Student Travel Vignettes and eVisas
Has your visa application been successful?
This guidance is for new and current students at the University of Warwick, and their dependants, who have received a successful UKVI Student Visa decision.
It explains what happens next, including how your visa is issued, how to prepare for travel, and what to do if there are any issues.
Whether you’ve been issued a digital eVisa or a Temporary Travel Vignette, this guide will help you understand your next steps.
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Timeline Overview:
Decision → eVisa/TTV → Travel → Arrival → Enrolment
| Stage | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Decision | Receive your UKVI decision email. Check every detail carefully. |
| eVisa/TTV | Access your eVisa or check your vignette. Make sure it’s correct. |
| Travel | Book travel only after confirming your visa details and setup. |
| Arrival | Enter the UK and prepare for your Right to Study check. |
| Enrolment | Attend enrolment and submit your visa evidence to activate your student status. |
From 15 July 2025, the UK Home Office phased out Temporary Travel Vignettes for main applicants applying for study or work visas.
Students applying on or after this date will receive a digital immigration status known as an eVisa.
If you applied before 15 July 2025, you may receive a Temporary Travel Vignette valid for 90 days.
Dependants may still receive vignettes temporarily.
All students and dependants must access their eVisa via a UKVI account.
You should refer to your visa decision email will provide instructions on how to access your eVisa.
Search for your query
On the below FAQs please select the '>>' widget next to the section title to unhide the text so it becomes visible to the screen reader.
🛠️ Account Setup & Management
| How do I create/access my UKVI account? | Use instructions in your visa decision email or visit GOV.UKLink opens in a new window. You'll need:
|
| What if I don't have a last name? | Leave first name blank and enter full name in "Last name" field. |
| Why can't the app read my passport? (HKSAR) | Passports starting with 'K' may have chip issues:
|
| I created multiple accounts. How to fix? | Contact UKVI immediately (0300 790 6268) to merge accounts. |
🛬 Key Steps at UK Border Control
🎓 Students
- eGate Eligibility: Check the GOV.UKLink opens in a new window page to confirm eligibility
- Officer Queue (if ineligible):
- Present eVisa share code
- Show CAS and accommodation proof
👨👩👧 Dependants
- Mandatory Officer Interview:
- Passport with TTV sticker
- Relationship proof + student's CAS
❗ Critical Post-Entry Steps
- Check Entry Stamp: Verify passport stamp if using manual border control. Keep boarding pass if using eGates.
- Right to Study Check: Book appointment within 10 days of arrival (mandatory for visa holders).
⚠️ Digital Status Problems
🎓 Student eVisa Issues
| Problem | Solution |
| "Inactive" status | 1. Report to UKVILink opens in a new window 2. Contact SVASLink opens in a new window |
| Can't access account | Use "Forgotten details" on GOV.UK login |
| Share code failure | Generate new code (valid 30 days) |
👨👩👧 Dependant TTV Issues
| Problem | Solution |
| Damaged sticker | Contact Visa Application Centre immediately |
| Details mismatch | 1. Contact VAC 2. SVAS supportLink opens in a new window |
| Expired before travel | Apply for replacement vignette |
✈️ Boarding Denial Protocol
- Request written denial reason from airline
- Contact UKVI: +44 300 790 6268 (24/7)
- Email SVAS with:
- Passport scan
- Denial documentation
- Flight details
✅ Mandatory Visa Verification
Complete 1 week before departure:
| Check | Students | Dependants |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Notice vs. CAS | Name, dates, course match | Relationship correct |
| Document Status | eVisa shows "Active" |
TTV securely affixed |
| Date Alignment | Within permitted window* | Matches student's dates |
*1 month pre-course (>6mo visa) / 7 days (≤6mo visa)
🎓 Student eVisas: Digital Status
✅ Core Features
- Accessed via UKVI online accountLink opens in a new window
- Shows immigration status and conditions
- Replaces all physical documents (no BRP)
🔑 Pre-Travel Verification
| ⚠️ | Status shows "Active" |
| ⚠️ | Share code generates successfully |
| ⚠️ | Personal details match passport exactly |
❌ If Errors Found
💻 For general account setup: IT Preparation GuideLink opens in a new window
📅 Visa-Controlled Entry Windows
⏱️ Earliest Possible Entry
| Visa Length | Earliest Entry | Example |
|---|---|---|
| >6 months | 1 month before course start | Course Oct 1 → Arrive Sept 1-30 |
| ≤6 months | 7 days before course start | Course Jan 15 → Arrive Jan 8-14 |
| Dependants | Same day or after main applicant | |
Please note:
Your Visa Start Date will be determined by the date you stated as your Intended Travel Date in your UKVI Visa Application.
