Visa implications for International Students (programme transfer)
International Student Team Checks
All programme transfer requests submitted by Student Route visa holders are referred to the International Student Team (IST) for assessment against the Student Route Sponsor Guidance. The IST must adhere to the Immigration Rules when considering programme transfers and therefore require sufficient time to assess a form and advise a student of the outcome.
It is therefore important that if you intend to transfer programme, you speak to your School first and submit a request form as soon as possible.
Will I need an ATAS certificate for my new programme?
Depending on the programme you are transferring onto, you may need a new or updated ATAS certificate before we can review your programme transfer request.
You can check whether your new programme needs an ATAS certificate at the government's ATAS page.
If your new programme requires an ATAS certificate, you will be prompted to upload this with your transfer application.
For more information on how to apply for an ATAS certificate, please visit our ATAS webpages.
What happens next?
Following their assessment, the IST will email you to confirm whether:
- You can transfer programme with no implications for your visa, or;
- You are required to make a new Student Route application (which may or may not need to be done outside the UK) before you can commence studies on thew new programme you are transferring onto.
Students who need to leave the UK to make their visa application may require up to eight weeks to make the application outside the UK. During term time, this would cause significant disruption to your studies, and therefore you may not be permitted to commence studying on your new programme within the same academic year. It is therefore strongly recommended that you contact the International Student Team prior to requesting a programme transfer, so they can advise you on any potential implications of the transfer.