If you are studying at the University of Hertfordshire on a Student visa, you must follow the conditions of your visa.
The University also has responsibilities as your Student sponsor. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires Student sponsors to meet specific sponsorship, record-keeping and reporting duties.
It is important that you understand your responsibilities and tell the University promptly about any changes that could affect your Student visa.
- What are my Student visa responsibilities?
- What changes do I need to tell the University about?
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
- What happens if I do not follow my Student visa conditions?
- What are the University's responsibilities as my Student sponsor?
- Where can I get help?
What are my Student visa responsibilities?
The conditions attached to your Student Visa can be found on your e-visa.
Study and attendance
While studying on a Student visa, you must:
- study at the University of Hertfordshire, your Student visa sponsor
- register for your programme on time each academic year
- study full-time and meet the attendance requirements for your programme
- attend all required lectures, tutorials and online teaching
- submit required coursework on time
- take part in the University's attendance monitoring processes, including your yearly Visa Check and swiping your ID card at teaching sessions
- tell the University about any medical or personal absences.
Your visa and personal details
You must:
- follow the conditions of your Student visa
- make sure the University has details of your current passport and visa
- provide the University with updated documents whenever you renew or change your passport or visa
- keep your UK address, email address and mobile number up to date through your Student Record
- tell the University immediately if your immigration status changes, including if you switch from a Student visa to another immigration route or vice versa
- report a change in circumstances to UKVI
- respond promptly if the University contacts you about your visa or immigration status.
Check the conditions attached to your immigration permission on your eVisa.
Working and other visa conditions
You must:
- follow the work conditions of your visa, including any restrictions on the number of hours you can work
- not claim public funds
- follow UK law and all other conditions attached to your visa
- leave the UK before your immigration permission expires unless you have made an appropriate immigration application that allows you to remain in the UK.
What changes do I need to tell the University about?
Tell the University as soon as possible if you:
- defer or suspend your studies
- withdraw from your programme
- change or transfer course
- change your immigration status
- decide to complete your studies overseas as a distance learner
- complete your studies earlier than expected
- have an absence due to medical or personal reasons.
You must follow the relevant University process if you defer, suspend or withdraw from your studies.
If you defer or suspend your studies, withdraw from your programme or your programme is terminated, you may be required to leave the UK.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
If your course requires Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance, you may need new ATAS clearance before:
- changing your course
- transferring to another course
- extending your visa.
Check the ATAS requirements on GOV.UK
What happens if I do not follow my Student visa conditions?
It is important that you follow the conditions of your Student visa and cooperate with the University so that we can meet our Student sponsor responsibilities.
If your circumstances change or there are concerns about whether you are following your visa conditions, the University may be required to report this to UKVI. UKVI requires Student sponsors to report specified changes in sponsored students' circumstances.
This could affect your Student visa and your ability to continue your studies.
If you think you may have breached the conditions of your visa, contact a Student Immigration Adviser as soon as possible.
What are the University's responsibilities as my Student sponsor?
As the sponsor of your Student Visa, the University of Hertfordshire is required by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to ensure that we remain compliant with the terms of our sponsor licence throughout your course.
Keeping your records up to date
The University must keep the records and information required as part of your Student visa sponsorship. UKVI's guidance sets specific record-keeping duties for Student sponsors.
This includes keeping relevant information about your immigration status and sponsorship up to date ( student passports, visas, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), e-visas and ATAS certificates)
Monitoring your studies
The University monitors your registration and engagement with your studies.
We may need to report changes to UKVI, including if you:
- do not register or re-enrol
- have unauthorised absences or do not attend
- suspend or defer your studies
- transfer course
- withdraw from your course
- complete your studies earlier than expected
- change your immigration status
- change to distance learning.
UKVI requires Student sponsors to report specified changes in sponsored students' circumstances.
Placements and Study Abroad
Where required, the University provides UKVI with information about work or Study Abroad placements and monitors your attendance at your placement or Study Abroad location.
Reporting concerns to UKVI
The University may be required to report information to UKVI if your circumstances change or there are concerns about whether you are complying with the conditions of your Student visa.
UKVI sets compliance requirements for institutions that hold a Student Sponsor licence.
Where can I get help?
If you are unsure about your Student visa conditions, or think a change to your circumstances could affect your visa, contact a Student Immigration Adviser for advice.
You can also read the Student visa guidance on GOV.UK.