the UK could be curtailed and you could be fined
You will need to read the information on the UK Border Agency web site about Biometric Residence Permit Holders' Responsibilities and apply for a replacement card using the form BRP(RC) The cost of a replacement card application is £37 and can only be made by post.
2. My Visa says that I have to register with the Police. What do I do?
Some international students are required to register with the police. If you have a student visa for more than 6 months and you are required to register with the police, it will be stamped on your visa that you must register with the police. You must do this within 7 days of arrival.
If you are required to register with the police, there is a £34 charge for the initial registration. You should take your passport, two passport sized photographs and fee. If you have a dependant who is also required to register with the police, they too must go in person for the initial registration.
Renewal of police registration, for example because you have extended your visa is free of charge.
You must notify the police of any change in address within 7 days. If any of the particulars detailed in your police registration certificate change (for example: immigration conditions, passport details, name, address, marital status or occupation) you must notify the police within 8 days.
If you live within the Greater London area, you should go to:
- The Overseas Visitors Records Office. Ground Floor, Brandon House, 180 Borough High Street, Borough, London. SE1 1LH (nearest underground station: Borough -Northern Line)
- Telephone number: 020 7230 1286
- There is also a recorded information line: 020 7230 1208
- The Overseas Visitors Records Office in Borough is normally open from 9.00 until 16.00 Monday to Friday.
- Students living outside the Greater London area should register with the local police force.
For more information on the Police Registration Certificate see the UKBA information here.
More information on Registering with the Police can be found on the Student Visas section or our web pages.
Travelling - (to and from the UK)
1. Can I travel outside the UK during term time?
We do not advise travelling during term time for two reasons:
- Because you may be questioned by immigration upon your return to the UK, as you will be expected to be studying.
- Because you will be missing classes and the University of East London has a strict attendance policy.
Furthermore, part of the conditions of your student visa is that you attend fully. Failure to meet the attendance policy requirements, could result in your removal from your programme of study. It is only acceptable to travel during term time if you have received the written authorisation by your school and this may only be given in exceptional circumstances.
If you really need to travel during term time, you should contact your school with the reasons to request authorisation. Your school will in most cases require you to provide evidence of the reasons why you need to travel. If your school authorise your absence, you should request a letter from them confirming your status, authorising your absence and stating the date by which they expect you to return.
If you travel during term time, you should carry with you in your hand luggage a student status (which you can request from the Student Services helpdesk), a letter of authorisation from your school and evidence of your finances.
2. Can I travel outside the UK during official vacation time?
If you wish to travel in the official university vacation times and you have a valid student visa, then that should not be a problem with regards to immigration.
We would advise that if you travel in the official vacation times, that you carry with you in your hand luggage evidence of your enrolment at UEL (you can request a student status letter from the Student Services helpdesk) and a copy of the term dates letter (also available from the Student Services helpdesk) as well as evidence that you have sufficient finances to cover your fees and living expenses.
Please see UEL web pages. for official vacation periods.
3. I want to travel to another country, do I need a Visa?
If you wish to travel to another country, you should first of all check with the web site of the consulate of the country in question, to check if you require a visa or not. Always prepare in good time as the visa application process and gathering together all necessary documents may take some time. Normally, if you do require a visa to visit another country the minimum requirements are:
- Complete the relevant application form
- Relevant visa application fee
- Passport and Visa for UK
- Evidence of your finances (how much money is required may vary)
- Evidence of your student status (request a Student Status letter from the Student Services helpdesk). First ask your school to confirm that your attendance has been satisfactory and then contact the Student Services helpdesk for a Student Status Letter for the relevant embassy.
- Travel and health insurance
- Evidence of purpose of visit (including return travel tickets)
Please note that the exact requirements will be explained in detail on the relevant country's web site Most countries will require that you have a minimum period of time remaining on your UK visa as well as on your passport.
If you wish to travel to most countries in the European Union, Norway and Switzerland (known as the Schengen Area), one visa allows you entry to all Schengen Area countries. You must check whether you require a visa for the countries that you wish to travel to. If you do, you must make an application to the first country that you are travelling to or to the country in which you will spend the most time. See UKCISA web pages. for more information on Schengen Visas.
4. I want my family/ friends to visit me in the UK, what should I do?
If your family members or friends wish to visit you in the UK and they are not European Economic Area nationals, they may require a visa to visit the UK. They should apply for a visitor's visa at any British Embassy or High Commission. This will normally be in the country in which they normally live.
Your visitor must apply for a visitors visa in order to visit the UK. If your visitor is a family member coming to the UK to visit you, they must complete the VAF1B (family visitor) Visa Application Form. More information can be found on the UKVISAS web site
Your visitor will normally need to provide at least the following evidence:
- bank statements, pay slips, or some other evidence to show that they can pay for the trip and that they have enough money to support themselves and any dependants without working or getting any help from public funds, and
- evidence that they intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit (for example, a letter from their employer) and
- a letter of invite from you explaining your relationship with them and the purpose of their visit, (see below) and
- a copy of the bio-data page (the page containing your photograph) of your passport and, if you are not a UK national, evidence of your immigration status in the United Kingdom.
