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
There are many things you will need to get advice about 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.
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. Check your details are correct because UKVI uses them to contact you.
UKVI should then write to you to confirm your visa is going to be curtailed (cancelled). This can take a few months. If you don’t receive this notification, tell one of our immigration advisers.
UKVI normally gives you 60 days from the date of the email or letter to leave the UK.
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 Systems and Records office (studentprogressvisa@sussex.ac.uk), if you’re an undergraduate or Masters student
-
Research Student Administration Office (researchstudentoffice@sussex.ac.uk), if you’re a PhD student or doing an MPhil.
Tip: There is a time limit on a student visa, depending on your level of study.
PhD students
If you’re studying for a PhD, you can:
- take annual leave
- temporarily withdraw (also known as intermission)
- apply for authorised absence.
Find out more about PhD options for international students.