The University of Sheffield
Welcome to Sheffield

Entering the UK

On arrival in Britain, everyone must pass through Immigration Control. There is one queue, or line, for European Nationals and a second queue for everyone else.

1. Documents To Be Carried In Hand Baggage:

  1. passport.
  2. bank statements, a sponsor’s letter (in English) or a bank draft to prove sufficient funds are available. (This also applies to European students.)
  3. University visa letter proving you have accepted your offer.
  4. proof (written or verbal) of intention to return home at the end of the course.
  5. copy of certification of TB/BCG vaccination - although it is not a requirement for all nationals of TB endemic countries to be screened before arrival in the UK, some students will be required to undergo TB screening on arrival. This process can cause lengthy delays, but you might be able to avoid this if you already have a chest x-ray in your luggage.
  6. your 'Welcome to The University of Sheffield- International 2012-13' booklet so you can telephone the University if in difficulty.
  7. Letter about University housing (if you have one).

2. Immigration Officer

Immigration Officers have wide-ranging power and authority. They can:

  1. Search baggage. Letters or documents (in any language) which suggest reasons other than study bring someone to the UK can lead to refusal of entry to the UK.
  2. Ask ambiguous questions, the purpose of which is not always clear to students. Remember: entry to UK as a student is granted on condition that you DO NOT work full-time and DO NOT plan to stay in this country after completing studies.

At all times, the information given to Immigration Officers must be complete, accurate and true. Records are kept of all information given. Any misunderstanding or discrepancy can lead to entry or extension to Leave to Remain in the future being refused.

3. Students with prior entry clearance - all must have this except those eligible to apply for a Student Visitor Visa on entry (non visa-nationals on courses of less than six months).

  1. The Immigration Officer can demand the documents in 1 above and may ask questions about the conditions for student status.
  2. S/he can change your Leave to Enter if s/he believes that your circumstances have changed or are different from the time that entry clearance was obtained. There is a right of appeal within the UK.
  3. The date of your arrival will be stamped in your passport by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

4. Arrivals via Dublin:

Dublin Immigration Officers check papers on departure so an Immigration Officer may not be available at the UK airport. Ask to see an Immigration Officer at your arrival airport in UK to get a stamp in your passport.