For Student Visa Holders: Before you travel to the UK, you are required to complete the following MS Form to confirm your eVisa share code, so our Compliance Team can access your immigration status and ensure your visa has been correctly issued: 👉 https://forms.office.com/e/b1W3gMxFB4

For Exchange/Study Abroad Students (visa and non-visa nationals who are going to study for less than 6 months): If you are coming to Queen's as an exchange or study abroad student for one semester and do not require a visa, you do not need to provide a share code. There is no need for you to complete the above mentioned MS Form. Please visit the section for Non-Visa Nationals or for Visa Nationals (Standard Visitor Visa) for more information on what documents needs to be uploaded to Qsis. 

Useful resources:

• View your eVisa / get a Share Code / prove your status: https://www.gov.uk/evisa/view-evisa-get-share-code-prove-immigration-status
• Please do not choose 'to prove my right to work' or 'to prove my right to rent' as these codes will not work and this will delay your enrolment
• Set up a UKVI account to access your eVisa (for students who have not yet done so) https://www.gov.uk/evisa/set-up-ukvi-account

Please carefully review the details in your Visa Decision Email and eVisa to ensure you book your travel to arrive in the UK (including Northern Ireland) on or after the start date of your visa.

If you enter the UK before your visa start date, your Student visa will not be properly activated, and you may be required to leave the Common Travel Area and re-enter the UK after the correct date to activate your visa.

You are strongly encouraged to familiarise yourself with the Terms and Conditions of your Student Visa.

You can review the standard Terms and Conditions of your Student Visa below: https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/iss/FileStore/annex-a-international-students-tcs-v6-aug2024-final.pdf

We also encourage you to watch our pre-recorded online session, which you can access at any time. In addition, you are welcome to join one of our live Q&A sessions, where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on any aspect of your Student Visa responsibilities.

The ISS Compliance Team will be in touch shortly to invite you to a Pre-Arrival Session, designed to help you better understand what it means to hold a Student Visa and the responsibilities that come with it.

These sessions will be held via Teams between 21 August and 9 September. Please ensure you book a session once you receive our email invitation.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Complete the E&R portal steps, including uploading all required immigration documents.
2. The Immigration Support Service (ISS) Compliance Team will review your submissions and contact you if any additional information is needed.
3. Once all required documents have been received, the ISS Compliance Team will complete your Immigration Document Check (IDC).
4. You will receive a confirmation email once your IDC has been successfully completed.
5. After receiving this email, you can return to the E&R portal to complete the remaining steps of your enrolment.

You cannot complete Enrolment & Registration until:

1. You have arrived in the UK, and
2. Your Immigration Document Check is complete.

• Please allow at least 3 working days after uploading all required documents for your IDC to be processed.
• If any documents are missing or unclear, you will receive an email informing you that some documentation is missing and asking you to review that you have uploaded everything. Should you be unclear about what is missing please contact the team at isscompliance@qub.ac.uk 
• Once your IDC is complete, you’ll receive an automated confirmation email allowing you to proceed with enrolment.

Automated confirmation emails will be sent hourly between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM (UK time) from 1st September to 10 October 2025, including weekends.

If you have been requested to complete an Immigration Document Check but you hold a passport from the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, please follow these steps:

1. Upload Your Passport:
- Log into your Queen's Online account
- Navigate to Qsis (Queen's Student Information System)
- Upload a clear, legible copy of your UK or ROI passport at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/document-upload

2. Document Assessment:
- Our team will assess your uploaded document(s) as soon as possible
- Please allow sufficient time for this review process
- The Immigration Support Service (ISS) Compliance Team will contact you if we require any further information prior to undertaking the check

3. Registration Completion:
- Once this check has been completed, a confirmation email will be sent to you, you will be then able to proceed and finish the remaining steps of the Enrolment and Registration process.

Important Note: This process is necessary to confirm your immigration status and ensure that you are not incorrectly categorized in our system. If you encounter any issues during this process or have questions, please contact isscompliance@qub.ac.uk

Students with Dual Citizenship
If you are a student with Dual Citizenship, please be sure to upload a copy of your UK or Irish passport.

If you are a Student Visa holder who has been asked to create a digital UKVI account and generate a Share Code to confirm your visa status, please upload the following documents as part of your Immigration Document Check:

1. Share Code
You can request a Share Code here. When generating your Share Code, make sure to select the option: “to prove my immigration status for anything else”. Do not select “to prove my right to work” or “to prove my right to rent”, as these codes cannot be used for enrolment and will cause delays.

2. Biometric (photo) page of your passport

3. UKVI Decision Confirmation Email
Please upload the entire content of the email as a PDF to Qsis.

4. Passport Stamp
You may or may not receive a stamp in your passport when you entered the UK. If you have received it, please upload a copy of it.

5. Boarding Pass(es)
Ensure your boarding pass clearly displays both your name and arrival date and covers all your trips from your home country to Belfast.

6. If you travelled directly to the Republic of Ireland (Dublin):
Please provide the following additional documentation:
- A copy of your train or bus ticket showing the date you entered Northern Ireland
- A photo of the green passport stamp received upon arrival in Dublin
- or a copy of your boarding pass if no stamp was given
- Refer to the ‘Travelling via the Republic of Ireland” section below for full guidance on required evidence

7. ATAS Certificate (if applicable)
If your course requires an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate, upload a complete copy (all pages). Your CAS statement will confirm whether this applies to you. If you hold a different type of immigration permission, other than a student visa, your offer letter will indicate if an ATAS is required. More information on ATAS can be found here: 👉 QUB ATAS Guidance

8. From 15 July 2025, main applicants applying under selected work and study visa routes who submit and pay for their visa application on or after this date will no longer receive a visa vignette (sticker) in their passport. Instead, they will be issued an eVisa only, which will be accessible through their UKVI digital account.

Please Note: Dependant applicants will continue to receive both a visa vignette and an eVisa for the time being.

If you applied for your visa before 15 July 2025, you are likely to receive an entry clearance vignette (in your passport) and a Visa Decision Letter. Add links to the picture of vignette and the picture of visa decision letter.

Please ensure that both documents are uploaded to Qsis as confirmation that your Student Visa has been granted.

This page outlines the documents you must upload to Qsis if you are studying at Queen’s University Belfast on a Student Route visa for 6 months or less, and you are applying for your visa outside the UK (entry clearance).

This applies to students on short-term programmes such as Pre-Sessional English Language or International Foundation courses.

Required Documents:
Please upload the following to Qsis as part of your Immigration Document Check.

1. Biometric (Photo) Page of Your Passport

2. UKVI Share Code
Request your eVisa Share Code here. When prompted, select: “to prove my immigration status for anything else”. Do not select “to prove my right to work” or “to prove my right to rent,” as these codes are not valid for enrolment and will cause delays.

3. You may or may not receive a stamp in your passport when you entered the UK. If you have received it, please upload a copy of it.

4. Boarding Pass(es)
Upload all boarding passes for your full journey from your home country to Belfast. Boarding passes must clearly display your full name and arrival date.

5. ATAS Certificate (if applicable)
If your course requires an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, upload a complete copy (all pages). Your offer letter will confirm whether ATAS is required.

Once you have uploaded your documents, our team will review them and if all documents are in place, you will receive an automated email confirming that your check has been completed. If some documents are missing, you will receive an email asking you to review to ensure everything has been uploaded.

If you are already in the UK on a Student visa (or under another immigration category), you may be eligible to apply for a new Student visa from within the UK. You can find more information about eligibility on the UKCISA website.

Important: Student Visas are Institution-Specific
Student visas are issued for study at a specific institution and cannot be used to study at a different university. The following rules apply:
1. If you currently hold a Student visa issued for another university, you must apply for a new visa before you can register and begin your new course at Queen’s University Belfast.
2. If you are currently studying at Queen’s on a Student visa and are progressing to a new programme, you must apply to extend your visa before your current visa expires.

In both scenarios, you do not need to have received your new student visa before starting your programme, but you must provide evidence to the Immigration Support Service that your Student visa application has been submitted.

Please Note: You cannot study at Queen’s University Belfast if you are on a Graduate visa outside of some very specific circumstances. You must obtain your new Student visa before starting your studies.

What to Upload to Qsis:
If you are eligible to apply for a Student visa extension from within the UK, you must upload the following documents to Qsis once you have arrived in the UK and before the official start date of your course:

1. Biometric (photo) page of your passport

2. UKVI Share Code
Request your Share Code here. When prompted, select the option: “to prove my immigration status for anything else”. Do not choose “to prove my right to work” or “to prove my right to rent”, as these codes are not valid for enrolment and may delay your registration.

3. First UK Entry Clearance Vignette
A picture of your original UK entry clearance vignette, including the entry stamp showing the date you first arrived in the UK.

4. Visa Extension Evidence
Upload an official UKVI document confirming the date you submitted your visa application. Acceptable documents include UKVI Document Checklist (PDF), UKVI payment confirmation, Immigration Health Surcharge payment receipt.

5. ATAS Certificate (if applicable)
If your course requires an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, upload a complete copy (all pages) to Qsis. Your CAS statement will confirm whether an ATAS certificate is required. If you hold a visa type other than Student (e.g., Dependant or other routes), your offer letter will indicate if an ATAS is needed.
👉 More information on ATAS – QUB ATAS Guidance

If your nationality appears on the UK Visa National list, you are considered a visa national and must apply for a Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK.

As part of your Immigration Document Check, please upload the following documents to Qsis:

1. Biometric (photo) page of your passport

2. Entry Clearance Vignette
This is the yellow visa sticker placed in your passport. Although this duration is normally for a period of six months, a 'Standard Visitor' can also apply for a Visitor visa with a two, five or ten - year validity period. Whilst such visas will allow for multiple entry, the maximum duration of each visit will be restricted to six months. Ensure the vignette is stamped with the date of entry by UK Border Control. Upload a photo of the vignette to Qsis after arriving in the UK.

3. Boarding Pass(es)
Upload boarding passes from your home country to Belfast. These must clearly show your name and arrival date.

4. ATAS Certificate (if applicable)
If your course requires an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate, upload a complete copy (all pages) to Qsis. Your offer letter will indicate whether an ATAS certificate is required. 👉 More information on ATAS – QUB ATAS Guidance

If your nationality is not on the Visa National list, you are considered a non-visa national. You do not need to apply for a visa in advance, but you do need immigration permission to enter the UK as a visitor. You may be asked questions at the border about your purpose of visit and planned activities.

Important Note: Work is prohibited, and you cannot extend your stay beyond 6 months.

Before You Travel
While a visa is not required, you may need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), depending on your nationality and travel date.
👉 Check here to see if you need an ETA

Please upload the following to Qsis as part of your Immigration Document Check:

1. Biometric (photo) page of your passport

2. PDF of your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

3. Boarding Pass(es)
Upload boarding passes for your full journey from your home country to Belfast. These must clearly show your name and arrival date.

4. ATAS Certificate (if applicable)
If your course requires an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate, upload a complete copy (all pages) to Qsis. Your offer letter will indicate whether an ATAS certificate is required. 👉 More information on ATAS – QUB ATAS Guidance

Documents to Carry in Hand Luggage when you travel on a standard visitor visa:
Although non-visa nationals do not need to apply for a visa in advance, you must carry the following documents in your hand luggage in case they are requested by Border Force Officers.

