An international student from Kosovo faced a significant hurdle before attending his graduation ceremony due to a visa refusal by the Home Office. The student had successfully completed a master's degree in clinical neuropsychology at the University of Sheffield and was invited to the graduation ceremony. However, the celebration was nearly missed when the Home Office initially refused his application for a visitor visa.
The refusal letter indicated that the student's father had not provided satisfactory evidence of his personal and financial circumstances. According to UK immigration rules, visitor visa applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support their stay. Despite having previously met these requirements for his 12-month course at the University of Sheffield and submitting bank statements proving his father's ability to cover a week's food and accommodation, the Home Office concluded that the student intended to remain in the UK illegally.
“International students who are returning to the UK for their graduation ceremonies are always welcome to celebrate their achievements. However, visitors must still meet the requirements in accordance with the immigration rules and, where necessary, we may request further evidence to support applications.” – Home Office
Zeena Luchowa, a partner at Laura Devine Immigration, noted that this student is not alone in facing such challenges. She highlighted that international students could encounter additional difficulties if they cannot show they have a home, assets, employment, or family ties in the UK.
“We are seeing a general increase in inquiries from individuals who have had visitor visa applications refused,” – Zeena Luchowa, partner at law firm Laura Devine Immigration
The Home Office refused to provide an explanation for their initial decision. Additionally, the UK Council for International Student Affairs chose not to comment on this particular case. Nevertheless, the student was eventually allowed to travel to the UK and attend his graduation ceremony at the University of Sheffield.
Luchowa explained that evidence of a graduation ceremony alone might not be enough to convince a caseworker to approve a visa application.
“Evidence of a graduation ceremony alone would not normally be sufficiently persuasive for a caseworker to grant the application.” – Zeena Luchowa, partner at law firm Laura Devine Immigration