To comply with your visa, you might need to do several things when you get here.
When you can arrive
You can arrive in the UK up to one month before your course start date, if your course is six months or longer, or a pre-sessional course that is less than six months.
If your course is fewer than six months long, you can arrive seven days before your course start date.
Important: You must always arrive in the UK within the validity of your Student visa. This will either be within the validity of your 90-day vignette (if you have been issued one) or after the valid from date of your evisa.
As part of the Sussex registration process, you will need to show either your date-stamped 90-day vignette or a flight ticket/boarding pass showing the date you entered the UK. If you have entered the UK before the validity of your Student visa, you will not be able to register for your course. You will need to leave the UK and re-enter during the validity of your Student visa.
Registering with a visa
Learn how you will register with your visa.
What to do at the UK border
When entering the UK, you will have to meet a Border Force Officer (BFO) unless you are eligible to use an ePassport gate.
The BFO will usually ask why you are coming to the UK and will look at your Passport, and check your 90-day vignette (sticker in your passport), if you have been issued one. They may also ask you some questions about the purpose of your stay. They may also request to see your:
- share code from your eVisa
- CAS/Offer letter from the University
- financial documents
- where you are planning to stay.
You should have all these documents prepared and to hand - either an accessible electronic copy or paper.
Once the Border Force Officer has seen you they will stamp your 90-day vignette, if you have been issued one.
Find out more about passport control when arriving at the UK Border.
Find out more about your student visa.