During your studies
Tier 4 (General) – Changes to your personal circumstances
If you are in the UK with immigration permission as a Tier 4 (General) student you have responsibilities
to report certain changes in your course and personal circumstances to the Home Office. We, as your Tier 4 sponsor,
are also required to report changes in your studies and personal circumstances to the Home Office in line with the Sponsor Guidance.
Who you have to tell
In most cases you must inform the Home Office when there are changes to your course
or to your personal circumstances.
How you make the report to the Home Office will depend whether you are inside or outside the UK
and if you have a visa (sticker in your passport) or a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Changing your UK address and contact details
1. Update your myEssex Portal and;
2. Tell the Home Office and;
3. Update your Police Registration Certificate, if you’re required to register.
Changing your name
If you would like to change your University record, read the University’s student names policy and seek advice from your Student Services Hub.
1. Tell the Home Office and;
2. Update your Police Registration Certificate, if you’re required to register.
Please be aware that Tier 4 students who change their name must obtain a new passport and update their visa/BRP, before the University can update our records. This is because our records must match your identity and visa documents we have.
Changing your other personal details
If you would like to change your University record, seek advice from your Student Services Hub.
1. Tell the Home Office and;
2. Update your Police Registration Certificate, if you’re required to register.
Please be aware that Tier 4 students who want to change their nationality must obtain a new passport and update their visa/BRP, if applicable, before the University can update our records. This is because our records must match your identity and visa documents we have.
Other changes you must report to the Home Office
You must report any other changes to the details you gave in your application, including if:
- you get a criminal conviction
- you separate from your partner
- any of your children stop living permanently with you
Further information and advice
Further immigration information and advice is available from our specialist advisers
in the International Services Team.