Re-entry Using Tier 4 Visa After Course End Date

[gjbronquillo]

Hi,

I have a Tier 4 visa valid until Nov. 30, 2019 but my course end date is May 31, 2019. I already have a job offer so I will be switching to a Tier 2 visa. But, I will be going out of the UK twice after my course end date:

1) From a short holiday in my country, and
2) To attend my graduation in Belgium because my course is a joint degree and the ceremony is to be held in Belgium.

Can you share to me your experiences about the re-entering the UK after the course end date but with the visa still valid? I am preparing all the documents for evidence of my genuine intention to enter (CoS, offer letter, graduation letter explaining the course structure, etc.).

Thanks!

[sah10406]

I have a Tier 4 visa valid until Nov. 30, 2019 but my course end date is May 31, 2019. I already have a job offer so I will be switching to a Tier 2 visa. But, I will be going out of the UK twice after my course end date:

1) From a short holiday in my country, and
2) To attend my graduation in Belgium because my course is a joint degree and the ceremony is to be held in Belgium.

Can you share to me your experiences about the re-entering the UK after the course end date but with the visa still valid? I am preparing all the documents for evidence of my genuine intention to enter (CoS, offer letter, graduation letter explaining the course structure, etc.).

It is a very bad idea. Your Tier 4 visa is only valid for entering the UK to start or continue your studies. It is not logical or reasonable to expect to enter the UK on a student visa for a course that has finished. I really don't recommend trying it.

Moreover, why risk it anyway? I advise that you make the Tier 2 application now, postponing your holiday if necessary, then re-enter the UK on that visa.

[gjbronquillo]

Just want to update on this to make everything clear. I WENT BACK SUCCESSFULLY WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM. I came back to Edinburgh and the only question asked to me was "Where are you studying?". So to end all doubts, it is obviously possible to re-enter the UK even after graduation as long as your Tier 4 visa is still valid. I did prepare, though, all supporting documents such as my employment contract and letter from my employer saying they will shortly issue me a CoS. But these were just for assurance purposes and I was not asked about these. So to say that it is "very risky" to do so is just an over-exaggeration and will just put unnecessary stress to someone in a similar situation.

I have a friend who did this as well. His visa was about to expire 10 days when he entered and he did not encounter any problem as well. Therefore, this is not an isolated case. Just prepare documentary evidence, just in case, and you'll be fine. Cheers!

[sah10406]

The Tier 4 Policy Guidance was updated on 26 June 2019, which means that the long-standing issues that some people had entering the UK during the post-study period will not now be an issue.

The new paragraphs 273-275 read:

273. As part of your application you will receive an additional period of leave after you have finished your studies. The length of your post-study period will depend on your level of study and is set out in the sections ‘Length of time a Tier 4 (General) Student can come to the UK for’ and ‘Length of time a Tier 4 (Child) Student come to the UK for’.

274. Once your sponsor has confirmed that your studies are complete, and you are therefore in your post-study period, you may do the following:
• Enter and leave the UK
• Work full-time in the UK, if your conditions of leave permit you to work
• Study in the UK
• Visit areas in the UK
• Apply to remain in the UK under an appropriate alternative route (e.g. Tier 1 and Tier 2).

275. Please be aware that if you do travel during your post-study period, Border Force officials will need to be satisfied when you are entering the UK that you will either complete the activity you intend to carry out and leave the UK before your visa expires, or that you will submit an in-time application to extend your leave in the UK. You should carry any documentation relevant with you when you travel to show to the Border Force officer if required.

See https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... -4-student