Guidance for responding to a student request for an Authorised Absence.

Please read this before you complete the attached Request Form.

Student

This Form should only be used for a short period of absence during term time in exceptional circumstances. All other absence should be arranged during the University of Bradford agreed vacation periods.

  • Apply early for your request as any period of leave must be agreed by the Faculty before you leave the UK with a defined end date.
  • Please do not make any travel arrangements until your Faculty agree to authorise this.
  • Failure to obtain prior consent could result in the University of Bradford withdrawing your Tier 4 Sponsorship and the cancellation of your Tier 4 visa*.
  • Complete the form and please supply copies of evidence such as a medical certificate or death certificate.
  • Confirm your return to the Faculty.

Faculty

  • Is the absence for exceptional circumstances such as serious illness, pregnancy or death of close family?
  • If yes, how long does the student want off? Is this less than 60 days?
  • If yes, will the student be able to resume their studies where they left off and complete within their existing leave (visa)?
  • If yes, does the student need a support plan? Has this been agreed and signed by the Faculty and student?
  • If the answer to all of the above is ‘yes’ then you could authorise the absence and ensure that the student is able to complete within their existing leave. Keep all the evidence for UKVisas and Immigration (UKVI) audit purposes.
  • Faculty staff should inform the Visa Support Team BEFORE the start of a student’s absence or as soon as possible by emailing. You should put the following in the subject heading “AUTHORISED ABSENCE NOTIFICATION (INSERT DATES).
  • Create a SAB record on SITS to confirm the dates agreed for the authorised absence
  • Before student is due to return, contact them to confirm their return date.
  • Report to Visa Support Team if the student fails to return within 5 working days of their intended date of return.
  • If the student has to return home for compelling reasons but is unable to complete within their existing leave, then the absence should notbe authorised.
  • The University will have to stop sponsoring the student under Tier 4 and they will have to defer their studies until they are able to return (this could be the following year for taught students).
  • Please inform the Visa Support Team that the student will defer their studies and their status will be suspended; the Visa Support Team will have to report this to UKVI within 10 days of the student suspending their studies*.

*Student/Faculty should contact the Visa Support Team , if they need further advice about their visa status and duties.

ABSENCE REQUEST FORM

(Not to be used forFieldwork)

STUDENT DETAILS

Full Name:

/ UB No:

Current Course of Study:

LEAVE OF ABSENCE DETAILS

Please state the reason/s you are requesting a leave of absence:
Are you intending to leave the UK? / YesNo
Date your leave will commence:
Date your leave will finish (a specific date must be given):
Will you miss any deadlines/assessments whilst you are on leave (if yes, state what)?
You MUST attach evidence to support your request, e.g.: medical notes, death certificate. If you do not submit this evidence then it is unlikely your request will be granted.
Student signature / Date
Supervisor name (print name)
Supervisor signature / Date

Please return completed forms to your Faculty for approval

FACULTY USE ONLY:

Academic Progress
(Supervisor/PAT/Equivalent)
Authorisation
(Associate Dean/Equivalent) / Leave permittedLeave rejected 
Reasons/notes:
Signature(AD) / Date:
Student e-mailed with decision (cc: supervisor)
Date:
Student e-mailed regarding return
Date:
Student returned
Date:

Absence Request Form – Version 1

Updated 11 August 2016Page 1 of 3