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What to do after submitting your visa application

While you are waiting to receive your new visa you should attend International Check-in, as this means you can temporarily matriculate and start your new programme.

What to do while you are waiting for a decision 

You may have to wait 8 weeks for a decision on your visa application, and an additional 10 days to receive your visa after it has been approved. 

Stay in the UK 

You will keep your passport throughout the application process. However, you should not travel outside the UK and Ireland until you receive a decision on your visa application. If you do, this will result in your application being withdrawn. 

Attend International Check-in at the University

If you are starting a new programme, you should book an appointment for International Check-in before your programme start date. Attending International Check-in allows you to temporarily matriculate while you are waiting for your visa to be approved. 

Once your visa application has been approved you will have to attend International Check-in for a second time with your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or proof of your digital permission. 

Find out about International Check-in for students applying in the UK

What to do when your visa is approved 

Check the details on your digital permission or BRP 

When your new visa is issued, you should check the details on it. Make sure that your personal details (name, gender and date of birth) are correct.  

You should also check: 

  • your work permission (for most students, this will be 20 hours a week during term time) 

  • the expiry date (this should include the wrap-up period after your programme finishes) 

If you notice a mistake you should contact UKVI. 

How to report an error on your BRP 

Attend a second International Check-in appointment 

Once you receive your new visa you should book a second appointment for International Check-in. If you used the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you will need to email us a share code beforehand. If you received a BRP, you will need to bring this to the appointment. 

Find out about International Check-in for students applying in the UK

What to do if your visa application is refused 

Contact us immediately if your visa application has been refused. 

Email us at studentimmigration@ed.ac.uk

In your email, provide the following:    

  • your name  

  • your date of birth   

  • your nationality   

  • your student number   

  • where you made your application

  • an attachment with your refusal notice (include all pages)  

We prioritise visa refusals, so you can get advice as quickly as possible.   

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