Find out how your visa will be affected if you choose to temporarily or permanently withdraw from your course at Sussex.
What to do first
Whether you are an undergraduate, a postgraduate taught student or a postgraduate researcher, there are many things you will need to get advice on if you are thinking of pausing or leaving your studies.
These include your:
- academic progress
- finances
- housing needs
- personal circumstances
- health.
See what you have to do if you are thinking of withdrawing from Sussex.
To help you make your decision, you can speak to:
- the International Advice team, for confidential advice about visas and immigration
- the Student Centre, if you have worries or concerns
- Residential Life, if you have problems with your living situation.
Next
Once you have read our guidance on withdrawing, you need to know how your visa status is affected – contact us using our international advice form.
What happens when you withdraw
When you withdraw – either temporarily or permanently – you will no longer be a registered student and we will need to report this to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
This happens within 10 working days. Our UKVI Compliance team will contact you when the report has been made. Check your contact details are correct on your student profile, as UKVI will normally use your personal email address to contact you.
UKVI should then email you a cancellation letter to confirm your visa is going to be cancelled. It can vary how long it takes UKVI to send the curtailment email to you.
If you don’t receive this email, tell one of our international advisers.
UKVI normally cancels your visa to expire 60 days from the date of the email or letter. It's very important that you leave the UK on or before your new visa expiry date. If you do not you will become an overstayer, which is an illegal status. See our information on the consequences of overstaying your visa.
You don’t have to wait to hear from UKVI; you can leave the UK as soon as you wish.
Resuming at Sussex
If you will be resuming your studies at Sussex you will need to apply for a new student visa in your home country before you return, meeting all the application requirements (including financial ones) again. This includes paying the visa application and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees again. Unfortunately, you are not eligible to receive a refund for any previous IHS fees if you leave the UK before your visa ends and apply again for a new Student visa from overseas.
You will need a new CAS to make a new visa application.
You should hear from our student records team ahead of your anticipated return. Make sure you are checking your Sussex email account regularly and respond to any queries.
Tip: There is a time limit on a student visa, depending on your level of study.
Authorised absences for international students
If you are studying on a Student visa then, in some circumstances, you can apply for authorised absence if you need to take a short break from studies of less than 60 days. This option allows you to take a break, remain in the UK or travel home, without having your visa withdrawn. This may be more suitable than taking a temporary withdrawal, which will mean having your visa curtailed and a requirement to leave the UK.
It is important to understand that an authorised absence will only be approved if the University is satisfied that your academic progression will not be adversely affected and you will still be able to complete your studies within your existing period of leave.
Acceptable reasons for authorised absence include:
- to receive minor medical treatment
- to take maternity or paternity leave
- illness which would not ordinarily result in an absence exceeding 60 days
- illness of a close family member or dependant
- another reason that the University decides it is prepared to exceptionally support.
In all cases, evidence will be required to support your request.
If you cannot return to studies after taking a period of authorised absence (up to a maximum of 60 days) you will usually need to take temporary withdrawal and we will withdraw sponsorship. For postgraduate researchers this process will involve apply for an intermission.
Authorised absence application process
UG and PGT students: request an authorised absence [DOCX 47KB].
Postgraduate researchers: request an authorised absence.
Your responsibilities
During an authorised absence, make sure you understand which conditions of your vista still apply.
You should maintain contact with us via the staff member who approved your request. Make sure you keep your contact details up to date in Sussex Sirect if you're living somewhere else.
Ten working days before you resume your studies, you should contact your School to confirm you'll be returning on the expected date. Any further break from studies could mean you have to take temporary withdrawal and leave the UK.
Research degree students
If you’re studying for a research degree, as well as the option to intermit or apply for authorised absence, you can also take annual leave.