Receiving your student visa and travelling to the UK

Online digital status (eVisa)

If your visa application is successful, you will receive a grant decision email from UKVI. This email will include instructions on how to access your eVisa.

The first step is to create a UKVI account. Once your account is set up, your eVisa should appear in your account. In some cases, this may take a few hours or up to a couple of days.

You should ensure that you can access your eVisa through your UKVI account before travelling to the UK. You must not travel before the start date of your visa. If you enter the UK before your visa becomes valid, you may be required to leave the UK and re-enter once your visa start date has begun. See below for information about when you can travel.

If you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to apply for your visa, you should normally be able to use the eGates when entering the UK. If you attended a Visa Application Centre as part of your application, you will need to see a Border Force officer on arrival.
 
Read more about UKVI’s move to eVisas

Checking your eVisa

When you receive your visa it is important you check that all the details are correct and your personal details match your passport otherwise you might face a problem travelling. You should carefully check the following for yourself and any dependants travelling with you:

• Your personal details including your name, date of birth and nationality. These details should match your passport.
• If you have obtained a Student visa you should check it shows our Sponsor Licence Number (SLN) which is JTV8BV799.
• That the start and end dates are correct and you will be able to travel whilst it is valid.
• The conditions attached such as work restrictions.
  • Degree level courses should permit 20 hours work per week during term-time

How to correct an error

If you notice an error, you should report it to the UKVI. If you need assistance, please contact visas@le.ac.uk.

When you can travel to the UK

Your visa can start up to one month before the course start date given on your CAS and you must not enter the UK before this time. You must enter the UK within the validity of the eVisa.

Your eVisa will cover the duration of your studies.

Crossing the border activates your Student route permission (eVisa). If you enter before the start date on your visa you will normally have to leave the UK (and CTA which includes Ireland) and re-enter. This can be costly and disruptive to your studies so please be sure to enter as outlined above.

FAQs