Overseas applications
If you apply for a Student visa from outside of the UK and are not eligible to use the UKVI Immigration ID Check app to enrol your biometrics you should receive a temporary entry visa (vignette) in your passport to enable you to travel to the UK once your application has been approved.
You should check that the details on this visa are correct. You will need to pay attention to the following:
If you notice any errors on your entry visa then you should have these amended before entering the UK by contacting the Visa Application Centre that you applied through.
Collecting a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
If you applied for a Student visa to cover a course longer than 6 months in length the entry visa vignette you receive in your passport should be valid for 90 days from the expected travel date you provided in your application. Once you enter the UK you will be required to collect your full visa, called a Biometric Residence Permit (identity card). You can find more information about this on the UKVI website.
If you are issued with a BRP, it should be sent to a local Post Office. The exact address for the Post Office you will need to collect your BRP from will be detailed on the decision notice you are sent confirming your successful application.
You should aim to collect your BRP as soon as you can after arriving and you must provide evidence of both sides of your permit to visa@manchester.ac.uk before you start your studies.
Check that your Biometric Residence Permit is Correct
Mistakes are sometimes made when BRPs are printed, so it's very important you check your BRP. If there is an error with your BRP you must report it to UKVI within 10 days through their website.
Possible errors may be:
Contact us as soon as you notice an error on your visa because there is a limited period of time in which you can obtain a correction.
Note - BRP expiry dates are limited to 31st December 2024 as UKVI intend to move to digital statuses and BRPs will no longer be required after this date. You do not need to report an error if your visa should be valid beyond December 2024. UKVI should provide updated guidance on the transition away from BRPs in early 2024.