The UK student visa system

The UK student visa system

 The United Kingdom is once of the best places in the world for people to pursue their postgraduate studies. However, for international students the mechanics of getting permission to study in this country can seem daunting, especially in light of recent alterations to the rules. This article will give you an overview of these changes and answer some of the questions you may have.

In March 2011 the UK Government announced a series of changes to the rules under which people from outside the EU are able to study in this country. These new regulations are intended to allow the best and brightest to come and study in the UK whilst preventing any abuses of the system. They have been phased in over the past year, with the final changes coming into effect in April 2012.

Who needs a visa to study in the United Kingdom?

Students from the European Economic Area are able to study in Britain without a Visa. Switzerland is not part of the EEA but typically adheres to the same immigration rules as those countries that are. Those from outside this area must apply for a Visa with Sponsorship from the institution they are intending to study at. Your Visa will typically allow for multiple entries into the country.

How do I know if the University I want to study at has Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) status?

All Universities without HTS status will be assessed by an independent body during 2012. This document outlines the status of all educational organizations in the UK, correct as of March 16th 2012.

What does it mean for me if my University doesn't have HTS status?

 They will almost certainly be in the process of applying for it. Any institutions applying for HTS status who have yet to be assessed have been given an interim limit on sponsorship so may still be able to accept you. All assessments will be complete by the end of 2012.

What if English isn't my first language?

For postgraduate students their sponsoring university is able to vouch for their English language skills. However, be aware that the UK Border Agency can refuse a migrant who is unable to speak without the assistance of an interpreter.

What kind of funding will I need?

 You will need to prove that you will be able to study in the UK without needing access to public funds. If you will be studying in Inner London you will need to demonstrate that you have £1,000 per month available for the first nine months of your studies. For areas outside London the amount is £800 per month.

Can I work whilst in the UK?

 Students on Tier 4 Visas have a right to work up to 20 hours per week, part-time. If you are married your spouse also has the right to work in this country. See our Working as a student in UK article for more information.

Can I bring any dependents with me?

In many cases you will be allowed to bring children with you when you come to the UK to study. However, you must be able to prove that you can provide for them and demonstrate that you have funds additional to those you need to secure your own Visa. (£5,400 in London and £4,050 elsewhere)

How long will I be allowed to stay in the UK?

 For students undertaking a Masters course the time limit of your Visa will be six to seven years. Upon completion of your studies you may apply to stay in the country under a different Visa tier.

Visa information for the United Kingdom

Visa information for the United Kingdom

EU citizens do not need a visa to study in the UK, regardless of the length of stay.

If you are not an EU citizen, the following information will be very useful

Practical information on the visa (UK)

In the UK, the government is developing a new system of Visa, a kind of points visas for foreign students. The introduction of this new system is scheduled for spring 2009. The aim is to make the process of obtaining a more efficient visa, more objective and transparent. Given these coming changes, it is possible that the information on the visa to the UK following data evolve in the coming months. Kaplan International will update this section regularly as possible. You can also refer to the contacts and web sites that we indicate at the end of this section with the latest information.

As a student, how do I get permission to travel to the UK?

You must prove that you have been accepted into a curriculum for a defined period and in an educational institution recognized by the UK Department of Education and families on the list of the Register of Education and Training Providers

All Kaplan International schools in the UK are part of this organization.

You must be able to demonstrate that you are participating in one of the following programs:

A study period not exceeding 6 months will get you, in part, a degree abroad

A program of 15 hours spread over each day of the week and weekly planning sessions of individual work

A degree program full-time

A curriculum full time in an independent and private school

You must also:

Assume the cost of your education and your personal expenses and to live in the UK without having a job and a local public purse

Having the academic level and motivation to follow the chosen program of study

Expect to leave the UK after you finish your studies (in case you do not need to graduate and succeed to finish your studies)

What is a visa?

A visa is a certificate that is embedded in your passport or other document allowing you to travel. The visa is issued by a "Entry Clearance Officer" working at the embassy or the British consular mission. This document allows you to enter the UK.

If you have a valid visa, we cannot normally be refused entry on British territory, unless your personal data have changed in the meantime, or have given false information or you did not mention the significant events during your visa application.

When you arrive in the UK, it may be an employee of the immigration service, "Immigration Officer" you questions in the context of a simple identity check. So, remember to put in your hand luggage all important documents.

How do I apply for a visa?

There are many opportunities to apply for a visa: by mail, on the internet or you can go to an organization entitled to handle visa applications. The staff of such an organization, called "Visa office application" or visa service can provide information and recommend the most appropriate way forward.

Some visa services will only accept applications on the Internet. To find out if you can make your application online, we recommend you visit the site dedicated to visa procedures for the UK.

If you cannot make your online visa application, you must complete an application form called the "VAF3 - Student". You can get this application form with your "Visa Center" nearest.

You must make your student visa in the country where you live / you live legally.

In some countries, if you apply for a visa in order to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, it may be that a TB test is required. You can tell if you need to do this test by contacting your "Visa Center" nearest.

What documents should I include with my application?

You have to make your application online or complete the application form called "Application form VAF3 - Student". You will also need:

Your passport or other document authorizing you to travel

A recent passport photo and color (45mm x 35mm)

Your photo must be:

Taken with a light background

Claire, good quality and without frame or other support

Printed on photo paper

Face and without sunglasses, hat or other accessory covering your head unless you had to wear them for religious reasons (but the face must remain uncovered)

Pay the visa fee. This amount will not be refunded and you normally, adjust that amount in the currency of the country in which you make your visa application. Thus, you may need to pay in Sterling

Any document supporting your application

What other documents should I attach to my application?