Queen’s University Belfast Standard Visitor Visa Letter
This will be provided by one of the following teams, depending on your reason for travel:

• One Semester Study Abroad Students: Study Abroad Team (your acceptance letter)
• One Semester Exchange Students: Global Opportunities Incoming Exchange Team
• External PhD Students or Students Attending a Viva: PGR Office in your School
• Students Returning for Exams: Immigration Support Service

Bank Statement or Proof of Funding
We recommend carrying a recent bank statement or a letter confirming financial support. While it is rare, Border Officers may request evidence of sufficient funds during entry checks.

More information regarding Standard Visitor Visa can be found at the following web pages:

• UKCISA web page: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student-advice/visas-and-immigration/visitors/
• UKVI web page: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/apply-standard-visitor-visa

Students with Pending Asylum Applications

Students who have applied for asylum in the UK and have their application or appeal pending must provide the following documents to prove their status and right to study:

Primary Documents:
1. Application Registration Card (ARC) - The main document issued to asylum seekers, serving as proof of legal presence in the UK while the asylum claim is being processed. The ARC displays immigration status as an asylum seeker.
2. 248, IS.96 or Bail 201 - all pages of the most recent document confirming immigration status and right to study.
3. If your course requires an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate, please upload a copy of it (all pages). Please check your offer letter, it should outline if your course requires an ATAS certificate.

If you do not have one (or both) of first 2 documents outlined above, please contact isscompliance@qub.ac.uk to inform us.

Supporting Documentation:
- Home Office Asylum Registration Document - Official documentation from the Home Office confirming that an asylum claim has been lodged and is being processed.
- Standard Acknowledgement Letter - Initial letter from the Home Office acknowledging receipt of the asylum application.
- Home Office correspondence - Letters from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or the Home Office relating to the asylum application, including acknowledgment letters, interview appointments, or status updates.

Important Notice for Asylum Applicants
Students awaiting a decision on their asylum application or an appeal may be subject to additional monthly status checks during their studies with the University.

In addition, a check with the Home Office on your right to study in the UK will be completed prior to the completion of your Immigration Document Check. We will carry out this check directly with the Home Office. The checks are usually responded to in a timely manner, but we ask for your patience whilst we await a response from the Home Office. This check will not affect the outcome of your asylum application.

Students with Granted Status

Students who have been granted Refugee Status, Humanitarian Protection, or Discretionary Leave must provide the following documents:

Primary Documents:
1. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) - The main document demonstrating immigration status and study rights. The BRP clearly displays the immigration category and any conditions or restrictions.

2. UK Travel Document - Similar to a passport. Please let the team know if you do not have one of these and we will make a note in our records.

3. Share code - You can request a Share Code here. When generating your Share Code, make sure to select the option: “to prove my immigration status for anything else”. Do not select “to prove my right to work” or “to prove my right to rent”, as these codes cannot be used for enrolment.

4. Immigration Status Document - An official letter or certificate from the Home Office confirming the grant of refugee status, humanitarian protection, or discretionary leave.

5. If your course requires an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate, please upload a copy of it (all pages). Please check your offer letter, it should outline if your course requires an ATAS certificate.

Alternative Documents:
6. Passport with valid visa or entry clearance - If available, a passport with the relevant UK visa or entry clearance stamp/vignette.

7. Home Office correspondence - Official letters from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) confirming the immigration status and associated rights.

Study Rights and Document Verification:
All documentation must clearly indicate permission to study:
- Refugees and Humanitarian Protection holders: Study rights are typically unrestricted
- Discretionary Leave holders: May have specific conditions that could affect study rights. It is essential to check the conditions listed on the documents

Document Requirements:
- The University typically requires original documents for verification, though certified copies may be acceptable in certain circumstances
- Students must ensure all documents are current and valid, as some forms of leave are time-limited and require renewal
- All documentation must clearly demonstrate both immigration status and the right to study in the UK

If you hold an alternative type of immigration permission, such as Skilled Worker visa, PBS Dependant, Global Talent, Temporary Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, Entrepreneur visa or Youth Mobility visa, please provide us with the following documents:

1. Biometric (photo) page of your passport

2. UKVI Share Code
Request your Share Code here. When prompted, select the option: “to prove my immigration status for anything else”. Do not choose “to prove my right to work” or “to prove my right to rent”, as these codes are not valid for enrolment and may delay your registration.

