Student Visa question

[prynncamm]

I am a United State citizen studying for my Master's degree in the UK. My original course of study was to be until October 2007 and my student visa was approved until December 2007. Through procurement of an internship I am now finishing my degree requirements in July 2007. My questions are:

*Since I was originally planning on being here until October, all of my housing and travel arrangements have been based on that. Is the date on my student visa invalid since I'm finishing early?

*If it is invalid, how long do I have to leave the country (within a month of finishing? 2 weeks? etc.)

*If it is valid, am I able to continue working 20 hours a week during the time that I would be in class?

Thanks for any advice!

[ball1333]

Hi,

If I were in your shoes I'd apply now for the International Graduates Scheme and then work full time!!

http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/workin ... cheme.html?

[Wanderer]

I am a United State citizen studying for my Master's degree in the UK. My original course of study was to be until October 2007 and my student visa was approved until December 2007. Through procurement of an internship I am now finishing my degree requirements in July 2007. My questions are:

*Since I was originally planning on being here until October, all of my housing and travel arrangements have been based on that. Is the date on my student visa invalid since I'm finishing early?

*If it is invalid, how long do I have to leave the country (within a month of finishing? 2 weeks? etc.)

*If it is valid, am I able to continue working 20 hours a week during the time that I would be in class?

Thanks for any advice!

I'm sure that when ur studying stops, ur visa stops so u should go home. However, my gf has student visa till Oct 2008, when she finishes May 2008, I know they give a bit extra for graduation ceremonies etc, so I think a month or two to say on is ok. However I wouldn't advise working tho, that might raise eyebrows with all the checking that goes on now....

[prynncamm]

Hi,

If I were in your shoes I'd apply now for the International Graduates Scheme and then work full time!!

http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/workin ... cheme.html?

Unfortunately I don't qualify because I attended a US accredited school (rather than UK accredited). I looked into HSMP and I'm 10 points shy...

[sakura]

Well, I had a few friends who stayed on after their course was finished, because they had rented a place for a few months more. I don't know about this one; a month, maybe two months, might be ok, but from July to October might be too much. I would call your university, or UKCOSA or some other international student organisation (I wouldn't bother with BIA just yet) and see what they say.

This is a good question, though, because alot of student visas last for many more months after the degree is finished, and I'm sure a lot of students wonder whether or not they can stay (and work) up to the point of expiry.

[birdie]

This is from my own experience but it is always better to confirm with your college/university's advisory which is usually part of student union. I think you can live till the very last day on your valid visa (till the date the visa is valid) it should not be a problem. I was a student for 3 years and after finishing my degree in July I did some full time temp work till October and left to start a postgraduate course. My visa was going to expire in October so I applied for visa extension based on the new postgraduate studies and it was granted. When you are a student, during term time you can not work more than 20 hours a week and off term you can take up full time employment because this is not going to effect your studies. Hope this helps.

[prynncamm]

This is from my own experience but it is always better to confirm with your college/university's advisory which is usually part of student union. I think you can live till the very last day on your valid visa (till the date the visa is valid) it should not be a problem. I was a student for 3 years and after finishing my degree in July I did some full time temp work till October and left to start a postgraduate course. My visa was going to expire in October so I applied for visa extension based on the new postgraduate studies and it was granted. When you are a student, during term time you can not work more than 20 hours a week and off term you can take up full time employment because this is not going to effect your studies. Hope this helps.

Thanks birdie--when i talked to my university they said that it is valid until the stated expiration HOWEVER the home office prefers that you leave when your course of study is over so that's the information they give out. Also, postgraduate students (which I am) have a grace period of 4 months after they complete classes anyway in case of any thesis extensions or research that may be undertaken.