If you are concerned about the validity of your visa or you have had your passport/BRP stolen or lost we have provided some information below on how to deal with these difficult situations. You should still speak to an adviser in the International Student Support team to discuss your particular circumstances.
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- My visa was refused - what do I do?
- I want to take a break from my studies / I have to resit my exams!
- I need legal advice!
- I've lost my passport!
- I've lost my Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Voting in the UK
If your visa application has been refused you will need a new CAS number before you can make another application. To obtain a new CAS number you must
- contact the International Student Support team immediately and
- email us a scan of the refusal letter
Once we have assessed the refusal letter and seen new supporting documents for your next visa application, we will be able to determine if you can be issued with a new CAS number.
If you are thinking about taking a break from your studies, this is called an interruption of studies. The break is usually for the reminder of the academic year or a full calendar year and most often is needed for health-related, financial or other personal / work-related reasons. If you decide to pause your studies your student status will change (you will still be registered but not enrolled). This may affect things like your funding, your right to remain in the UK or services that depend on being an enrolled student. It is important that you understand the implications.
The Student Support Zone webpage provides guidance so that you understand what you need to think about, who is available to advise and support you, and how to apply for an interruption of studies.
The International Student Support team are able to advise specifically on matters related to student visas. Where we are unable to advise we will recommend that you seek legal advice from an immigration specialist. We have compiled a list of suggested Immigration solicitors [pdf] however you should still conduct your own search to find an appropriate solicitor for your particular circumstances.
If your passport is lost or stolen you must
- Report this to the police and obtain a crime reference number/letter from the police.
- Apply for a new passport through your country’s Embassy or High Commission
- As soon as your new passport is issued you must upload a scan of the photo page to your Student e-Service.
BRP's (physical visas) are coming to an end by 31 December 2024 as the UK transitions to a digital immigration system using eVisa's.
If your BRP is now lost or stolen, you do not need to apply to replace the BRP, you need to ensure that you have created a UKVI account and registered for your eVisa so you can travel to the UK.
Please refer to our eVisas page with further details on how to create your UKVI account and register for your eVisa.
You must still report your lost or stolen BRP via the government website.
Some international students may be eligible to register to vote in the UK. If you receive an email from the Electoral Services asking you to register, you must register to vote. If you fail to register you could be fined an £80 penalty charge.
The legal requirement is only that you must register to vote, however, you are not legally required to vote.
Please refer to the UKCISA website for information on eligibility to vote.