- Early course completion and changes to your visa
- Travel outside the UK
- Working at the end of your studies
- Graduate route
What happens to my visa if I finish my course early?
For Student Visa purposes, UKVI considers your course end date to be the end date shown on your CAS.
If you complete your studies and receive your award more than two weeks before your CAS end date, the University will report you to UKVI as an early completer and your Student Visa sponsorship will end.
The Home Office will normally contact you by email to tell you that your visa is being cancelled.
Your visa expiry date will change and will usually be earlier than the date currently shown on your eVisa.
Your new visa end date should still include the usual wrap-up period. For example, courses lasting 12 months or more would normally receive an additional four months after early completion has been reported. The Home Office should normally provide 60 days' notice before the new visa end date.
Important
- The decision to cancel a visa is made by UKVI, not the University.
- The University cannot confirm when your visa will be cancelled.
- The University cannot confirm how much notice UKVI will provide.
You can remain in the UK until your revised visa expiry date.
Can I travel outside the UK?
Once the University has reported your early completion and withdrawn sponsorship of your Student Visa, your visa becomes liable for cancellation.
If you leave the UK during this period, you may:
- Be refused re-entry to the UK.
- Receive notice of visa cancellation at the border when you try to return.
This applies even if you have not yet received a cancellation notice from UKVI.
Planning to apply for another visa?
If you intend to apply for further permission to stay in the UK, such as the Graduate Route, you should remain in the UK and only travel once your new visa has been granted.
Once you have submitted a visa application in the UK, you must remain in the UK until a decision has been made.
Leaving the UK while your application is pending will automatically withdraw your application.
Can I work after I finish my course?
Yes.
Once you have completed your studies and the University has reported your early completion to UKVI, you can work full-time until your revised visa expiry date.
UKVI will contact you directly to confirm your new visa end date.
Right to work checks
The University cannot provide a letter confirming your right to work in the UK.
It is the employer's responsibility to complete a right-to-work check.
Working for the University of Hertfordshire
If you want to work for the University after completing your studies, you cannot work full-time until HR has received confirmation that:
- You have successfully passed your course.
- Your award has been confirmed.
For questions about working after your studies, contact:
You can also read:
Can I apply for the Graduate Route?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Once your award has been confirmed and your result has been locked on your student record, you can apply for the Graduate Route.
Important
You must submit your Graduate Route application before UKVI cancels your Student visa.
If you are planning to apply for the Graduate Route, you are strongly advised to remain in the UK after your early completion has been reported.
If you leave the UK, you may be refused re-entry or receive notice that your visa has been cancelled.
Find out more about the:
Can I return for my graduation ceremony?
If you leave the UK and later wish to return for your graduation ceremony, you may be able to apply for a Visitor Visa.
Further information is available on the GOV.UK website:
Need advice?
If you have questions about:
- Early course completion
- Student Visa sponsorship
- The Graduate Route
- Working in the UK after your studies
contact a Student Immigration Advisor: