Protecting your Visa and meeting your responsibilities

Please note:
All students must complete online registration.
The registration email will be sent approximately one month prior to your course start date.
For students starting a course in September 2025, the email will be sent on 11 August 2025.

What additional documents do I need to provide to complete Registration?

Evidence of the date you have arrived in the UK.  This will be a copy of the entry stamp in your passport showing your arrival date or a copy of your boarding pass showing the date of travel. Documents should be uploaded using the International Student Document Upload Form.

I have a visa for more than 6 months; do I have to provide any other documents?

Yes. You need to create a UKVI account and upload a Share Code that allows LJMU to view your eVisa, using the International Student document Upload Form.

I have a visa for less than 6 months; do I have to provide any other documents?

If your visa is not date stamped, “yes”.  You need to upload a copy of your visa using the International Student document Upload Form and evidence of your arrival date.

Where do I find the International Student Document upload form?

My LJMU>My Services>Forms. Or use this link.

My course is less than 6 months, and I do not have a visa - do I need to provide any immigration documents?

You only need to upload evidence of your arrival date.

My course has a tuition fee - what financial information do I need to provide to complete Registration?

LJMU needs to have received the enrolment instalment or a copy of your sponsor Letter.  You can check the enrolment instalment amount in your Offer Letter.  If you need to upload evidence, you can do this using the International Student Document Upload form.

I am an Exchange student, and my course does not have a fee - do I need to provide evidence of this?

No. Exchange students don’t need to provide any financial information.  More information for Exchange students can be found here.

When will I receive my student ID card?

When Registration is completed you will receive an email telling you where you can collect your Student ID card.

Is there a deadline to complete the registration process?

Yes. The deadline is usually 2 weeks after the official start date of your programme.  If you have not completed the process by the deadline, you will receive reminder emails.  If you have any questions, you can email us.

What if I miss the deadline?

You may not be able to start the programme for the 2025/26 academic year.  If you feel you may miss the deadline, please contact us by emailing RegistrationDocuments@ljmu.ac.uk.

What about my visa if I miss the deadline?

UKVI will be informed, your student visa will be cancelled and (if you are in the UK) you will need to leave the UK.

How much are my tuition fees?

Please refer to the tuition fee amount stated in your offer letter.

Can I get an invoice?

Yes. Invoices are emailed to students following completion of registration, usually in the first week of October.

Will the invoice show the payments I have made?

No. An invoice will show the full tuition fee amount.  For an up-to-date account please go to My fees.  Payments will not show, but the invoice value will reflect any scholarship awarded.

I have paid my enrolment instalment - when is my next payment due?

The payment schedule is in your offer letter. 

50% of the remaining balance can be paid by 15 January 2026 with the remainder being paid by 15 April 2026 or the whole of the outstanding balance can be paid by 1 February 2026.

What happens if I do not pay in time?

A range of sanctions can be applied, this can include restricting access to your LJMU IT account.

If I want to speak to someone who do I contact?

Please contact Registry Services to discuss your circumstances by using the Student Enquiry form. If your account is blocked and you cannot use the Student Enquiry form, please email StudentAdministration@ljmu.ac.uk or call +441512313289

What happens if I still do not pay my fees?

Unfortunately you will be withdrawn from your programme, UKVI will be informed and your UK student visa will be cancelled.

Why do I have to upload copies of my documents?

LJMU must keep evidence of valid leave to remain in the UK and a right to study for all international students enrolled with the University. 

What if I get a new passport or visa?

You can upload up-to-date documents using the International Student Document Upload Form at any time during the academic year.

Do I only upload my documents once?

You need to upload your documents at re-registration for every year of your studies.  Even if there have been no changes.

Why do you need my address?

LJMU must keep up-to-date UK address details for all international students enrolled with the University. 

What if I move to different accommodation?

You can tell LJMU about your new address by completing the form on My LJMU > My Services.

I have relatives in the UK. Can I live with them to save money?

Yes, provided your relatives live within a 1-hour commute to LJMU.

Why do I need to live within a 1-hour commute?

