Lori Meadows
International students make up a significant portion of the UK's student population, with 732,285 international students in the UK as of 2023/24. The UK government has implemented several measures to facilitate the entry of international students into the country, such as the Student route for immigration permission and the introduction of eVisas and Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs). However, the UK's immigration system has also undergone changes, including restrictions on visa applications for certain nationalities and increased minimum salary requirements for skilled overseas workers. The following paragraphs will explore the current landscape of UK border control and how it affects international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Border open for international students? | Yes, but there are conditions |
| Required documents | Passport, visa or electronic travel authorisation (ETA), letter of acceptance from university/college/school, proof of English language proficiency |
| Border checks | Biometric information, facial recognition technology, fingerprints |
| Border Force Officers | Must be satisfied that the student speaks English at the required level and will complete their studies before their permission expires |
| eGates | Available for citizens of specific countries, for those over 10 years old, and for those not travelling with a child under 10 |
| eVisa | Replaced physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and vignettes in passports |
| ETA | Required for visitors staying for less than six months or those transiting through the UK border; costs £16 and permits multiple journeys over two years or until the holder's passport expires |
| Visa restrictions | Visa applications from nationalities likely to overstay and claim asylum could be restricted |
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What You'll Learn
- International students need a valid passport or national identity card to enter the UK
- Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being replaced by digital eVisas
- Border Force Officers must be satisfied that students speak English at the required level
- Students with Visitor status may need to leave and re-enter the UK before starting their degree
- An ETA costs £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for up to six months at a time
International students need a valid passport or national identity card to enter the UK
International students who want to study in the UK need to apply for immigration permission from outside the UK. They will need to prove their identity as part of their application and may need to provide additional documents depending on their circumstances. For example, students under 18 will need proof of parental or other legal guardian consent.
When entering the UK, international students need to have the correct documents with them, including a valid passport or national identity card. A Border Force officer will check the student's identity document and their immigration permission. Students can use the UK/EEA channel to get their passport, Irish passport card, or national identity card checked, which is usually faster than the other channels. Students can also use the automatic ePassport gates at some airports if their passport has a 'chip' in it and they are 10 or older. If students are between 10 and 17, they must be accompanied by an adult.
It is important to note that international students entering the UK with Student Immigration Permission may be asked to demonstrate their English language proficiency by a Border Force Officer without the need for an interpreter. Students should also ensure that their passport or national identity card is registered on their UK Visas and Immigration account to avoid delays at the border.
In addition to a valid passport or national identity card, international students may need a visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA) to enter the UK, depending on their nationality and the purpose of their stay. They should check the specific requirements for their country of origin before travelling to the UK.
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Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being replaced by digital eVisas
The UK is currently open to international students. When entering the UK, international students with Student Immigration Permission will need to show their passports or national identity cards to Border Force Officers. They may also need to prove their English language proficiency and have the right documents in their hand luggage.
Now, moving on to your second query, here is some detailed information about the replacement of Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) with digital eVisas:
Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) were physical cards used to prove an individual's immigration status in the UK. However, as of January 1, 2025, the UK government has replaced BRPs with a new digital system called eVisa. This means that visa holders will now have an online record of their immigration status and permissions in the UK. The eVisa will allow individuals to prove their status online, without the need for a physical card.
To access your eVisa, you need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. You can do this by visiting the UK government's eVisa webpage. Once you have created your account and linked your eVisa to it, you can view your visa status by logging into your account through the government's view and prove webpage. It is important to note that you don't need to pay any fees or submit a new visa application for this process.
Additionally, as part of creating your UKVI account and accessing your eVisa, you may need to download the UK Immigration: ID Check app and submit your biometrics. If there are any mistakes or changes to your personal information on your eVisa, you can report them by signing into your UKVI account and updating your details.
The move from BRPs to eVisas is expected to bring multiple benefits. BRPs were expensive to produce and administer, and they could be easily lost or stolen. The new digital system is designed to be more efficient, secure, and convenient, providing individuals with a more accessible way to prove their immigration status.
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Border Force Officers must be satisfied that students speak English at the required level
The UK border is open for international students, but they must meet certain requirements to enter the country. International students need to possess the necessary documentation, such as a passport or national identity card, and may also require a visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA).
