Brexit: New immigration rules for students

The immigration rules for students from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EAA), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein changed on the 30 June 2021. Students from these areas must now have a visa, or be registered with the EU Settlement Scheme, in order to study in the UK.

On this page you will find a list of the documents you need if you are going to study in the UK, and answers to a few frequently asked questions about the EU Settlement Scheme. If you need further support, contact our Student Immigration Advisory Service.

Required documents

Below are examples of the immigration documents that you will need to provide if you are coming to the UK to study as an EU/EEA citizen:

A valid passport

From the 1 October 2021, most EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can only travel to the UK using a valid passport, unless they have:

  • applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, or have an application pending
  • protected rights under the Citizens' Rights Agreements

Passport vignette (sticker)

If you are using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check' app to confirm your identity when applying to study in the UK, you will not receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport, if your application is successful.

Standard Visitor visa

Up to six months

You may need a Standard Visitor visa and a visa support letter if you are coming to the UK to study for up to six months. Check if this applies to you.

Visa support letter

When you have accepted your offer to study at Kingston University, your faculty student office should provide you with a visa support letter outlining your study period in the UK. You should carry the visa support letter with you when you enter the UK.

The letter is provided by your faculty student office if you:

  • have not been granted pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
  • are not eligible to apply late to the EU Settlement Scheme
  • are coming to study at Kingston University for less than six months
  • are a continuing student with less than six months to complete your course.

Student Route visa

More than six months

You may need a Student Route visa if you are coming to the UK to study for more than six months and:

  • have not been granted pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
  • are not eligible to apply late to the EU Settlement Scheme
  • are coming to study at Kingston University for more than six months
  • are a continuing student with more than six months to complete your course.

Check if this applies to you.

To support your Student Route visa application, you should request a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) on OSIS when you have accepted an unconditional offer to study at Kingston University. 

We advise you to follow our Guide when preparing your supporting documents and completing the student visa application form, including how to apply for a student visa overseas.

Visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website for more information on applying.

Pre-settled or settled status

You can get a 'share code' to show that you are permitted to study in the UK, if you have been granted pre-settled or settled status.

EU Settlement Scheme

The EU Settlement Scheme was set up to give citizens from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein the option to apply to remain in the UK after the 30 June 2021. 

If you have been granted pre-settled or settled status, you do not need a visa to study in the UK.

Can I apply to the EU Settlement Scheme?

Probably not. The deadline for most people to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021. Only in very exceptional circumstances are people still able to apply.

Visit the GOV.UK website to find out who has a later deadline to apply the EU Settlement Scheme.

How do I show my immigration status if I have pre-settled or settled status?

If you have been granted pre-settled or settled status and you are asked to prove your immigration status you can view and prove your immigration status using the Government's website.

Use the website to:

  • get a ‘share code' to prove your status to others, for example employers
  • update personal details in your UK Visas and Immigration account, for example your passport number or email address
  • check what rights you have in the UK, for example the right to work, rent or claim benefits

You will need:

  • details of the identity document you used when you applied (your passport, national identity card, or biometric residence card or permit)
  • your date of birth
  • access to the mobile number or email address you used when you applied – you will be sent a code for logging in

Start the process now on the Government's website

You can also use this service if you applied for a visa and used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check' app to scan your identity document on your phone

You cannot use this service if you have a vignette in your passport or a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to prove your immigration status.

How can I prove that I have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme?

If you made your EU Settlement Scheme application by the 30 June 2021 deadline your existing rights will be protected, pending the outcome of your application.

Applicants are issued with a Certificate of Application, which can be relied on to evidence their rights.

Your Certificate of Application will be available in your view and prove account or you will be sent it by post. The Home Office will contact you if they need further information to progress your application.

Visa, CAS and immigration support

Visa requirements

Brexit: New immigration rules

CAS request

BRP collection

Working in the UK after your studies

International

International

Visa, CAS and immigration support