- A letter from UEL confirming your student status.
Your letter of invite should state:
- the visitors name, date of birth and nationality
- your relationship to the visitor (i.e.: child of, friend of etc)
- purpose of their visit (i.e.: attend graduation, holiday etc)
- where they will stay (if staying in your house you should provide the address)
- the length of visit, including arrival and departure dates
- your status in the UK (i.e.: studying and on a student visa)
You do not need any letter from the University other than an invitation from the Graduation team if you are inviting your visitors to your graduation ceremony. For more information on Graduation Ceremonies and invites please see the Graduation team webpages.
If you wish provide your visitors with a letter from the University confirming your student status, you can request a student status letter from the Student Services Helpdesk.
5. I have finished my course and want to return home for a while. I still have time remaining on my student visa. Can I come back to the UK on the student visa?
Your student visa is issued to you for studies in the UK. You are normally granted sufficient time on your visa to complete your course along with some additional time. Your student visa allows you entry into the UK for studies or study related activities.
Therefore, if after having completed your studies, you wish to leave the UK for a period in order to return again, an immigration officer may not be convinced that you are entering the UK for studies. If an immigration officer is not convinced that you are entering the UK for studies whilst holding a student visa, in some cases he or she might refuse entry into the UK.
Therefore we do not advise that you travel outside of the UK at the end of your studies whilst still on a student visa, if you wish to return to the UK on that same visa.
6. Returning to the UK for my Graduation Ceremony - what do I need to do?
If your visa has expired and you have left the UK, you may wish to return for your graduation ceremony. If you only only wish to return to the UK to attend the graduation ceremony (you do not intend to study or work), you should return to the UK as a visitor. If you are a Visa National you must apply for entry clearance (visa) as a visitor before returning to the UK.
Visa Nationals - Citizens of some countries must apply for entry clearance (visa) to come to the UK for any purpose and for any length of time. These citizens are known as Visa Nationals. If you are a Visa National, you must apply for entry clearance (a visa issued as a sticker in your passport) to come to the UK as a General Visitor. To find out if you must apply for a visa to come to the UK as a General Visitor see the UKVISAS website
Non-Visa Nationals - Citizens of some countries may be able to come to the UK as a General Visitor without applying for entry clearance (a visa issued as a sticker in your passport). This is only an option for citizens of countries who are Non-Visa Nationals. To find out if you are a Non-Visa National see the UKVISAS website. If you are arriving in the UK without Entry Clearance (as a non-visa national) and claiming Leave to Enter the UK as a Student Visitor you should have in your possession some of the same documents as listed below, in case you need to prove your Visitor status.
Applying for a Visitors Visa
You can apply for a visitors visa at any British Embassy or High Commission, however this will normally be in the country in which you normally live.
More information on applying for a Visitors Visa can be found on the UKVISAS web site (please read this information very carefully)
To come to the UK as a visitor will normally need to provide at least the following evidence:
- Bank statements, pay slips, or some other evidence to show that you can pay for the trip and that you have enough money to support yourself without working or getting any help from public funds, and
- Any evidence that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit (for example, a letter from your employer), and
- A letter from UEL inviting you to your graduation ceremony. See the Graduation team webpages, and
- Evidence of accommodation during your stay (for example: hotel booking or if staying with friends a letter confirming this), and
- Anything else relevant to your application
UKVISAS provides an approximation of visa processing times - whilst most visa applications are processed within 3 weeks and often quicker, it can sometimes take much longer. Therefore, we advise that you prepare and apply for your Visitors Visa early.
Work (during and after studies)
1. Can I work whilst I study?
Most students at UEL who are in the UK on a student visa are able to work with certain restrictions. The main restriction being that you cannot work more than 20 hours a week in term time, although you can normally work unlimited hours during the official vacation times (but only if you are not supposed to be working on a dissertation or re sitting exams).
See the Working in the UK during Studies section of our web pages. for more information.
2. When can I work full time?
If you have a student visa with a work restriction instead of a prohibition, you can normally work full time in the following circumstances
- In official vacation times as per the University Academic Calendar (if you are not required to work on your dissertation on re sits)
- When you have completed your course and have been awarded
For more detailed information, or if your employer wants to make sure that you can work full time, please read the Working in the UK During Studies pages.
3. Can I volunteer whilst I study?
Why Volunteer?
In a time of huge demand for internships and work experience a key way for you to gain new skills and gain experience within your chosen sector is to volunteer.
