Visa errors

When you receive your visa, you need to check it carefully for possible errors. It is the responsibility of both you and the University to notify UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) of any errors and most need to be reported within a short timeframe.

If you find an error, the action you need to take will depend on what the error is and whether you have an evisa or a vignette (sticker in your passport). Click on the sections below for further information but if you do come across any mistakes, we strongly recommend that you discuss this with us in the first instance. We can help you make the correct type of application and follow up with UK Visas & Immigration on your behalf.

If your BRP card expires on 31/Dec/2024, this is not an error. The BRP card system is ending in December 2024 as UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) move to an online system from 01 January 2025. 

From 01 January 2025, you’ll be able to prove your immigration status online with an eVisa

NOTE: Your actual visa expiry date is listed on your decision email. You should check the date listed there carefully and follow instructions on this page if you think there's an error.

Common errors 

Expiry date

The most common error is with the expiry date which could have an impact on you towards the end of your studies so it's really important to check this early and get it corrected. The amount of time you are given after your studies, depends on the length of your programme:

Programme Length

Additional time normally given after programme end date

12 months or more

+4 months (PhD students extending their visa for less than 12 months should still get a 4 months post study period)

Between 6 and less than 12 months +2 months
Pre-sessional programmes less than 6 months +1 month
All other programmes less than 6 months +7 days

Work conditions

Another common error is around work conditions. Read through the information on our Working in the UK page to check you have the correct type of work permissions on your Student visa.

Do you have an error on your visa?

Now you've identified the error, follow the instructions below depending on the format of your visa:

Most students, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, will receive an eVisa.

When you receive your email from UK Visas & Immigration confirming the successful outcome of your visa application, you should check that the details are correct. You can also view your eVisa online. 

If there are errors, you should report it to UK Visas & Immigration as soon as possible. Once the error has been fixed, send a new share code to immigrationcompliance@exeter.ac.uk to update your student record.

If you are coming to study for less than 6 months, the full length of your visa will be issued as a vignette (sticker in your passport). You will not receive a BRP card.

If you are coming to study for more than 6 months and you apply for a Student visa from outside the UK, you will be issued a 90 day entry visa as a vignette (sticker in your passport). This will allow you to enter the UK and collect your BRP card on arrival. The vignette will be valid for travel for up to 90 days and you must travel within that period before the expiry date listed.

If you notice an error on your 90 day entry visa that could prevent you from entering the UK, for example your name or nationality is wrong, contact us for advice.