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Guidance for International Students Requiring a UK Student Visa

Welcome to Northumbria University - we're excited to have you join us! This page explains how to enrol (register to become an official student) on your programme if you need visa permission to study in the UK. 

Your enrolment has 2 simple steps:

Step 1: Online Pre-registration - Complete this before you travel to the UK 

Step 2: Submit documents online for visa verification (Right to Study check) - Complete this as soon as you arrive in the UK 

We will email you when you can start Step 1. The email will include everything you need to know to enrol. 

When do I need to enrol by? 

Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is the official document we sent when you were offered your place at Northumbria. It shows your final enrolment deadline. 

You must complete both steps before your CAS deadline. 

Do not travel to the UK if you cannot arrive and enrol before your CAS deadline.

However, please don't wait until the deadline. We strongly recommend you arrive in time for Welcome Week and upload your visa documents as soon as you get to the UK. This is because visa verification (Right to Study check) can take up to 5 working days. Completing enrolment early means you won't miss: 

  • Welcome Week activities and events 
  • The start of your classes 
  • Getting your timetable and Smartcard (student ID card) on time 
  • Meeting your classmates and teachers 

All visa holders must provide evidence of their current status in the UK. Enrolment is subject to the terms stated in the University Compliance Protocol.

Step 1: Online Pre-registration 

When to do this: Complete this as soon as you receive your enrolment email. You can do this from your home country before you travel. 

What you need: 

  • A passport-style photo to upload for your Smartcard (student ID card) — first-time Northumbria students only 

How to complete pre-registration: 

  1. Go to the Student Portal 
  2. Log in with your University username and password 
  3. Click Enrol in the main menu 
  4. Click Register for your programme 
  5. Follow the instructions on screen and fill in all the information requested 

Need help logging in? See the Getting Help section below. 

Step 2: Submit documents online for visa verification (Right to Study check)  

When to do this: Complete this as soon as you arrive in the UK. 

You are not fully enrolled until we verify your visa documents. 

How to upload your documents: 

  1. Log in to the Student Portal 
  2. Click Enrol in the main menu 
  3. Click Upload Visa Documentation 
  4. Upload your documents (see below for what you need) 

How long does verification take? 

  • Verification takes up to 5 working days 
  • We will email you when your enrolment is complete 
  • You can access your timetable and BlackBoard (your virtual learning environment) within 2 working days of receiving email confirmation of enrolment  
  • We will tell you how to collect your Smartcard (student ID card) 

Full guidance can be found in Ask4Help Online on the Northumbria University Student Portal.  

Which documents should I upload for visa verification?

A. If you have a Student Route visa 

You need to upload: 

  1. Your study share code 
    This is 9 digits and starts with the letter S 
  2. Proof you entered the UK 
    Your boarding pass from your flight to the UK (not from any flights within the UK) 
  3. Your passport photo page 
    The page with your photo and personal details 

 

B. If you have a different type of visa 

You usually need to upload: 

  1. Proof you entered the UK 
    Your boarding pass or entry stamp 
  2. Your visa information 
    Your share code or visa document 
  3. Your passport photo page 
    The page with your photo and personal details 

 

If your visa application is still being processed 

If you are in the UK waiting for a visa decision, please upload: 

  1. Proof of your application 
    A document that shows:  
    • Your full name 
    • The date you applied 
    • The type of visa you applied for 
  2. Your permission for us to contact UKVI 
    Your written permission for us to contact UKVI about your application 

What is UKVI? UKVI stands for "UK Visas and Immigration". This is the UK government department that processes visa applications. 

Please note: We may need to contact UKVI before we can confirm your enrolment. 

Important: Your visa must allow you to study your specific course at Northumbria. 

What if I can't get my visa in time?

If your visa application is taking longer than expected and you will miss your enrolment deadline: 

  • You can request to defer (postpone) your course start date
  • Contact Applicant Services to discuss this option
  • It's better to start later than to travel without the correct visa

Getting Help

For help with enrolment 

For help logging into the Student Portal 

  • If you haven't received your login details: 
    Contact Applicant Services
  • If you've forgotten your username: 
    Contact IT Chat – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

If you've forgotten your password: 

  • Contact IT Chat – available 24/7 
  • Or reset it through DUO (this only works if you have a UK mobile number) 

Need more information? 

For general information about enrolment, late enrolment, or re-enrolment, visit the article Understanding the enrolment process in Ask4Help Online on the Student Portal.

 

 

For general information about enrolment, late enrolment, or re-enrolment, visit the article Understanding the enrolment process in Ask4Help Online on the Student Portal.  

We're here to help you succeed. If you have any questions, please contact us – see the 'Getting Help' section above.

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