Correcting Visa errors
When you receive your visa it is important that you check it carefully to ensure that there are no errors. Corrections should be made as soon as possible, and in some cases can only be made with 14 days from when the visa is issued. You should check the following on receipt of your visa:
- Visa type
- Personal details – name, date of birth and nationality
- Length of visa (start and end dates)
- Working condition
- Police registration condition
- Heriot Watt Sponsor Licence Number (Student visa only)
Correcting visa errors outside of the UK
If you have applied for your visa from outside of the UK and you have sufficient time, you should contact the visa application centre and request that the correction is made before travelling to the UK.
If your 30 day travel visa has expired and you need to apply for a new one, you will need to complete an online form and pay an additional fee. Full guidance on this process can be found on the UKCISA website.
Correcting visa errors inside the UK
Entry clearance vignette (visa inside passport)
If your full visa has been issued in your passport and there is an error, the Global Student Office can help you to get this corrected. Corrections of this nature must be reported within three months of your arrival in the UK. The process involves reporting the error, then sending a letter to the UKVI along with your passport and two new passport photographs. The current correction time is approximately 6-7 weeks however this has been known to take longer. Please contact us if you believe an error has been made. There is no charge for this type of correction.
BRP card issued following an application made overseas
If you applied for your visa overseas and were issued with a 30 day travel visa followed by a BRP card, and there is an error on the BRP card, the Global Student Office can help you to get this corrected. Corrections of this nature must be reported within 10 days of collecting your BRP. This will initially involve reporting the error to the UKVI and then posting your BRP card to them once we receive a response. The current timeframe for this type of correction is approximately 3-4 weeks depending on how quickly your BRP card can be returned to the UKVI. There is no charge for this type of correction.
Identity error on BRP card (for applications made in the UK)
If your BRP card has been issued following an application made in the UK and there is an error with your name, date of birth or nationality, the Global Student Office can help you to get this corrected. Corrections of this nature must be reported within 10 days of your BRP being delivered to you. This will initially involve reporting the error to the UKVI and then posting your BRP card to them once we receive a response. The current timeframe for this type of correction is approximately 3-4 weeks depending on how quickly your BRP card can be returned to the UKVI. There is no charge for this type of correction.
Conditional error on BRP card (for applications made in the UK)
If your BRP card has been issued following an application made in the UK and there is an error with the conditions of your visa, you will need to report apply for an Administrative Review. Conditional errors include the length of visa, sponsor license number, working condition and police registration condition. Administrative Reviews must be made within 14 days of receiving your incorrect visa. The process involves completing an on-line application form and then returning your card to the UKVI once they have confirmed that an error has been made. The cost of this is £80, however the fee will be refunded to you if an error is identified. The current processing time for this correction is approximately 3-4 weeks depending on how quickly your BRP card can be returned to the UKVI. Please book an appointment with an Advisor if you would like help with the Administrative Review process.
Estimated correction times
The correction times stated are only a guide and corrections can sometimes take longer than expected. We would strongly advise that you do not book any travel whilst waiting for your visa to be corrected.
Student information desk
Our Visa Advice and Compliance team are available to answer your enquires through the Student information desk. You can also view frequently asked questions (FAQs) for many topics related to international students studying at our Scottish campuses.