Volunteering can be based within a range of sectors and settings enabling you to boost your CV whilst developing you personal and professional networks.
Did you know?
- When recruiting 80% of employers value volunteering on a CV
- 94% of employers believe that volunteering can add to skills
- 73% of employers would employ a candidate with volunteering experience over one without
- New research shows that volunteering work could be the added extra to make CV stand out from the crowd.
If you would like to have a look at the current volunteering offers that are available please check on the Volunteering website: https://www.uel.ac.uk/secure/eet/students/volunteering/opportunities.htm
If you cannot find a suitable opportunity or have a question for the team please email volunteering@uel.ac.uk
International Students and Volunteering
The UK Border Agency guidelines for work classed as Volunteering are:
- there should be no payment, other than reasonable travel and meals expenditure actually incurred (not an allowance for the same);
- there should be no contractual obligations on the volunteer;
- the volunteer is providing a service for a registered voluntary or charitable organisation (or organisation that raises funds for either);
- the service is not a substitute for employment (i.e. fulfilling a role that a salaried worker would normally fulfil).
Volunteering is distinct from work paid or unpaid.
There is a difference between unpaid employment and voluntary work, and you should always check with the organisation which offers you voluntary work whether it might constitute ‘unpaid employment’. This is because most students in the UK have immigration permission which allows them to work during their studies but under strict restrictions, and any time you spend doing ‘unpaid employment’ counts towards the maximum number of hours of work you can do in a week.
If you or your employer are unsure as to whether the volunteering constitutes unpaid work the UK Border Agency has guidance for employers which deals with this question. You and your employer can find it in question 51 of Appendix A of the Comprehensive Guidance for Employers on Preventing Illegal Working at:
You must make sure that you comply with any work restrictions which apply to you. This is because the UK Border Agency (the UK Government department which is responsible for immigration) treats working in breach of your conditions very seriously. It can refuse your immigration application or remove you from the UK if you work too many hours or if you do work which you are not allowed to do.
If you have any queries please email the International Students Advice Team at isa@uel.ac.uk or see our web pages at www.uel.ac.uk/isa
4. I have finished my course and I want to apply for a work visa, what should I do?
If you have finished your course and you wish to apply for a work visa, you should check the Working in the UK After Studies section of our web pages. and attend one of our regular workshops for students interested in working in the UK after studies.
5. What other kind of visa can I apply for now that PSW has closed?
The UKBA abolished the Tier 1 PSW visa route on 6 April 2012. Therefore, if your degree is awarded after this date, you will not be able to apply for a PSW visa. However, there are other visas that you may be eligible for that will enable you to remain in the UK to work. Please see Working in the UK After Studies pages for more information. It is likely that you have to be well prepared if you plan to apply for one of these visas after you finish your course, so make sure you read all of the information available to give yourself plenty of time.
It is also worth noting that the UKBA have made changes to the Tier 2 (General) route with the closing of PSW, to enable graduates to apply under this route. Please see Updates for UEL students for more information.
Visa Problems (refusals and rejections)
1. My Visa application has been refused, what should I do?
If your visa application has been refused, it is very important that you seek advice immediately. This is because there are very short timeframes involved whether you are to make an appeal or not. In certain cases you may have the right to appeal and in others you may not. It is also crucial that you are advised on what other action you could take if your receive a refusal. The options available to you will depend on your particular circumstances - which is why it is very important that you seek advice immediately
In the first instance you should email isa@uel.ac.uk with a scanned copy of the refusal notice or visit us in one of our drop-in sessions or appointments with the refusal notice and all other relevant documents to your application and refusal, so that we can advise you as appropriate.
Although we are able to offer limited advice and guidance on refusals and appeals, we will in all circumstances recommend that you seek specialist legal advice from either an ILPA registered solicitor or an OISC level 3 organisation.
2. My Visa application has been returned as invalid what should I do?
If your visa application has been returned to you as invalid, it is very important that you seek advice immediately. This is because if your application is rejected as invalid, it means that you have not submitted a valid application and that is the same thing as not having made an application in the first place. If your visa has expired before your application is rejected as invalid, you will be considered to be an overstayer in the UK.
The options available to you in the case that your application is returned to you as invalid will depend on your particular circumstances - which is why it is very important that you seek advice immediately.
In the first instance you should email isa@uel.ac.uk with a scanned copy of the notice of invalid application or visit us in one of our drop-in sessions or appointments with the notice of invalid application and all other relevant documents to your application, so that we can advise you as appropriate.
Contact details
International Students Advice, Docklands Campus
Room WB.2.10
isa@uel.ac.uk
Comments & Suggestions:
Did you find these webpages useful? Is there anything that could be improved/ amended? If you have any comments or suggestions regarding our webpages and its contents, we would be happy to hear from you. Please email any comments/ suggestions to isa@uel.ac.uk
Page updated: 04/05/12
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