3. UKVI Visa Decision Email (Full content of your visa decision email confirming grant of your visa and it’s all conditions)

4. First UK Entry Clearance Vignette
A picture of your original UK entry clearance vignette, including the entry stamp showing the date you first arrived in the UK.

5. ATAS Certificate (if applicable)
If your course requires an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, upload a complete copy (all pages) to Qsis. Your CAS statement will confirm whether an ATAS certificate is required. If you hold a visa type other than Student (e.g., Dependant or other routes), your offer letter will indicate if an ATAS is needed.
👉 More information on ATAS – QUB ATAS Guidance

If you are a holder of Indefinite Leave to Remain /Settlement status, please provide us with the following documents:

1. Biometric (photo) page of your passport

2. UKVI Share Code
Request your Share Code here. When prompted, select the option: “to prove my immigration status for anything else”. Do not choose “to prove my right to work” or “to prove my right to rent”, as these codes are not valid for enrolment and may delay your registration.

3. UKVI Visa Decision Email or Letter
If available, please provide a full content of your visa decision email/letter confirming grant of your visa and it’s all conditions.

If you have received Settled or Pre-Settled status the evidence, you provide in order to complete your Immigration Document Check will be:

1. Biometric (photo) page of your passport

2. UKVI Share Code
Request your Share Code here. When prompted, select the option: “to prove my immigration status for anything else”. Do not choose “to prove my right to work” or “to prove my right to rent”, as these codes are not valid for enrolment and may delay your registration.

If you have a EUSS application pending but have not yet received Settled or Pre-Settled status, then you will just need to upload the following documents: 

1. Biometric (photo) page of your passport

2. UKVI Share Code
Request your Share Code here. When prompted, select the option: “to prove my immigration status for anything else”. Do not choose “to prove my right to work” or “to prove my right to rent”, as these codes are not valid for enrolment and may delay your registration.

3. Your Certificate of Application
A Certificate of Application (CoA) is evidence that you have made a valid application under the EU Settlement Scheme, which can be relied on to evidence your rights. A certificate of application is accessible to view online, via the view and prove your immigration status service

If you are studying in the UK on a British National (Overseas) [BNO] visa, you must provide the following documents to confirm your immigration status and right to study:

1. Biometric (Photo) Page of Your Passport

2. UKVI Share Code
Request your Share Code here. When prompted, select the option: “to prove my immigration status for anything else”. Do not select “to prove my right to work” or “to prove my right to rent,” as these codes are not valid for enrolment and may cause delays in your registration.

3. Passport Stamp
You may or may not receive a stamp in your passport when you entered the UK. If you have received it, please upload a copy of it.

4. Boarding Pass(es)
If you did not get a stamp as mentioned above, please instead provide your boarding pass(es) to evidence your entry to the UK. Ensure your boarding pass clearly displays both your name and arrival date and covers all your trips from your home country to Belfast.

5. UKVI Visa Decision Email
Upload the full content of your official visa decision email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), confirming that your BNO visa has been granted and outlining your associated rights.

You might travel to the UK via the Republic of Ireland. However, it is important to understand that both countries are part of a Common Travel Area (CTA). The CTA streamlines arrival in the UK from the Republic of Ireland for most travellers, because there is no immigration control on arrival in the UK. However, it can cause complications for some students on short courses.

This guidance only applies when arriving via the Republic of Ireland (for example, via Dublin). If you fly directly to Northern Ireland (for example direct to Belfast), this does not apply as Northern Ireland is part of the UK.                      

UK Visa Holders

If you have applied in your home country for a Student, Short-term Student or Visitor visa/entry clearance before travelling, there are no issues. Your UK visa/entry clearance will not be date stamped on entry to the UK, but this is normal. You should keep evidence of your travel (boarding passes, tickets) in case your date of entry becomes important.

