If you have obtained entry clearance (a 'visa') to study in the UK for more than six months, but have been refused entry once you have arrived in the UK, the first thing you should do is to contact UWE for help and advice. Please contact:
Student Advice and Welfare Services,
University of the West of England,
Frenchay Campus,
Coldharbour Lane,
Bristol, BS16 1QY
Telephone: (0117) 32 82822
Fax: (0117) 32 82895
Minicom: (0117) 32 83644
E-mail: saws@uwe.ac.uk
Website: Student Advice and Welfare Services
Open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 17.00.
In order to minimise the likelihood of being refused entry, remember to keep important documents, especially documentation that shows you have been accepted by UWE and any evidence of funding, to hand when you arrive in the UK.
If the situation is not resolved, you are entitled to appeal against the decision. SAWS will be also able to help you with this.
In most cases you have the right of appeal against the decision of the entry clearance officer (ECO). The ECO will give you three documents:
- the Notice of Refusal (setting out why the application for a visa has been refused)
- the Notice of Appeal (the form which the applicant must complete and return to the entry clearance officer explaining why he or she thinks the entry clearance officer was wrong to refuse to issue a visa ) to be completed by the applicant
- a leaflet explaining the appeals procedures.
You must complete and return the Notice of Appeal to the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) no more than 28 days after receiving it. The 28-day deadline is rarely extended. There is no charge for an appeal against refusal of visa.
Alternatively, the Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) can offer you free independent and confidential advice (Tel: (020) 7967 1200, Fax: (020) 7403 5875, E-mail: advice@iasuk.org).