Registering with the police

A small number of international students are required by the British government to book an online appointment to register with the Overseas Visitors Records Office (OVRO) within seven days of arrival in the UK. The stamp or the visa sticker in your passport will state if you need to register with the police.

Do I need to register with the police?

You are only required to register with the police if you are from one of the following countries and have received an endorsement on your visa (found on a stamp or sticker in your passport) instructing you to register: Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen. If you are uncertain of whether or not you need to register, check your passport and the vignette visa which should clearly state if you need to register with the police. The requirement should also be included in your Decision Letter.

You will need to attend your appointment in person at the Overseas Visitors Records Office (OVRO) during office hours, and take the following documents with you:

• Passport(s)
• Biometric Residence Permit (also known as BRP)
• Home Office visa approval letter (Decision Letter) showing requirement to register (If BRP applied in the UK)
• Proof of address in London, for example a tenancy agreement or letter of confirmation from your sponsor.
• Proof of work or study details (confirmation letter from educational sponsor/CAS or employment contract)
• £34 registration fee – We don't accept cash. Please ensure you attend with payment such as credit or debit card or mobile payment.

You will need to show details of your online booking confirmation on your phone or printout when you attend. Please ensure you have all your documents and payment method ready before you see the Registration Officer as this will save time.

Please note: all students registering with the police will pass through a security check on arrival at the OVRO. You must not carry any sharp objects and you should bring only essential items with you.

What happens once I have registered with the police?

Once you have registered with the police you will get a Police Registration Certificate. You should keep this in a safe place with your passport.

Each time you are granted an extension of stay in the United Kingdom, or you renew your passport, you must inform the Overseas Visitors Records Office.

You must also notify the police every time you change your address. You can do this at your local police station.