Tier 4 visa start date or UK Immigration law?

I'm a US citizen and I've already gotten my Tier 4 visa to study in the UK in my passport, however, it looks like the start date on the visa and the letter to present to the Immigration Officer has allowed me entry an extra week on top of the usual month. My school starts on September 24th, but my visa states permission to enter on August 17th. I've read that you are only allowed a month before the beginning of school, but my visa is saying differently!

Should I assume its wrong and enter on the 24th or is it okay for me to enter on the 17th?

Thanks.

visas uk customs-and-immigration study

Best Answer

Your visa is valid from the fixed start date noted on it and remains valid until the indicated end date. So, yes, you can present yourself at the UK border for entry on your Tier 4 visa as early as August 17th.

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Can I enter the UK before my visa start date?

Normally you cannot travel to the UK before the start date of your visa, as you must enter after the start date in order to 'activate' your Student visa status.

What is the start date of UK visa?

The earliest you can apply is usually: 3 months before your planned travel date for visit visas. 3 months before your employment start date for most work visas. 6 months before your course start date for Student and Child Student visas.

Is UK open for immigration?

New immigration routes have opened for applications to work, live and study in the UK. You can apply and pay for your visa online.

What are the new UK rules for Tier 4 visa Student?

5. Conditions you need to meet to receive a Tier 4 Student Visa

You must be over 16 years old.
Speak, read, and understand English.
Have sufficient money to support yourself during studies (tuition, living costs, medical insurance, etc.)
Have an unconditional offer of study from a licensed university in the UK.

Understanding the Tier 4 visa

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