Visa checkpoints
In addition to the usual attendance requirements, all international students on Student visas are required to complete two Visa Checkpoints as part of their visa compliance requirements for the Home Office. There are two visa checkpoints every academic year, which are usually held in Semester 1 (October/November) and Semester 2 (February/March).
Semester 1 Visa checkpoint
This is usually an online-only checkpoint that you will complete via MyHud.
- You must be on campus to complete this checkpoint, either using a University PC (e.g. computer lab), or your mobile phone/tablet/laptop when connected to University's Wi-Fi network (Eduroam).
- You cannot complete the online checkpoint from your home or an off-campus location.
You will be contacted at your student email when the visa checkpoint portal is open. You can then follow the steps to complete your visa checkpoint.
How do I complete the online visa checkpoint?
Find the step-by-step guide on how to complete the online visa checkpoint as part of the regulations around your Student Visa for studying in the UK.
Avoid common issues with the online checkpoint
See our guidance on the common and possible issues with the online visa checkpoint process to help your completion run as smoothly as possible.
Check your username when connecting to the University WiFi (Eduroam)
Before you begin, make sure you know the correct format for your username.
- Post-Graduate Researcher: firstname.lastname@hud.ac.uk (e.g., fiona.bloggs@hud.ac.uk) and use your University IT account password.
- Post-Graduate Taught (Masters) Student: StudentID@unimail.hud.ac.uk (e.g., u1234567@unimail.hud.ac.uk) and use your University IT account password.
- Undergraduate Student: StudentID@unimail.hud.ac.uk (e.g., u1234567@unimail.hud.ac.uk) and use your University IT account password.
Semester 2 Visa Checkpoint
This is an in-person visa checkpoint so you will meet an adviser in the Immigration & Compliance team by visiting the International Office during the visa checkpoint dates. You will be contacted at your student email (Unimail) before the event and you will be advised to bring your student ID card, original passport and eVisa share code. Make sure your mobile phone or tablet/laptop is connected to University's Wi-Fi network (Eduroam).
A member of the Immigration Team will check your visa and passport details to ensure we have up-to-date copies on record. As part of the process, your course attendance will also be reviewed, and we will confirm that your UK address and contact details are current.
Other frequently asked questions on the visa checkpoints
Visa checkpoints are a mandatory requirement set by the Home Office for all Student Visa holders. As a Home Office licensed sponsor, the University is required to monitor the immigration status and engagement of international students, and to maintain up-to-date records.
These checkpoints help the University fulfil its responsibilities as a Student Visa sponsor.
Only University students are required to complete the visa checkpoints, which means unless your dependants are studying at the University on their own student visa, they don't need to complete the checkpoints.
No, you just need to reply to the visa checkpoint email confirming that you are undertaking a placement during the current academic year. Please note that we will verify your placement details and attendance with your placement team.
You must make every effort to complete the checkpoint, whether online or in person. If your MyHud account is blocked (for example, due to non-payment of fees), or if you are unable to attend because of illness, please reply to the checkpoint email explaining your situation and request an alternative date or method to complete the checkpoint.
You must reply to the visa checkpoint email and include a share code of your current visa or immigration status so we can update our records.
If you are awaiting results, you must complete the checkpoint. However if you have received your results and passed, please reply to the visa checkpoint email confirming the same so we can update our records.
Please reply to the visa checkpoint email, and we will arrange an alternative date and time for you to complete the checkpoint. Note that your absence will be verified with your course administration team.
Yes, please bring any relevant evidence with you, such as proof that you are in the process of renewing your passport or have applied for a driving licence.
Find guidance and advice
Please be aware that visa checkpoints are mandatory to attend for all Student Visa holders. Failure to complete the checkpoints could affect your studies at the University as well as your visa status.
For more information and checkpoint related questions contact the team at: VisaCheckpoint@hud.ac.uk or attend one of our weekly online immigration drop-in sessions for support and guidance from the team.