UKVI have an expectation that students will live close to their university.   LJMU recognises that this is not always possible for various reasons.   A maximum of a 1-hour commute is a reasonable amount of time for someone to travel and still be able to fulfil their academic commitments.

How do I confirm my attendance in class?

LJMU teaching spaces operate a “tap in” system using your LJMU student ID card.

What happens if I do not attend?

You will receive automated emails regarding your attendance.  You should not ignore these emails.

What if I am ill and cannot attend?

If you are sick for a very short time, you can report this using the Short Term Absence form on My Services.  If an illness affects your attendance in the longer term, you will need to discuss with your Programme Leader (in the first instance) the best way to manage your studies.  It is important to remember that sometimes the best advice might be for you to take a leave of absence and return in the next academic year.  You can also speak to colleagues in LJMUs International Advice Team (internationaladvice@ljmu.ac.uk).

I need time off for medical appointments in my home country. What do I need to do?

If your appointments are in semester time and you will miss classes, you should request permission from your Programme Leader.  If the absence is approved, LJMU will report it to UKVI, however, this will not affect your student visa.  LJMU will also give you a letter confirming the absence is approved in case you need to show it at immigration when you return to the UK.  If approved, you can report this using the Short Term Absence form on My Services.

I have personal or mental health issues that mean it is difficult for me to attend classes

If these issues are affecting your attendance for a short time only, you can report this using the Short Term Absence form on My Services.  If your attendance is affected in the longer term, you will need to discuss with your Programme Leader (in the first instance) the best way to manage your studies.  It is important to remember that sometimes the best advice might be for you to take a leave of absence and return in the next academic year.  LJMUs Student Advice and Wellbeing team are here to support you. Our drop in service is at the Student Life Building, Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and appointments are available across campus and virtually via Teams or telephone at the following link.

I know my attendance has been bad, but I am scared to speak to LJMU staff about it.

Please remember that LJMU staff are here to help you.  Speaking to either your Programme Leader, the International Advice Team or even the UKVI Compliance Team is not something to be afraid of.  All LJMU staff will help work towards a solution that is in your best academic interest.

I received warning emails and didn’t reply. Now I have been told I will lose my place. What can I do?

Reply to the person who sent the email and explain your situation.  If a leave of absence is appropriate, you may be able to re-join the programme in the next academic year rather than lose your place completely.

I am in my dissertation period and there are no classes. Am I still monitored?

Students on a taught Postgraduate programme will also be monitored throughout the dissertation period and all meetings arranged with your supervisor should be attended. Even though there may be limited face-to-face contact, UKVI have an expectation that students will remain in the UK throughout the dissertation period. 

I am a postgraduate research student with no timetable sessions, how is my attendance and engagement monitored?

All meetings with your supervisor need to be entered onto eDoc which is monitored by LJMUs Doctoral Academy. More information can be found in the International Student Engagement Policy.

Please note:
If you leave it too late to speak to someone and you are withdrawn for non-attendance, LJMU will report this to UKVI, and your student visa will be cancelled.

In exceptional circumstances LJMU will consider requests for authorised absence, usually for a maximum period of 4 weeks.   All travel outside of the UK is linked to your eVisa so it is important that you speak to LJMU staff in relation to any travel plans that will result in you missing classes.  It is important to remember that we are required to report all absences to UK Visas & Immigration, if you do not discuss travel plans and LJMU does not report it as approved, this could affect your UK immigration record.

I need time off for medical appointments in my home country. What do I need to do?

If your appointments are in semester time and you will miss classes, you should request permission from your Programme Leader.  If the absence is approved, LJMU will report it to UKVI, however, this will not affect your student visa.  LJMU will also give you a letter confirming the absence is approved in case you need to show it at immigration when you return to the UK.  If approved, you should also report this using the Short Term Absence form on My Services.

I need time off for an emergency situation in my home country.  What do I need to do?

If it is in semester time and you will miss classes, you should request permission from your Programme Leader.  If the absence is approved, LJMU will report it to UKVI, however, this will not affect your student visa.  LJMU will also give you a letter confirming the absence is approved in case you need to show it at immigration when you return to the UK.  If approved, you should also report this using the Short Term Absence form on My Services.

