Students applying for a visa in the UK (extending or switching)
If you are making an application for a Student visa in the UK, you will need to attend two in-person appointments for International Check-in.
Important information for those switching from a Graduate visa
If you currently hold a Graduate visa, you will need to apply for - and obtain - a Student visa before you can commence your studies. We cannot complete your check-in while your Student visa application is pending.
Each time you start a new programme, or change institution, you must apply for a new visa, even if you have a Student visa and there is still time remaining on it.
Learn more about extending your Student visa in the UK
Visa applications made in the UK take around 8 weeks. If you haven’t received a decision by the time your programme is due to start, you will be able to matriculate temporarily by completing International Check-in and showing that you have submitted a visa application.
Steps for International Check-in
Step 1: Book and attend an appointment
You should bring your current passport and (if you have one) your current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You should also bring proof of your visa application.
After you have attended this appointment, you will be temporarily matriculated and able to start your programme. However, you will still need to complete step 2 once your visa has been approved.
Book and attend an appointment for International Check-in (secured)
Step 2: Provide evidence of your new Student visa and attend a second appointment
Once your visa application has been approved you will have to book and attend a second appointment as part of your International Check-in. This is because we need to see evidence that your visa has been granted.
Book and attend an appointment for International Check-in (secured)
International Check-in with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
If you receive a BRP card, this will be posted to you at the address specified on your application form.
You will need to attend your second appointment with:
- Your new BRP
- Your Visa Decision Letter
- Your current passport
If you won't be receiving a BRP card and will only have a digital immigration permission, please follow the instructions in the section below.
International Check-in with digital immigration permission
If you have digital immigration permission, you will need to get a share code from the UKVI website before attending an appointment.
You will need to bring your passport to your appointment.
Your share code will allow us to upload and record details of your immigration status. You should get your share code from UKVI website and complete the form below to provide us the details of your share code so that your record can be updated.
Your matriculation will not be fully complete until you have provided evidence of your new Student visa at your second Check-in appointment.
What to do if you are switching from another institution
If you hold a Tier 4/Student visa which is sponsored by another institution you must not start your studies until you have submitted a visa application with a CAS which has been issued by the University of Edinburgh.
The conditions of your visa state that you must study at the institution which sponsors your visa. This means that starting studies without making a visa application for the new programme will amount to a breach of your visa conditions.
Are you having trouble applying for your visa in the UK?
If you are starting a new programme and there is a genuine reason why you cannot apply for your Student visa before the start of your programme (or before your current visa expires, whichever is the sooner), please get in contact with an adviser: