Police Registration Requirements in the UK for International Students

If you're an international student coming to the UK, one of the most confusing rules you might hear is about registering with the police. It sounds like something out of a spy movie - but it’s real, and it’s mandatory for some. And no, it’s not about being suspected of anything. It’s just part of the visa process. So, do you need to do it? The answer isn’t the same for everyone. Let’s break it down plainly.

Who Has to Register?

Not every international student needs to register with the police. It depends on your nationality, your visa type, and when you applied. If your visa sticker or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) says "Register with the police", then you must. That phrase is your official notice. It’s printed right there in the corner of your visa document. If it’s not there, you don’t need to worry.

Most students from countries like India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and some others are still required to register. The UK government hasn’t removed this requirement for these nationalities - even though it was dropped for many European and North American students years ago. If you’re from the US, Canada, Australia, or the EU, you almost certainly don’t need to register. But if you’re unsure, check your visa documents. Don’t rely on what someone told you. The document is the law.

When Do You Have to Register?

You have to register within seven days of arriving in the UK - and only if you’re staying for more than six months. That’s a hard deadline. No extensions. No excuses. If you arrive on a Monday and don’t go until the following Monday, you’re already late. And being late can cause serious problems.

Some students think they can wait until they settle in, get their bank account, or find their housing. Don’t. The clock starts ticking the moment you step off the plane. If you’re staying in a university dorm or temporary accommodation, that still counts. Your first address in the UK is your registration address. Even if you move later, the initial registration still has to happen within seven days.

What Do You Need to Bring?

When you go to register, you’ll need these exact documents:

• Your passport with the visa sticker or BRP
• Your passport-sized color photo (taken within the last month)
• Your UK address (proof like a tenancy agreement or university letter)
• The registration fee - £34 as of 2026
• Your CAS number (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

You’ll also need to fill out a form on-site. It’s not complicated - name, address, course, visa details. But if you show up without the photo or without the cash, you’ll be sent home. No second chances on the same day. Many students forget the photo. It has to be color, recent, and meet passport standards. A selfie won’t do. A blurry print from your phone won’t do. Go to a professional photo booth or a pharmacy that does passport photos. It’s worth the £5.

Where Do You Go?

Registration happens at designated police stations. Not every station does it. You have to find the right one. The UK government website lists them, but the list changes. The easiest way is to search "police registration [your city]" on the official UK government site. For example, if you’re in Manchester, you’ll go to Manchester City Police Registration Unit. In London, it’s the Metropolitan Police Registration Unit in Westminster. In Birmingham, it’s at the city center station on High Street.

Don’t just show up. You need to book an appointment. Walk-ins are rarely accepted. Some places let you book online. Others require a phone call. If you’re not sure, call ahead. The last thing you want is to take two buses, miss class, and get turned away.

What Happens After You Register?

After you register, you’ll get a registration certificate. It’s a small card, like a credit card. You must carry it with you at all times - yes, even when you go to the pub or the gym. Police can ask to see it. If you can’t produce it, you could be fined or reported to immigration.

You also need to update your registration if you change your address, course, or extend your visa. If you move from a dorm to a flat off-campus, you must go back to the police station within seven days. Same if you switch universities. It’s not a one-time thing. It’s an ongoing requirement.

What If You Forget or Miss the Deadline?

Missing the seven-day window is a violation of your visa conditions. It doesn’t mean you’ll be deported immediately. But it does mean you’ve broken the rules. Immigration officials can flag your record. If you apply for a visa extension later, or if you try to switch to a work visa after graduation, they’ll see it. Some students get away with it - but it’s risky.

If you realize you missed it, go to the registration office immediately. Bring your documents. Explain you didn’t know. Some officers will still process you if you’re honest and polite. Others won’t. But you have to try. Ignoring it makes things worse.

What If You’re Not Required to Register?

If your visa doesn’t say "Register with the police," you’re free. But don’t assume. Double-check your BRP or visa sticker. Sometimes, the wording is small. If you’re still unsure, email your university’s international student office. They’ve seen thousands of visas. They’ll know. Or check the UK government’s official page: "Check if you need to register with the police".

Even if you don’t have to register, you still need to keep your address updated with your university and the Home Office. You’re still under immigration rules. Just not the police part.

Why Does This Still Exist?

Many students ask: "Why do we still have to do this? It feels outdated." The UK government says it’s for national security and tracking long-term visitors. Critics say it’s a relic from the 1920s, and that other countries don’t do it. That’s true. The US, Canada, Australia - none require this. But the UK still does. And until the law changes, you have to follow it.

It’s not about distrust. It’s about procedure. For many students, it’s a hassle. But it’s a small step that keeps your visa status clean. And a clean visa status means no delays when you graduate, apply for a job, or want to stay longer.

Real Consequences: A Student Story

Last year, a student from Nigeria in Leeds missed her registration by five days. She thought her university would handle it. They didn’t. When she applied for her post-study work visa, her application was delayed for six months. The Home Office flagged her for "failure to comply with immigration conditions." She had to submit a letter of explanation, pay £1,000 in legal advice, and wait. She lost her internship offer. She didn’t need to. All it took was one trip to the police station.

What If You’re Only Staying Less Than Six Months?

If your course is under six months - like a summer program or a short language course - you don’t need to register. Even if your visa says "Register with the police," the rule doesn’t apply. The seven-day rule only kicks in if you’re staying longer than six months. So if you’re doing a three-month exchange, relax. No police visit needed.

Final Checklist

• Check your visa/BRP - does it say "Register with the police"?
• If yes, book your appointment within 24 hours of arrival.
• Get your photo taken before you leave home.
• Bring cash - £34. No cards accepted at most stations.
• Carry your certificate everywhere after you get it.
• Update your registration if you move or change courses.
• If you miss the deadline, go anyway. Don’t ignore it.

It’s not a big deal if you do it right. It’s a one-time task that takes less than an hour. But if you ignore it? It can haunt you for years.