The difference between interruption and withdrawal
- Interruption of study means that you will have the option to return at a later date to complete your programme of study. The date you are due to return is agreed by your Faculty at the point they approved your request to interrupt your studies. You will not be obliged to return if you later decide that you do not wish to
- Withdrawal from study means that you have decided to discontinue your studies and do not have any intention to return to complete your programme of study
You should view the university information on interrupting and withdrawing from study, to understand the process and implications which are not visa related. This page focusses on the impact of interruption or withdrawal on a Student Visa.
Getting advice
Firstly, you should discuss the reasons for interruption or withdrawal with your Personal Tutor or Programme Leader. If you decide to interrupt your study, they will be able to advise you on when in the academic year you could return to complete your programme.
Cancellation of your Student Visa following interruption or withdrawal of study
If you hold a Student Visa and you interrupt or withdraw from study, your Student Visa will be normally be cancelled by UKVI. The following process takes place:
- The university is required to notify UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) of your interruption or withdrawal within 10 working days of the interruption or withdrawal being finalised
- Your Student Visa is then cancelled by UKVI (in most cases). They will contact you in writing, to advise you that you must leave the UK or apply under a different immigration category if you wish to do so and what date you must do this by
- You will need a new visa to return to the UK at a later date, if you wish to continue with your studies
In most cases, UKVI cancel your visa to a duration of 60 days if you have interrupted or withdrawn from study. The cancellation process could sometimes take a while to be finalised by UKVI but once it is processed, a cancellation notice will be sent to your email address from UKVI (you may also receive a letter in the post).
It is very important that you ensure your details are up to date with UKVI and that you have access to that email address. You should also check your emails regularly and carefully so that you do not miss any cancellation notice.
If you have some questions or concerns about the process around the cancellation of your visa, you can contact the International Student Advice Service. This is particularly important if you have serious reasons why you cannot travel (such as serious illness or pregnancy).
Leaving the UK after your visa is cancelled
If you have interrupted or withdrawn from study, you should plan to leave the UK as soon as possible, unless you will be applying to stay in the UK under a different immigration route.
If you wish to apply for UK visas again in future, how long you stay in the UK after stopping your studies, may impact on your success with future visa applications.
If you are concerned about your immigration status or leaving the UK and you want to speak with an immigration adviser, contact the International Student Advice Service.
Important advice regarding travel
Once the cancellation action is taken by UKVI, your student visa becomes ‘lapsing leave’ (even during the notice period). This means that it can no longer be used to travel out and back into the UK. In most cases, if you are outside the UK when cancellation action is taken, your visa may be cancelled immediately and you will be unable to use that visa to re-enter the UK.
Official financial sponsorship
If you are a financially sponsored student, you should advise your financial sponsors of the interruption or withdrawal from study. The interruption of study might affect the support you are eligible for in the future.
Returning to study after Interruption
If you are interrupting your study and wish to return at a later date, the university will contact you during your period of interruption to find out if you wish to return. If you confirm yes, you will then receive guidance on your making a visa application from outside the UK and how to get a new CAS statement.
