If you wish to study in the United Kingdom and you live outside the EU (European Union) you will usually need a visa to enter the country.
To get a student visa you need to study at least 15 hours a week during the day, not at the evenings or at the weekend. If you wish to study for a short period then you can apply for a tourist visa.
Where you get your visa depends on your nationality.
If your country is on the visa national list (e.g. Colombia, Thailand, Turkey) then you will need to apply for your visa before you travel.
You will need to take the following documents to the British Embassy or Consulate Visa Department in your country:
- a completed visa application form
- your passport
- two passport-size photographs
- your letter of invitation from the language school or college. Normally you will receive a letter of registration from the school you choose to attend, which will state how long the course is that you have registered for, times of study and fees paid. Remember that you will need to study a minimum of 15 hours of organised daytime study
- proof that you have enrolled and can pay for your course
- proof that you can support yourself financially whilst in England. For example you can take bank statements or a letter from your company stating they are paying all the fees.
This process, depending on the country you live in, can take up to two or three days - so apply well in advance. Students who intend to study for a long term should not apply for a Visitor's Visa as these cannot be changed to a Student Visa once you are here.
If your country is not on the visa national list (for example Poland, Czech Republic, etc) then you may apply for your visa upon arrival in England. New rules have been introduced allowing you to apply in your home country before you arrive. The UK immigration Officer may request:
- your passport
- your letter of invitation from the language school or college. Normally you will receive a letter of registration from the school you choose to attend, which will state how long the course is that you have registered for, times of study and fees paid. Remember that you will need to study a minimum of 15 hours of organised daytime study
- proof that you have enrolled and can pay for your course
- proof that you can support yourself financially whilst in England. For example you can take bank statements or a letter from your company stating they are paying all the fees
- confirmation that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies
Extending your student visa
If you already have a student visa you can apply for an extension, or providing you are not a visa national (please see list) you can apply to change a tourist visa to a student visa. Remember visa nationals need to apply in their own country. There may be a charge for visa extensions. You should make sure that you apply before the expiry of your existing visa. You will need to complete a Home Office Application form and (attach a passport size photograph to the form). Information required:
- name and address
- the school you are attending, if you are already attending a school ask the school to complete the attendance check part of the form.
- letter of registration for students applying for the first time or for students extending their course.
- proof of your financial situation. If you have a bank or building society account then three months bank statements are requested.
- are you receiving any money from friends or relatives?
- do you receive any money from the state or any other support?
- do you earn any money?
You should attend your school regularly.
Poor attendance may mean your visa extension will be refused.
You will need to apply for your extension to:
Home Office
Immigration & Nationality Directorate
Wellesley Rd
CROYDON CR9 1AT
You can apply in person, or by post. If by post, you will need to send the application form, documents and your passport by registered post or recorded delivery and should keep copies of all the documents sent. Note that you are likely to be without your passport while your application is being dealt with and you will not be able to travel during this period. If you do need to travel your application will be treated as withdrawn.
Working in the UK
If you are an EU national then you are free to work in the UK. If you have a student visa you can work part-time up to 20 hours per week providing your work does not interfere with your studies.
Detailed information can be found at the following address on the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and Home Office
website.