You MUST ONLY travel during your Visa Validity.
❗ Latest Arrival Date (LAD)
- Students: CAS-specified deadline (Please check your CAS to confirm this date)
- Dependants: Before TTV expiry
⚠️ LAD is a contingency - not your target arrival date
🔄 LAD Change Process
1
Contact academic department before LAD expires
2
Department assesses academic feasibility (5-10 working days)
3
Possible outcomes:
- ✅ New LAD approved → Arrive by new date
- ❌ Request declined → Course deferral/withdrawal
🚨 Withdrawal Consequences
- Student visa sponsorship cancelled
- Existing visa becomes invalid
- New visa application required for future entry
Your UKVI Decision Explained
🎓 Students
- Confirms Student Route visa approval
- Contains unique visa reference number
- Linked to your CAS record
- Specifies conditions of stay
👨👩👧 Dependants
- Confirms Dependant of Student visa approval
- Contains unique visa reference number
- Linked to main applicant's visa
- Specifies conditions of stay
🔒 Document Security: Follow protocols in the International Welcome Hub
✅ Mandatory Pre-Travel Verification
Verify these visa details before booking travel:
| Check | Students | Dependants |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | "Student Route" | "Dependant of Student" |
| Date Alignment | Matches CAS dates | Matches main applicant's visa |
| Reference Number | Present and legible | |
❌ If Errors Found
DO NOT TRAVEL until corrections are made:
- TTV holders: Contact Visa Application Centre
- eVisa holders: GOV.UK error reportingLink opens in a new window
- All: Then contact Student Visa Advice ServiceLink opens in a new window
👨👩👧 Dependant TTVs: Passport Sticker
✅ Key Features
- 90-day entry sticker in passport
- Single entry during validity period
- Required for spouses/children
🚨 Critical Travel Rules
- Travel sequencing: Must arrive with or after main visa holder
- Minors: Children under 18 require parental accompaniment
- No extensions: Expired TTV requires replacement application
🛂 Border Procedures
❌
No eGates✅
Officer stamp required📝
Keep boarding pass🧳 General travel prep: Pre-Departure ChecklistLink opens in a new window
🌐 Digital Status Confirmation
🎓 Students
- Access UKVI View & ProveLink opens in a new window
- Confirm:
- ✅ Status: ACTIVE
- ✅ Details match passport
- ✅ Course matches CAS
- Generate share code (valid 30 days)
👨👩👧 Dependants
- ✅ Physical TTV check:
- Undamaged in passport
- Valid for travel dates
- 🔍 Verify UKVI decision letter
❗ Pre-Travel Verification
| Status verified as "Active" | Students: ✅ | Dependants: N/A |
| Physical TTV checked | As needed | ✅ |
🚨 Lost/Stolen Documents
🛫 Pre-Departure
- Report to local police
- Replace passport through embassy
- Apply for replacement visa:
- Students: eVisa transferLink opens in a new window
- Dependants: New TTV application
- Contact SVASLink opens in a new window
🛬 In UK
- Report to police (non-emergency 101)
- Replace passport through embassy
- Update eVisa via GOV.UKLink opens in a new window
- Notify SVAS within 72 hours
🔑 Critical Reminders
- Keep police report reference number
- Border Force can verify status without documents
📋 Mandatory Post-Arrival Sequence
1
Complete Online Registration
Access via Warwick student portal before booking any appointments:
- Verify personal/course details
- Upload UK entry evidence (eGate boarding pass or entry stamp)
- Confirm UK contact information
2
Book Right to Study Check
Only available after online registration completion:
- Mandatory within 10 days of arrival
- Bring physical passport + visa decision letter
3
Settling-In Guidance
After completing visa compliance steps, access essential resources:
- Bank account setup
- Healthcare registration
- Accommodation support
- Cultural transition advice
🔗 International Student Welcome HubLink opens in a new window
❗ Critical Sequence Notes
- No exceptions: Right to Study checks cannot be booked before online registration
- Document preparation: Gather required materials before starting registration
⚠️ Registration Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues:
- Clear browser cache/cookies
- Try different browser (Chrome/Firefox recommended)
- Contact IT Services for technical issues
- For visa-related registration blocks: Contact Visa Advice Team Link opens in a new window
Following this sequence moves you beyond arrival to academic readiness.
