Travelling while BRP is not expired but course is

[Faqasim]

Hello Team,

A Student Visa Holder who is completing her masters next month. CAS states the course end date on 30 Sept 2022, however, her BRP is valid until 30 Jan 2023.

Upon completion of her course, she plans to go home to spend a vacation with the family, before returning back to the UK to attend her graduation ceremony in December 2022, and then applying for graduate visa.

1. Would she be prevented from coming back the UK since her course has ended officially? Or does the ceremony qualify as university related event, and she would be allowed into the country.

2. Any pointers on what to do/avoid in such scenario?

[Wikileaks]

There shouldn't be any problems coming back since the person has valid reasons for doing so - graduation and the intention to apply for Graduate Visa.

[vinny]

Risky.

Student does not start course or ceases to study

9.26.1. The entry clearance or permission of a Student or Child Student may be cancelled if:

• (a) they do not start their studies with their sponsor; or
• (b) they or their sponsor confirm that their course of study has ceased, or will cease before the end date recorded on the Certificate of Acceptance for Studies; or
• (c) the start date for the course is delayed for more than 28 days; or
• (d) they cease to study with their sponsor.

If they refuse entry or admit her as a visitor, then the Validation requirements for a Graduate prevent her from subsequently applying under the Graduate route.

Moreover, don’t also travel before they grant Graduate permission.

[Faqasim]

Hello Vinny,

Thank you for your comment, but her study will NOT cease before the end date recorded on the Certificate of Acceptance for Studies, as she was granted a 4 months beyond the end date recorded on the CAS.

Is there a chance that she would be denied returning to the UK? even if she demonstrate that she is back to attend her ceremony and intending to apply for graduate visa?

Best,

[vinny]

Oops! Just rechecked.

She may be okay, as there were changes in policy.

[sah10406]

1. Would she be prevented from coming back the UK since her course has ended officially?

No.

See Student route caseworker guidance, page 90:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... dent-route

Students are able to travel outside of, and re-enter, the UK whilst they hold valid permission as a Student, including in the period after they have completed their course and still hold permission under the route.