We recommend that you bring all the documents that prove you are eligible to enter in the UK as a student. If you do not bring proof that you have been accepted into a program of study in the UK visa application may be denied.

For example, we advise you to include with the application:

Any diploma or certificate you got (s)

A letter from the university, the school or school confirming your admission to a program of study and / or research in the UK

The diploma called "ATAS Certificate" (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) if you follow some type of higher education (if it is related to your studies in the UK)

Proof of a scholarship or financial support from the government (if it is related to your studies in the UK), where applicable

Financial documentation (e.g. bank statements) proving that you can pay for your education and personal expenses in the UK

If you receive financial support from a sponsor or a private organization (e.g. a school in the UK), a letter from your sponsor describing the support you provide during your studies and evidence has the resources

Your visa application will be automatically rejected if one or more of your documents is / are false or counterfeit (s).

Once I submitted my application, what will it happen?

A person to accept visa applications called "Entry Clearance Officer" will consider your application for the documents you provided. If your file attachments are not sufficient to make a decision, an interview will take place.

We recommend that you check information listed on your visa. You must ensure that:

Your personal data is accurate

The reason for your visit to the UK is clearly stated

The period of validity of your visa matches your dates of stay (you can ask that the visa validity period is shifted 3 months if you do not leave immediately UK)

If you have doubts in relation to the visa that was given to you, immediately contact the visa center or "visa office application."

As a student, can I extend my stay in the UK?

If you enter in the UK on a student visa, or if you want to track a graduate or earn a degree curriculum, you can make a request to the following organization, "UK Border Agency." You can find information to contact them at the end of this section. Any request for an extension of stay in the UK rose from the UK Border Agency is paying (the amount you will not be refunded, and that whatever the outcome of your request).

NB: If you enter in the UK with a student visa with the visitor status, you will not be allowed to extend your stay. If you think you extend your period of study in the UK or are unsure of the length of your stay, we highly recommend that you apply for a student visa and not a visa with the visitor status.

Do I have the right to have a job?

You can have a part time job or work while on vacation, but you do not have the right to:

Work more than 20 hours a week unless your job is part of your studies, has been recognized by your school and resulting in a diploma or certificate from a recognized institution in the UK

Work for yourself or to charge your services as a sports coach

Work full time

My wife / husband or my partner (s) and my children have the right to join me?

Your husband, your partner (s) and children under-18 have the right to come with you to the UK for the duration of your studies, provided you can cover their expenses without needing a local public purse.

What need people who are dependent on me for their application?

People who are dependent on you will have to make their application online or fill in the form "VAF3-Student".

They will also need:

Passport or other document authorizing them to travel

A recent passport photo and color (45mm x 35mm)

The photo must be:

Taken with a light background

Clear and of good quality and without frame or other support

Printed on photo paper

Face and without sunglasses, hat or other accessory unless you need to wear them for religious reasons (but the face must remain uncovered)

Pay the visa fee. The amount you will not be repaid and normally, adjust that amount in the currency of the country in which you make your visa application. Thus, you may need to pay in Sterling

Proof of relationship they have with you

Proof that they do not need a local public purse

The proof of the curriculum that you follow or will follow the UK

In case you are already in the UK, a photocopy of your passport showing that you have permission to stay longer

My husband, my wife or my partner (e) Will it have the right to have a job?

Your husband, your wife or your partner (s) can work in the UK if you have been allowed to stay in the UK for at least 12 months.

Enter the United Kingdom as a tourist or visitor

Enter the United Kingdom

as a tourist or visitor: visa requirements

Application Form

VAF1A: For tourism or friends

VAF1B: For family

Price of Form: £ 83

This category is generally for people who wish to come to the UK as a tourist or visiting family or friends for a maximum period of 6 months (12 months if you are accompanying an academic visitor) with a condition prohibiting work.

All potential members of the family who may be traveling with you must make an individual visa application.

Everyone, except for EEA nationals / Switzerland, must apply for a visa for a stay of more than 6 months for example to support an academic visitor.

To come to the UK as a general visitor or family, you must be able to prove that you have:

18 years;

Sincerely intend to enter the territory as a visitor for a limited period, not more than 6 months (or 12 if you are accompanying an academic visitor);

The intention to leave the United Kingdom at the end of the visit period;

Having enough money to support yourself and your accommodation as well as your dependents without recourse to public funds or work, or you and the dependents will be adequately maintained and accommodated by relatives or friends;

Can afford the return or the previous trip, and Are not in transit to a country outside the common travel area.

You also need to prove that you did not intend to:

Working;

Produce, sell or provide goods or services, including directly to the public;

You engage in activities of a business visitor, a visitor to a sporting event, artist;

Get married or enter into a civil partnership or advertise your wedding or civil partnership, or;

Receive private medical treatment.

You are allowed to study for a maximum of 30 days, as this is not the main purpose of your stay. These studies can be recreational (pottery or riding, for example) or in an institution with a Tier 4 license, in which case they consist of academic studies or English during the short term.

To qualify as a visitor of the family, you must prove that you are going to visit one of the following family members:

Your spouse, civil partner, parent, child (including recognized adoptions), grandfather, grandmother, grand-son, granddaughter, brother, sister;

The husband, wife or civil partner of your son or daughter;

Your stepfather, stepmother, son-daughter-in-law or sister-in and / or

Unmarried partner who lived with you for at least 2 of the 3 years preceding your application.

The UKBA says that if you are visiting a family member who is not listed above, you should come as a simple tourist visit (general visitor) rather than a family visit (family visitor)