Is a temporary absence request always granted?

No.  this is why you must discuss it with your Programme Leader.  They will consider the circumstances and the academic content of your programme during the period of requested absence.

My absence was granted but now I need additional time. What do I do?

Contact your Programme Leader.  However, because of the UKVI requirements, LJMU may not be able to authorise additional time away from your studies.  You may be asked to request a Leave of Absence (LOA) and return to study in the next academic year.  See Section 7.

I am in my dissertation period and there are no classes, can I go home and meet with my tutors online?

You are expected to remain in the UK, temporary absence requests will be considered in the same way as if there were classes.  Distance Learning is prohibited under student visa regulations, if an absence is granted you cannot meet academic staff remotely.

How do I withdraw from my course at LJMU?

We would advise you speak to your Programme Leader before making your final decision.  If you still want to withdraw, please complete the Student Withdrawal form on My Services.

What will happen to my visa if I need to withdraw?

LJMU will tell UKVI that you are no longer an LJMU student.  Your student visa will be cancelled, and you will need to leave the UK.

Will I get a refund of my tuition fees?

A tuition fee calculation is undertaken as part of the withdrawal process.  If any refund is due based on this calculation, you can request this.  You will be charged from the course start date until the date of withdrawal.

How do I request a leave of absence (LOA)?

We would advise you speak to your Programme Leader before making your final decision.  If you still want to suspend your studies, please complete the LOA form on My Services.

What will happen to my visa if I take an LOA?

LJMU will tell UKVI that you are not an active LJMU student until your return date.  Your student visa will be cancelled, and you will need to leave the UK.

What about a visa to return to study after a leave of absence?

When you have confirmed your return to study date, you can request a new CAS from LJMU using the CAS Request Form on My Services.

Will I get a refund of my tuition fees?

A tuition fee calculation is undertaken as part of the LOA process.  If any refund is due based on this calculation, you can request this.  You will be charged from the course start date until the date of the start of the LOA. You will be invoiced the remaining proportion of your fee when you return.

I have been told I must take an LOA because of too many absences, but I do not want to

If you have received this advice, it means you have missed too many classes to be able to continue with your programme for the current academic year.  If you do not take an LOA under these circumstances, you risk being withdrawn from the programme of study completely.

Are there any circumstances where LJMU can withdraw me?

Yes. You can be withdrawn if you fail to comply with the International Student Engagement Policy; you fail to pay any fees due to LJMU or fail to keep to any payment agreement; you fail to show progression throughout your course of study; you breach your student visa conditions or break LJMUs Terms and Conditions.  Usually, LJMU will email you beforehand to warn you that you are going to be withdrawn.

I am returning from LOA. Do I need to provide any documents for my CAS?

Yes you will need to provide a copy of the data page from a valid passport.  Depending on the length of your absence and your individual circumstances, you may be required to provide evidence that your level of English Language still meets the minimum entry requirements before being provided with a new CAS number.

I am a sponsored student. Do I need to do anything more?

If you are financially sponsored by your employer or by your government, you must inform them if you withdraw; are withdrawn by LJMU or suspend your studies for any reason.

I no longer want to study the course mentioned on my CAS letter - can I change course?

If the Programme Leader of the new course is willing to accept you on to the course AND it is not too late in the academic year.  Yes, you can transfer to a course of the same level and same duration.

How do I start the transfer process?

After discussions with the Programme Leader, if approved, your Faculty Office will be able to start the formal transfer process.

If I change course, will I get a new CAS letter?

No, a new CAS letter is not required.  LJMU will report the change of course directly to UKVI under your existing CAS number.  It will not impact your student visa.

I have completed the first year of one course, but I do not want to continue.  Can I stay on the same visa and start a different course at LJMU next year?

No. If you want to start a new course you need to withdraw from your existing course and make a fresh application to join the new course.  You will need to make a new visa application from your home country.

I have a visa for a 2-year 240 credit MSc but I now want to transfer to the 1-year 180 credit version of the same programme. Can I?

Yes if your Programme Leader agrees and it is not too late in the academic year.  You will be asked to agree to changed immigration conditions before the transfer is formally processed and UKVI will be informed of the new course end date.

