This guidance only applies when arriving via the Republic of Ireland (for example, via Dublin). If you fly directly to Northern Ireland (for example direct to Belfast), this does not apply as Northern Ireland is part of the UK.                      

UK Visa Holders
If you have applied in your home country for a Student, Short-term Student or Visitor visa/entry clearance before travelling, there are no issues. Your UK visa/entry clearance will not be date stamped on entry to the UK, but this is normal. You should keep evidence of your travel (boarding passes, tickets) in case your date of entry becomes important.

Non-Visa Nationals (EU, EEA, USA, Japan, South Korea and others)
For students studying 6 months or less:
If you enter the UK from the Republic of Ireland as a non-visa national, you will in most cases automatically have permission to be in the UK for six months. This is known as "deemed leave" under the Immigration (Control of Entry through Republic of Ireland) Order 1972.

This automatic permission:
- Does not require a passport stamp - you won't encounter UK Border Force when travelling from ROI to UK
- Permits study for up to 6 months
- Prohibits employment - you cannot work, undertake work placements, internships, or run a business

Important exceptions:
- This is reduced to two months if you previously entered the Republic of Ireland from the UK when you still had UK permission that has since expired
- You must not be an excluded person under the Immigration Order
- If you have recently held or currently hold a UK visa, different rules may apply

Documentation requirements:
- You must carry a valid passport for the entire duration of your UK stay
- Keep evidence of your travel route (boarding passes, bus/train tickets from Dublin to Belfast)
- You may be required to produce these documents if encountered by officials

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):
Depending on your nationality and travel date, you may need to obtain an ETA before travelling. This is not immigration permission but is a requirement for certain nationalities: https://www.gov.uk/apply-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

For students studying more than 6 months:
You cannot extend the automatic 6-month permission from within the UK. If you need to study for more than 6 months, you must:
1. Leave the UK within the 6-month period, and
2. Apply for Student permission from outside the UK in the usual way

Alternative option: You could apply for UK entry clearance (a visa) in your home country before travelling to the Republic of Ireland.
Key reminder: Any immigration permission you receive on arrival in the Republic of Ireland is for the Republic of Ireland only, not for the UK.

Useful resources:
1. Home Office guidance on the Common Travel Area
2. UKCISA guidance on deemed leave
3. Contact ISS if you need clarification about your specific circumstances isscompliance@qub.ac.uk

If you are flying directly to the Republic of Ireland (Dublin) and then travelling to Northern Ireland (UK), please provide evidence of your entry into Northern Ireland as outlined below.

Proof of Entry into Northern Ireland (UK)
To confirm your arrival in Northern Ireland, provide one of the following:
1. A bus or train ticket showing the date you entered Northern Ireland and 
2. A photo of the green Irish immigration stamp in your passport or a photo of your boarding pass(es) to Dublin or another Irish airport.

UK Visa / Entry Clearance
If you hold a UK Student Visa or Visitor Visa / Entry Clearance Vignette, it is acceptable to arrive via Dublin. You will not receive a UK date stamp on arrival in Northern Ireland, but this does not affect your visa status. You must enter Northern Ireland within the validity period of your UK visa. Please check the start date of your eVisa or entry clearance (if received) before travelling.

Documents to Retain and Upload to QSIS
To verify your entry into the UK, please retain and upload the following documents:

1. Evidence of Arrival in the Republic of Ireland - Flight booking confirmation or boarding pass showing your full name and arrival date.

2. Proof of Travel from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland - You must provide at least one of the following:
- Bus or train ticket from Dublin (or another Irish location) to Belfast, or
- Taxi receipt clearly showing the pick-up and drop-off locations, as well as the date of travel, or
- Debit/credit card receipts showing transactions in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with matching card details and dates.
- Car rental booking or agreement showing the date the vehicle was collected from an Irish airport. If the rental agreement is not in the student’s name (e.g., rented by a parent), proof of the relationship must also be provided.
- Please upload evidence of your arrival in Northern Ireland (e.g.,hotel or B&B check-in receipt or Queen’s accommodation check-in confirmation)
- Eurotunnel or ferry booking/ticket showing your full name and arrival date.
If you travel from France to the Republic of Ireland, you must still provide one of the above forms of proof of entering Northern Ireland.
If you travel from Europe to England, and then onward to Dublin or Belfast, please upload travel evidence covering each part of your journey.

3. Private Vehicle Travel
If you travelled in a private vehicle and do not have transport tickets or receipts, we will accept alternative evidence showing when you entered Northern Ireland, such as dated debit or credit card receipts for purchases made in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, or a bank statement showing transactions in ROI and NI.

Note: We are required to verify that you entered the UK (Northern Ireland) within the validity of your UK visa or entry clearance vignette.