Returning on a Student Visa after Graduation but before PSW

[azminad]

Hello,

Just wondering if anyone had any comments on leaving the UK after graduating (December 15 in my case) but before I have applied for my PSW. I need to be home for a wedding on December 31,2010 but cannot apply until November 23 when my marks are released (current wait time is at least 5 weeks it seems). I have called the UKBA, and talked to Immigration Officers at Heathrow and they said it should be fine to get back in (I have a Canadian passport, will show my intention to apply for a PSW upon arrival, etc.,) but universities are sending out ambiguous information saying we will/can be rejected for no longer meeting the 'purpose' of a student visa if we have graduated and I have read about horror stories about people getting turned away at the border.

Any advice/information/experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

[vinny]

Try and get information from Immigration officers in writing.

See also Question about travel under Student Visa.

If they admit you as a visitor, then you cannot switch to PSW in-country.

[azminad]

Just so everyone knows, I traveled back into the UK and had no hassle from the border agency, even though most universities say I will have trouble getting in and should not travel. I did make sure to have my application and documentation with me to show my intention to apply, but the guard didn't even want to see it. May have helped having a Canadian passport, but don't stress about this!

[aldoh]

Hi Azminad,

How long did you have left on your visa? I'm in a similar situation, and the things that I hear are terrifying!