Staying compliant with your Student Visa

Terms and conditions

It is important that you are aware of the conditions of your Student visa. This will allow you to maintain your immigration status during your studies.

For up-to-date immigration information, we recommend that you check the UKCISA news items. 

Your course

During your studies you must:

• complete all matriculation requirements before the latest start date for your course
• adhere to the University’s Attendance and Engagement policy
• check your University emails, respond promptly and attend any mandatory meetings or events
• contact your School office if you intend to temporarily or permanently withdraw from studies
• request permission from your School office for absences during studies

Contact details and address

You must keep the University updated with your current contact details. You can update these in your eVision account in the ‘Contact Details’ section. Your semester study address should be your local address and phone number.

Student visa holders are expected to live within the Dundee area during all study periods. This is a maximum of 90 minutes commute to campus. We recommend living in the city of Dundee itself for the best student experience. Fife, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen are all acceptable if you are willing to make the commute. Living outwith Dundee is not an acceptable reason for absence or lateness. It is your responsibility to meet your Student visa attendance requirements.

Working during your studies

You can check the working during your studies guide for more detailed information.

The most important facts to be aware of are: 

• You must not work more than 20 hours per week during term time. This includes periods of study with less on campus attendance such as dissertation writing
• There are restrictions on the kinds of work you can do, more information can be found on the UKCISA website

If your employer asks for evidence of your term times you can request a letter confirming this online. The immigration authorities treat work restrictions very seriously. They can refuse future visa applications or remove you from the UK if you break the rules. You might also be barred from returning to the UK for a certain period.

Documentation

• To register as a student (matriculate) you will need to present your original passport and current visa. If you need an ATAS certificate for your course you must provide this when requested
• If you get a new passport or visa you must provide the Immigration Compliance team with a copy
• If you notice any errors with your visa these must be reported to the Home Office. For more information check our eVisas guide
• Attend right to study checks to verify your documents when requested

No recourse to Public Funds 

• Student visa holders are prohibited from accessing public funds. This includes specific welfare benefits and local authority housing. A full list of what is included in public funds can be found on UKCISA website
• Accessing the NHS and sending your children to state schools are not public funds

If you do not meet the conditions of your Student visa the University may be required to inform the Home Office. This may lead to the cancellation of your Student visa. The Immigration Compliance team will always email you before taking any action that affects your visa. 

Personal life

Below are some further suggestions to help you settle in to Dundee during your studies

• Register with a doctor (GP surgery) as soon as you arrive in the UK. This is how you access most NHS healthcare in the UK
• Arrange childcare for your dependants as early as possible. For information on childcare and schooling in Dundee visit the city council website
• You will need to ensure that you prioritise your studies. Commitments such as work or childcare should not interfere with your studies

Switching sponsor – information for new students

If you are coming to study at the University of Dundee and are already in the UK on a visa you may need to make a new Student visa application. 

You will need to provide evidence you have applied for your new visa to complete matriculation. If you have a Graduate route visa you cannot start your studies until your Student visa has been granted. 

For advice and guidance on submitting a Student visa application contact the Immigration Compliance team on [email protected]