The Visa and Document Check to Do Before You Fly to the UK

Getting your visa approved feels like the finish line, but the weeks before you fly are when small problems surface: a name spelt differently on two documents, an eVisa not linked to your new passport, or a CAS with the wrong course dates. Checking everything calmly before you travel is far easier than fixing it at an airport.

Step 1: Check your immigration status details

Log in to your UKVI account and view your eVisa. Check that:

• your name, date of birth and nationality match your passport exactly,
• the passport number linked to the account is the one you will travel with,
• the visa type, start and end dates and conditions (such as work limits) look right,
• your sponsor is the university you are actually attending.

If anything is wrong, contact UKVI through the official channels as soon as possible and tell your university's international student team. Don't wait until you land.

Step 2: Cross-check your CAS

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies was used in your application, but it's worth reading again. Confirm the course title, start date and your university's details match what you expect. If your course start has moved, ask the university how it affects your travel date — Student visa holders usually can't enter too far in advance of the course start.

Our CAS letter explainer walks through each section.

Step 3: Assemble your carry-on document folder

Keep originals (and ideally copies) in your hand luggage:

1. Passport (with at least the validity your visa requires)
2. Access to your eVisa — know your UKVI login details and have a share code process ready
3. Your CAS or university offer/confirmation letter
4. Evidence of funds used in your application, if relevant
5. TB test certificate, if you needed one
6. ATAS certificate, if your course required one
7. Accommodation confirmation and address
8. Insurance documents and any prescriptions for medication you're carrying

Step 4: Think about the border conversation

Border Force officers may ask simple questions: what you're studying, where, and where you'll live. Answers should be short and consistent with your documents. You don't need to rehearse a speech — just know your course, university and address.

Step 5: Plan the first week's admin

Some tasks start the day you arrive: checking in with your university, confirming your eVisa is recognised in their systems, and registering with a GP. Knowing the order in advance saves time — our first week in Oxford checklist is a good starting point.

Common mistakes worth avoiding

• Name order or spelling differing between passport, CAS and airline booking.
• Booking a flight before your status is confirmed.
• Packing original documents in checked luggage.
• Assuming the university already has your updated passport details.

For the bigger picture, see our complete UK Student visa guide.

How the Arrive UK online add-on helps

Our Pre-departure visa & document check (£29) is carried out entirely online before you travel. You share your documents securely, and we review them for consistency — names, dates, passport links, CAS details — against a structured checklist. You receive a written summary of anything that looks inconsistent or missing, with clear next steps, so you can raise issues with UKVI or your university in good time.

We're not a law firm and don't give immigration legal advice; if something needs a regulated adviser, we'll tell you. What we offer is a careful second pair of eyes at the point where small mistakes are easiest to fix. See our online services.