✈️ Visa-Compliant Booking Steps
✅ Pre-Booking Verification
- Visa decision notice error-free
- Travel document ready:
- Students: Active eVisa status
- Dependants: TTV securely in passport
- Arrival date within permitted window
📅 Booking Date Constraints
🎓 Students
- After visa "Valid From" date
- Before CAS-specified LAD
- Within:
- 1 month pre-course (>6mo visa)
- 7 days pre-course (≤6mo visa)
👨👩👧 Dependants
- Same day or after main applicant
- Before TTV expiry date
- Within student's permitted window
International Travel Planning Hub Link opens in a new window
General travel tips, airline requirements, and packing lists
✈️ Travel & Entry
| Do I need a Temporary Travel Vignette? | Main applicant: Only if you applied before 15 July 2025 (90-day validity). Dependant - Yes. |
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| What documents do I need at boarding? |
|
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| Airline can't verify my status? | Request staff contact UKVI Carrier Hub: +44 300 790 6268 (24/7). |
📄 Visa Format Comparison
| Feature | Students | Dependants |
|---|---|---|
| Format | eVisa (digital status) | TTV (passport sticker) |
| Access Method | UKVI online accountLink opens in a new window | Physical passport |
| Validity Period | Full course duration | 90-day entry window |
| Border Process | eGates + keep boarding pass | Officer stamp required |
➡️ For General Document Preparation
Academic certificates, financial evidence, and non-visa checklists:
Visit International Student Welcome Hub Link opens in a new window⏰ Missed Arrival Deadline
❗ Before Latest Arrival Date (LAD)
- Contact department immediately
- Submit LAD extension request with evidence
- Department assesses academic viability
- If authorised a new LAD will be given
❌ After LAD Expiry
- Request deferral to next intake
- New CAS required for visa reapplication
- Withdrawal from current course entry
- Visa sponsorship cancelled
📝 Essential Documentation
- Evidence of delay (flight cancellation, medical reports)
- Police reports for theft-related delays
- Evidence of action taken to try to mitigate the delay
🔄 BRP to Digital: Full Transition
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| Jan 2024 | BRPs no longer valid for status proof |
| Oct 2024 | No new BRPs issued |
| Dec 2024 | All existing BRPs expired |
| Jun 2025 | BRPs invalid for UK entry |
✅ Current System
- Students: Verify status via UKVI accountLink opens in a new window
- Dependants: Use Temporary Travel Vignette
- No BRP collection required
Note: Retain expired BRPs for personal records only
✈️ Smart Document Strategy
Prepare documents for both airline check-in and UK border control. Follow this dual-system approach:
📱 Digital Toolkit
- eVisa students:
- Bookmark UKVI View & ProveLink opens in a new window
- Generate share code morning of travel (30-day validity)
- Screenshot "Active" status page
- All travellers:
- Save CAS/decision letter PDFs offline
- Download airline app with boarding pass
📄 Physical Portfolio
- All travellers:
- Passport in protective cover
- Printed CAS (mark with yellow highlighter)
- Warwick accommodation confirmation
- Dependants:
- Passport with TTV sticker
- Original relationship certificates
🎓 Student-Specific Prep
At Airline Check-in
|
At UK Border
|
👨👩👧 Dependant-Specific Prep
At Airline Check-in
|
At UK Border
|
🔋 Tech Failure Backup Plan
If devices fail:
- Use airport computers/phones to access UKVI portal
- Call UKVI: +44 300 790 6268 for share code assistance
- Present printed backups:
- UKVI decision notice
- CAS number written separately
- Warwick acceptance letter
Border officers can verify status using passport details alone
Strategic preparation moves you beyond documents to seamless journeys.
🎓 University Processes
| How do I prove my Right to Study? | Generate share code (starts with 'S') via View & Prove serviceLink opens in a new window. Mandatory: Upload to university portal immediately after generation. |
| My eVisa shows wrong course details? | Contact SVASLink opens in a new window for corrected CAS and eVisa correctionLink opens in a new window. |
| How often update UKVI details? | Immediately report changes using Update My DetailsLink opens in a new window service. |
⚠️ Troubleshooting
| eVisa not visible after creation? | If missing after 72 hours: |
| Locked out of UKVI account? | Use recovery toolLink opens in a new window or call 0300 790 6268. |
| Found errors on eVisa? | Report within 10 days via Home Office portalLink opens in a new window. |
Contact Us
Need support with your visa?
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A-Z of Visa Terms
Not sure what something means?
Check our list of common visa-related terminology.