Travelling at the end of your studies

What you need to be aware of

Your Student visa should cover the duration of your studies, plus an additional period, known as the 'wrap-up' period. 

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have advised us that you are entitled to leave and return to the UK as often as required during the wrap-up period. However, they have also advised us that you may be questioned by UK Border Force Officers on whether you intend to adhere to the conditions of your visa.

You might also be asked why you are coming back to the UK if you have completed your programme of studies. This is because it is their job to check what you intend to do in the UK.

For people who have a visa for the UK, such as students, this intention test is to confirm the person is arriving for the same general purpose for which their visa was granted. They will want to be satisfied that your circumstances have not significantly changed as to make your visa permission obsolete.

For students specifically, they may want to know your reason for re-entering using your Student visa if you have finished the studies for which it was granted.

In the vast majority of cases, people do not encounter significant problems or even further questions upon arrival. However, it is important to set out the position so that you are aware of what may happen and the kind of documents and actions you might take with you to minimise risk and evidence your position.

If you have an eVisa account, you must check your eVisa details are correct before travel

eVisa guidance on travel