Student eVisas
Has your visa application been successful?
This guidance is for new and current students at 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 → Travel → Arrival → Enrolment
| Stage | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Decision | Receive your UKVI decision email. Check every detail carefully. |
| eVisa | Access your eVisa. Make sure it’s correct. |
| Travel | Book travel only after confirming your visa details. |
| 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. |
Students will receive a digital immigration status known as an eVisa.
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 which will provide instructions on how to access your eVisa.
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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 if required
- Show CAS and accommodation proof if requested
👨👩👧 Dependants
- Mandatory Officer Interview:
- Passport with TTV sticker
- Relationship proof + student's CAS if requested by border officer.
❗ 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 International Student Support & Experience Team |
| 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. Contact International Student Support & Experience Team |
| 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 International Student Support & Experience Team 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 Start Date (LSD)
- Students: CAS-specified deadline (Please check your CAS to confirm this date)
- Dependants: Before TTV expiry
⚠️ LSD is a contingency - not your target arrival date
🔄 LSD Change Process
1
Contact academic department before LSD expires
2
Department assesses academic feasibility (5-10 working days)
3
Possible outcomes:
- ✅ New LSD 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 - students on courses of 12 months or longer should receive four additional months visa from the CAS course end date. | Matches main applicant's visa |
| Reference Number | Present and legible | |
❌ If Errors Found
DO NOT TRAVEL until corrections are made:
- eVisa holders: GOV.UK error reportingLink opens in a new window
- All: Contact the International Student Support & Experience Team if there isn't enough time to correct the error before travelling.
👨👩👧 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 | Not applicable as students will be issued eVisa | ✅ |
🚨 Lost/Stolen Documents
🛫 Pre-Departure
- Report to local police
- Replace passport through embassy
- Update eVisa
- Students: Link eVisa to the new passport
- Dependants: Will need the TTV - Temporary Travel Vignette to be transferred to new passport. Also, update the eVisa.
- Contact International Student Support & Experience Team
🛬 In UK
- Report to police (non-emergency 101)
- Replace passport through embassy
- Update eVisa via GOV.UKLink opens in a new window
- Notify International Student Support & Experience Team 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 course 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 Link opens in a new windowInternational Student Support & Experience Team
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: Students will only receive an eVisa - digital status 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 to contact UKVI Carrier Hub: +44 300 790 6268 (24/7). |
📄 Visa Format Comparison
| Feature | Students | Dependants |
|---|---|---|
| Format | eVisa (digital status) | Temporary Travel Vignette inside passport to enter the UK + eVisa |
| Access Method | UKVI online accountLink opens in a new window | Vignette in physical passport |
| Validity Period | Full course duration. | 90-day entry window |
| Border Process | Border Officer/eGates depending on nationality + 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 Start Date (LSD)
- Contact department immediately
- Submit LSD extension request with evidence
- Department assesses academic viability
- If authorised a new LSD will be given
❌ After LSD 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
✈️ 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 Visa TeamLink 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.