Request To Leave (RTL)

If you have a student visa and you need to take a short period of leave outside of the UK during your studies (for example for personal/emergency reasons or to undertake fieldwork as part of your course) during term time, you require permission to do so from your programme staff.

Student Visa holders wishing to exit the UK during term time must obtain prior permission to do so by their programme staff and complete the Request To Leave (RTL) process.

This includes completing an RTL form. The time outside of the UK needs to be approved by your programme leader or director of studies. The RTL form needs to be signed by your Programme Leader or Director of Studies.

If you intend to take more than two timetabled weeks outside of the UK we may be unable to continue sponsoring your visa. Please see below information on the permitted time allowed outside of the UK as this varies depending on your course and study level.

If your request is not within the permitted maximum time allowed (please see below), authorisation must be given by VISA management following approval from the programme leader/director of studies. Authorisation for all requests for leave must be obtained before booking any flights or making travel plans.

Please note you do not need to complete this process if you are intending to travel during confirmed vacation periods. If you are unsure when your vacation period starts/ends, please refer to the academic calendar. If your course operates outside standard term dates, please refer to your programme handbook/programme staff for clarity. You only need to complete the RTL process if you intend to exit the UK during term time.