Student document check (right to study)

To complete registration, some students need to present their documents to the University to prove they can study in the UK.

As part of your registration, you will be told whether you need to present your documents to finalise your registration. Your online student record will also also let you know if you need to complete a document check.

If you are required to, but do not complete this step, you will not be able to register for your course of study.

We are required to check that the information you provide meets UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements and ensure that you have the right to study in the UK.

This check is based on the nationality listed in your application and student record. It is not based on your fee status, so you may be required to attend a check even if you are a UK resident and pay home fees.

Students who must attend a student document check

You will need to have your documents checked if:

  • you are a new student or enrolling on a new course and your nationality is subject to immigration control
  • you are returning to the University after a suspension and your nationality is subject to immigration control
  • you are a returning student and were not able to travel to the UK last year
  • you have a new Student visa for any other reason
  • you do not have a nationality listed on your student record.

How to complete your student document check

  1. Confirm your registration details
  2. Book an appointment to have your documents checked at Beacon House Study Centre 

All new students were sent an email on 4 or 5 September containing the appointment booking link for a Student document (Right to Study) check. Follow the instructions in this email. 

You can also collect your BRP card if you have one, you do not need a separate appointment.

If you have not received an email about booking a Student Document Check (Right to Study), please contact student-services@bristol.ac.uk.

UCard collection 

You can collect your UCard from Card Services.  

If you arrive after 18 September

If you are arriving in Bristol after 18 September, please book an appointment for your Student Document Check and BRP collection. 

Check the latest dates for registration for more information on late arrivals.

What to bring

Bring as many of the below documents as you can to your appointment:

  • passport
  • visa (BRP) and visa vignette sticker (normally in your passport)
  • evidence that you have made a new visa application (e.g. visa application form, receipt from your visa application)
  • flight details of the first time you arrived in the UK travelling on a Student visa
  • if you have a digital status, generate a Sharecode. The code must start with the letter 'S'.

These must be original documents, not scans or photocopies. We store copies of your documents as part of our sponsor duties.

If you are a visitor

You will still need to come to an in-person check, even if you travelled through eGates and do not have a physical visa. Bring your flight tickets and passport.

Further advice

Questions about the student document check (right to study) should be sent to student-visas@bristol.ac.uk.

More information about student visas.

Student visa responsibilities

Find out what your responsibilities are if you have a Student visa.

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