Non-Visa Nationals (EU, EEA, USA, Japan, South Korea and others)

For students studying 6 months or less:

If you enter the UK from the Republic of Ireland as a non-visa national, you will in most cases automatically have permission to be in the UK for six months. This is known as "deemed leave" under the Immigration (Control of Entry through Republic of Ireland) Order 1972.

This automatic permission:

• Does not require a passport stamp - you won't encounter UK Border Force when travelling from ROI to UK
• Permits study for up to 6 months
• Prohibits employment - you cannot work, undertake work placements, internships, or run a business

Important exceptions:

• This is reduced to two months if you previously entered the Republic of Ireland from the UK when you still had UK permission that has since expired
• You must not be an excluded person under the Immigration Order
• If you have recently held or currently hold a UK visa, different rules may apply

Documentation requirements:

• You must carry a valid passport for the entire duration of your UK stay
• Keep evidence of your travel route (boarding passes, bus/train tickets from Dublin to Belfast)
• You may be required to produce these documents if encountered by officials

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):

Depending on your nationality and travel date, you may need to obtain an ETA before travelling. This is not immigration permission but is a requirement for certain nationalities:  https://www.gov.uk/apply-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

For students studying more than 6 months:

You cannot extend the automatic 6-month permission from within the UK. If you need to study for more than 6 months, you must:

• Leave the UK within the 6-month period, and
• Apply for Student permission from outside the UK in the usual way

Alternative option: You could apply for UK entry clearance (a visa) in your home country before travelling to the Republic of Ireland.

Key reminder: Any immigration permission you receive on arrival in the Republic of Ireland is for the Republic of Ireland only, not for the UK.

Useful resources:

• Home Office guidance on the Common Travel Area
• UKCISA guidance on deemed leave
• Contact ISS if you need clarification about your specific circumstances isscompliance@qub.ac.uk

If you are flying directly to the Republic of Ireland (Dublin) and then travelling to Northern Ireland (UK), please provide the following:

Proof of Entry into Northern Ireland (UK):
1. A bus or train ticket showing the date you entered Northern Ireland
2. A photo of the green Irish immigration stamp in your passport

If no stamp was issued, a photo of your boarding pass(es) to Dublin / Other Irish airport.

UK Visa/Entry Clearance:
If you obtained a UK Student Visa or Visitor Visa/Entry Clearance before travelling, it is acceptable to arrive via Dublin.

You will not receive a UK date stamp, but this is not a problem

However, you must enter Northern Ireland within the validity period of your UK visa vignette (please check the start date of your vignette / entry clearance before you travel) .

Retain and Upload the Following Documents to Qsis:
1. Flight booking confirmation
2. Boarding pass showing your full name and arrival date
3. Proof of your journey from ROI to Northern Ireland, such as:
- Bus or train ticket
- Toll receipt showing travel date
- Card payment receipts with matching dates for ROI and NI purchases
- Car rental booking (if applicable)
- Check-in confirmation from Queen’s accommodation (if you are staying there)
- Ferry booking or ticket showing your full name and arrival date

We are required to verify that you entered the UK (Northern Ireland) within the validity of your UK visa/entry clearance vignette.

If you travelled by private vehicle and do not have formal tickets or transport receipts, we will accept alternative evidence that shows when you entered the UK, such as a toll receipt or dated card transaction.

ATAS is a certificate issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) which gives you security clearance to study certain subject sensitive subject areas in the UK.

The subjects are those where students’ knowledge could be used in programmes to develop Advanced Conventional Military Technology, weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery, for example, certain science subjects such as mathematics, engineering, technology or medicine at a postgraduate level (including most integrated master’s courses such as MEng, MPhys, MSci and PhD).

More information regarding ATAS can be found here:

• https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/iss/AdditionalSupport/ATAS/
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme#important-notice-for-atas-applicants