Switching Courses: Options For International Students In The Uk

International students in the UK on a student visa are allowed to change their course or department, but they must fulfil certain requirements. The new course must be at the same or a higher level than the previous course, and it must be completed within the validity period of the current visa. Students must also still fulfil the student visa policy's academic progression requirements for the new course. Additionally, any changes must be reported by the visa sponsor (the University) to UKVI, and this may result in visa curtailment.

Can an international student change their course in the UK?

Visa curtailment

International students in the UK on a student visa must fulfil certain requirements to remain in the country. A change of course is one of the changes that must be reported by the visa sponsor (i.e. the university), and it may result in visa curtailment. Visa curtailment is the process by which UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) decides to cancel or shorten a visa holder's leave to remain in the UK before its stated expiry date. This can significantly impact visa holders' lives and plans.

Reasons for Visa Curtailment

There are several reasons why UKVI may curtail a student visa. These include:

• Withdrawal from studies: Lack of engagement or withdrawal from the course can lead to curtailment.
• Breach of visa conditions: Working more hours than allowed or engaging in prohibited activities can result in visa curtailment.
• False information: Providing false information or documents during the visa application process may lead to visa curtailment.
• Criminal activity: A conviction for a serious criminal offence or persistent offending can result in a student visa being curtailed.
• Public good: If a student's presence in the UK is deemed "not conducive to the public good" based on their conduct, character, or associations, their visa may be curtailed.

Impact of Visa Curtailment

Responding to Visa Curtailment

If an international student receives a curtailment notice, it is crucial to understand the reasons behind it and seek professional legal advice. Immigration lawyers who specialise in UK immigration law can help students respond to the curtailment notice, prepare and submit a new visa application, and address any other immigration issues.

Academic progression requirements

International students in the UK intending to change their course must fulfil the student visa policy's academic progression requirements. These requirements include:

Firstly, the new course must be at the same level or a higher level than the course for which the visa was initially granted. For instance, progressing from a Bachelor's to a Master's programme as part of an integrated course.

Secondly, the new course should be completed within the validity of the current visa. If the new course extends beyond the visa's expiry, students can apply for a visa extension. This process requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the University to support the visa application. It is essential to initiate this process at least three months before the current visa expires and to provide the necessary documentation for the new visa.

Additionally, the University is responsible for submitting reports of any changes to the UKVI, which may affect the student's immigration status. The International Student Office will notify the student via email when such a report is submitted.

It is important to note that changing to a part-time student visa may have restrictions. This type of visa usually does not permit work or allow dependent family members. Furthermore, before starting a new course, it is advisable to check if it requires ATAS clearance, especially if changing departments or undertaking a PhD programme. Any visa application process will also require paying the immigration health surcharge again for each year the new visa is valid.

Visa extension

As an international student in the UK, you may be able to extend your student visa to continue your current course or switch to a new course. However, there are several requirements and considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, you must submit your visa extension application before your current visa expires. If you apply after your visa has expired, your application will likely be rejected, and you will lose your legal right to be in the UK, including your right to study. Therefore, it is recommended to start thinking about your visa extension at least three months before its expiry.

To be eligible for a visa extension, you must meet specific requirements. These include having an unconditional offer for a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor, which is indicated by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Your new course must also meet the 'academic progress requirement', meaning it should be at a higher academic level than your current course or be at the same level but related to your previous course or career aspirations. Additionally, your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

If you are a PhD student needing more time to complete your studies or an undergraduate student with approved intermission, you may be able to extend your visa. However, a period of intermission or deferral of studies can have serious implications for your student visa, and the university may need to cease sponsorship.

It is important to note that you will need to pay the immigration health surcharge again for your new visa application, which is £470 for each year of validity. Additionally, if you have dependants in the UK whose visas are expiring, they will need to apply for their own visa extensions separately.

ATAS clearance

International students in the UK intending to change their course of study must ensure that they continue to meet the student visa policy's academic progression requirements. The university is responsible for submitting these reports to UKVI, and visa curtailment may result from changes in circumstances.

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to international students and researchers who want to study or conduct research in specific sensitive technology-related fields in the UK. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) administers the scheme and issues ATAS certificates.

If you are an international student in the UK and you change your course or research, or if you want to apply for further permission to stay in the UK, you will need to apply for a new ATAS certificate. You will need separate ATAS clearances for each higher education institution (HEI) and programme of study if you have multiple offers.

You can check if you need an ATAS certificate by referring to your official offer letter or contacting your Higher Education Institution (HEI). The Postgraduate Admissions ATAS page can also provide information on whether your new course will require ATAS clearance.

If your application for ATAS clearance is refused, you can appeal by contacting the ATAS Team at [email protected]. The ATAS team operates from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and aims to respond to emails within five working days.

Visa implications of internships

Undertaking an internship as an international student in the UK can have several visa implications that should be considered early in the process. Here are some key points to note:

Visa Requirements for Internships in the UK

Internships in the UK are considered work and therefore require work permission, which means that international students need a suitable visa to undertake an internship. The specific visa requirements and application processes should be checked, as they may vary depending on the student's circumstances. Some common visa options for internships include the Tier 5 (now known as the Temporary Worker-Government Authorised Exchange Visa) and the Tier 4 student visa.

Visa Sponsorship and Eligibility

Some internships, especially those that are not integral to a student's PhD research, may require a visa sponsorship or a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The CoS is a virtual document that serves as evidence of a job offer from a UK employer who is willing to act as a sponsor. It confirms that the internship meets salary and skill-level requirements. Students should also be aware of any eligibility requirements, such as having rights under the withdrawal agreement if they were not resident in the UK by a certain date.

Impact on Graduate Visa Eligibility

Changing visa types during a PhD program, such as obtaining a new visa for an internship, may affect eligibility for the Graduate visa upon completion of the PhD. This is an important consideration, and students are advised to seek guidance from their International Student Office.

Work Hours and Duration Limitations

International students on visas, including those from the EU, generally have restrictions on the number of hours they can work and the type of employment allowed. For example, Tier 4 students can usually work part-time during their studies and full-time during holidays and after course completion, but only until the expiry date of their visa. If an internship extends beyond the visa's validity, further permission may be needed, possibly requiring a switch to a Tier 5 visa.

Visa Application Timing

The visa application process can take several weeks, and it is recommended to start at least two months before the intended internship start date. Delays in considering visa issues can result in postponed internship start dates and reduced time for interns at the host organisation.

Frequently asked questions