I am no longer on a student visa. Do I need to tell anyone?

Yes, all international students have a responsibility to keep LJMU informed of any changes in their immigration status as soon as the changes occur. You must provide LJMU with your new eVisa share code.

How do I provide my new Share Code?

You can upload documents using the International Student document Upload Form at any point throughout the duration of your studies.

My visa will expire before I have completed my course of study - can I have a new CAS?

If there is an academic requirement for you to be in the UK and in attendance then, yes you can request a further CAS using the CAS Request Form on My Services.

I have added a placement year - when is the best time for me to request a new CAS?

Either:

• Within the 3 months prior to you starting your placement
• within the 3 months prior to you returning to study

I have been offered Final Referral Attempts (FRAs) with attendance - can I have a new CAS to extend my visa?

Usually you will be issued a new CAS for FRAs.  However, there are exceptions that may mean a new CAS is not issued. For example:

• If you have received earlier compliance warnings regarding your attendance.
• If you made no attempt at your assessments on either the 1^st or 2^nd opportunity.
• If you fail to pay 50% of the FRA fee.

Please note:
If a CAS is assigned and you apply to extend your leave, you must tell LJMU of the outcome of your application.  If a student visa is granted, you need to provide a new eVisa share code so that LJMU can view evidence of your new student permission.
If a student visa is refused, you will need to make an appointment to urgently discuss this with a member of LJMU’s International Student Advice Team.

I am an undergraduate student. How many hours can I work?

If you are studying at degree level or above you can work 20 hours per week in semester time and Full Time in vacation periods.

I am studying a 12-month MSc. When are my vacation periods?

You can work 20 hours per week in semester time and Full Time in the Christmas and Spring vacation periods.  You remain in semester time during the summer and are restricted to working 20 hours per week.

I am studying a 2-year MSc. When are my vacation periods?

You can work 20 hours per week in semester time and Full Time in the Christmas and Spring vacation periods.  You can also work Full Time in the summer vacation period between your first and second years.

I am a PhD student. Can I work full-time?

As there are no timetabled vacation periods for research programmes, the only time you can work Full Time is during the Christmas and Spring break.  You should discuss this with your supervisor before taking time away from your research.

How do I get a letter confirming my term dates?

You can request this using the Student Enquiry Form on My Services.

Can I run my own business as long as I don’t work more than 20 hours per week?

No. Engaging in self-employment is strictly forbidden for student visa holders.

Please note:
The Graduate visa will allow successful applicants to stay in the UK after completing studies to work and to look for work.

How will I know when LJMU has reported my successful completion to UKVI?

You will receive an email from LJMUs UKVI Compliance Team shortly after your official results notification.

Is every international student eligible for the Graduate Route?

No. To be eligible you must:

• have successfully completed an eligible programme
• have remaining student permission
• make a Graduate Route application from within the UK
• have resided in the UK for the required period of time
• have not previously been granted Graduate Route permission

• Registration Document queries: RegistrationDocuments@ljmu.ac.uk
• Online Registration form queries: StudentRegistration@ljmu.ac.uk
• UKVI Compliance: UKVICompliance@LJMU.ac.uk
• LJMUs International Advice Team: InternationalAdvice@ljmu.ac.uk
• International Student Document Upload Form
• Student Enquiry Form
• Online payments
• GOV.UK View & Prove Service (Share Code)

This guidance has been prepared to give LJMU students an overview of frequently asked questions in relation to Student Route visa responsibilities and is for general information only.  It is not intended to be relied upon and does not represent a full statement of legal requirements. 

All students need to ensure that they understand the immigration guidelines and take notice of any changes in legislation that may affect them. 

All students need to accept that their leave to remain in the UK is their responsibility and they must abide by the regulations set out by UK Visas & Immigration and LJMU to protect their right to remain in the UK as an international student.

While LJMU has taken care that this guidance is correct at the time of preparation, UK Visas & Immigration may revise its policies at any time and the legal situation is subject to change.  LJMU will not accept responsibility for any omission, or for any loss or damage arising from the consultation of this guidance.