Attending Congregation

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) normally allows an extra 4 months after your programme has ended (if your programme is 12 months or longer). This extra time is given so that you can undertake a viva (if required), receive your results, attend your congregation ceremony (where possible), complete your affairs and prepare to leave the UK or apply for another visa.

The extra time on your visa does not allow you to re-enter the UK once you have left.

Leaving the UK & returning for your congregation

If you decide to leave the UK after your programme has ended (for a holiday or visiting home) and return for your congregation or to apply for another visa, it is possible that Entry Clearance Officers at the airport may not allow you to re-enter the UK, even if you still have leave remaining on your current student visa. 

Entry Clearance Officers may question why you need to re-enter the UK under Tier 4 if your studies have ended. If you are planning to re-enter the UK after your programme has ended to attend congregation we would advise you apply for a General Visitor Visa.

You should be aware that a General Visitor Visa cannot be extended in the UK and you cannot apply for any other type of visa in the UK whilst holding a General Visitor Visa. 

Applying for another visa in the UK

Even if you still have leave remaining on your current Tier 4 visa after your studies, you may not be allowed to re-enter the UK, even if you intend to apply for another type of visa from the UK.

Entry Clearance Officers may question why you need to re-enter the UK under Tier 4 if your studies have ended. Therefore, you are advised to apply for other types of visa before you return to the UK.