transfering to a different uni

Hey guys,

I got my student visa in 2008 so I guess that means I'm under pre-tier 4 visa rules. Am I allowed to switch to a different uni? If so, must I get some kind of permission from the home office?

I just found some info about switching to a new university on the UKBA website, but it only talks about Tier 4 visa holders, not old student visa holders (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/adult-students/changes/#). I'm wondering if maybe you'll have to make a Tier 4 application from within the UK to switch to a new university because of all the institution sponsorship requirements now. It's probably worth talking to the international department of the universities and/or UKBA to find out what you have to do to switch.

From the UKBA page I linked to:

If you want to switch to a different education provider

If you applied for your Tier 4 student visa before 5 October 2009

If you want to leave your current course in order to study a course with a different education provider under your current permission to stay in the UK, you must get our written permission. To request this permission, you must send an email message to migrantreporting@ukba.gsi.gov.uk. The message must include:

    * the new course and its start and finish dates; and
    * your new education provider's name, address and contact details.

We will write to tell you that you are allowed to study with your new eduction provider under your existing permission to stay, if:

    * the new education provider is on the register of Tier 4 sponsors, which you can download from the right side of this page; and
    * we can confirm that the education provider wants to be your new education provider; and
    * the course meets the requirements for your Tier 4 category. However, Tier 4 (General) students may continue to study a course at or above level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

After you have sent us your request, we will write to you saying that we have received it. You can start your new course before we have decided whether to approve your request - but you do so at your own risk, as we may refuse the request.

Under the Immigration Rules, we may shorten your permission to stay as a student if you change your education provider without getting our permission.

If your new course will finish after your current permission to stay expires, you will need to make a new Tier 4 application to us. You will therefore need a confirmation of acceptance for studies from your new education provider.

Thanks a lot for that info. I think I'll just stay where I am. I can't deal with any more complications in my visa process. I would just have a mental break down.

Thanks a lot for that info. I think I'll just stay where I am. I can't deal with any more complications in my visa process. I would just have a mental break down.

The information posted above by ksand24 was clearly marked for Tier 4 visa holders, and hence is not relevant to you at all.  Plus their suggestion that you have to make a Tier 4 application in the UK is not correct.

I know ksand24 was trying to be helpful, but it is probably not wise to post such alarming advice if you are not sure it is correct.

The answer to your original question "must I get some kind of permission from the home office?" is a simple "No."

We're just going through this with my boy, sah is correct you don't HAVE to notify the Home Office at all under the old Student Visa rules, but it is recommended that you notify them via email (I can get the mail address if you want) to let them know of a change of school.

My DB entered on a 4 year visa intending to do 3 year BSc then 1 year MSc at the same school, he changed plans and after completion of his BSc he's now starting his MSc at a new school. We received a standard "thanks for letting us know" mail in return after about a week, there's been no issues or problems thus far

Thanks for letting me know guys.  I've declined the offer from leeds university now. I'll try emailing the same person that walked me through applying as a transfer but I fear that my place has been taken now.