For students with 'Student immigration permission', Border Force Officers must be satisfied that the student can speak English at the required level without needing an interpreter. This is to ensure that the student can effectively engage in their studies and communicate during their stay in the UK. The student's proficiency in English is assessed through verbal communication with the Border Force Officer, who has the discretion to determine if the student meets the required language standard.
To support their language ability, students can provide a letter from their university, college, or school confirming their acceptance for studies. This letter should include the student's Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies number if they are entering the UK as a student. It is essential for students to have the necessary documentation readily available in their hand luggage, as they may be requested by Border Force Officers during the border control process.
In addition to language requirements, Border Force Officers will also assess whether students intend to complete their intended activities and leave the UK before their permission expires. Students should be prepared to present relevant documentation, such as proof of their student status, return tickets, or evidence of sufficient funds, to support their purpose of entry.
It is important to note that some students may be eligible to use the e-gates for faster entry into the UK. However, even with the use of e-gates, Border Force Officers may still request to examine the student's passport and check their immigration permission. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to be well-prepared and carry the necessary documentation to ensure a smooth entry process into the UK.
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Students with Visitor status may need to leave and re-enter the UK before starting their degree
To avoid any issues, it is recommended that students with Visitor status carry paper copies of certain documents, as border officials may request to see them. These documents include a valid passport, visa (if required), and a letter from the university or college confirming acceptance and the programme of study. Additionally, if the student is under 18 years old, a letter from their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) granting permission to study in the UK is necessary. These documents should be easily accessible, such as in hand luggage, as checked baggage may not be available upon arrival.
It is important to note that the UK has introduced an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for some nationalities. Visitors from specific countries who do not require a visa for short stays of up to six months or already possess a UK immigration status may need an ETA. An ETA is a digital authorisation to travel, not a substitute for a visa or an entry permit to the UK. It costs £16 and is valid for numerous trips to the UK, with stays of up to six months each within a two-year period or until the passport expires. British and Irish citizens, as well as those covered by the EU Settlement Scheme, are exempt from obtaining an ETA.
To streamline the entry process, students with Visitor status can refer to the UKVI international student arrival guide, which provides helpful information on what to expect at the border. Additionally, students can consider using an e-gate, an electronic passport control system that reads biometric data from the passport chip and employs facial recognition technology for identification. However, it is important to retain evidence of the entry date to the UK, such as a flight ticket or boarding pass, as the passport will not be stamped when using the e-gate.
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An ETA costs £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for up to six months at a time
The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs £16 and permits multiple trips to the UK for up to six months at a time, or until the holder's passport expires. The ETA is valid for two years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever comes first. It is a digital permission to travel and does not guarantee entry into the UK. It is not a visa or a tax. An ETA is required for visitors who transit through the UK by crossing the UK border, if their nationality requires it. British and Irish citizens, as well as those with status under the EU Settlement Scheme, do not need an ETA. Dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship are also exempt from needing an ETA.
International students entering the UK with Student Immigration Permission must satisfy the Border Force Officer that they speak English at the required level and that they will complete their intended activity and leave the UK before their permission expires. Students should carry any relevant documentation with them when travelling, such as a letter from their university, college, or school. This should be in their hand luggage, as they will not have collected their checked baggage at this point.
Students from certain countries may be able to use an e-gate to enter the UK. An e-gate is an electronic passport control that reads biometric information from the passport chip and uses facial recognition technology to identify the traveller. This means students do not need to see a border guard. To use the e-gate, students must be over 10 years old and must be accompanied by an adult if they are between 10 and 17 years old. Students using the e-gate will not have their passport stamped, so they need to keep evidence of their date of entry, such as a flight ticket or boarding pass.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to show your identity document, such as your passport or national identity card. If you have an Israeli passport, you cannot currently use the ePassport gates. Your fingerprints may be checked at border control. You may also need a visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA).
An ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorization, is a digital permission to travel and costs £16. It is not a visa or a tax and does not permit entry into the UK but authorizes a person to travel to the UK. An ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) with a digital Immigration Status known as an eVisa, which will be proof of your student permission.
If you use the e-gates to enter the UK, your passport will not be stamped. This means that you will not have an official record of the date that you entered the UK. You will need to keep evidence of your date of entry to the UK (e.g. your flight ticket or boarding pass).
Students who arrive at the university with visitor status usually have to leave the UK and re-enter before they can start their degree program. They may need to travel back to their country of normal residence before they can come back again.
