Updated October 2011
Visa Information for Study in UK
All our Schools are licensed by the UK Border Agency to enrol international students under Tier 4 of the Points Based System.
- if you are from the EU or EEA you do not need a visa to study in the UK
- if you are a 'visa national'1 – you will need to obtain a visa from your own country before leaving for the UK
- if you are a 'non-visa national'2 – you will need a visa, but you may request a Child or Student Visitor Visa on arrival in the UK and you could then be granted up to 6 months of leave. For more information on the conditions of the length of student visitor visa please see: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/immigration_student_visitor.php#student_6mths – UK Council for International Student Affairs
- if you would like a Tier 4 General Student Visa you will need to obtain this before leaving home
1. General Student Visa (under Tier 4 of the Points Based System)
- both visa nationals and non-visa nationals can apply for this visa
- you must be over 16
- you must be enrolled on a course with a minimum of 15 hours a week of organised daytime study
- this is the only visa that will enable you to study in UK for more than 11 months and is the usual route for those wishing to study 6 months or more
- in order to get this visa you must have an English level of CEF B1, and ready to start a course at B2. You will need to prove your English level and your chosen School may interview you on SKYPE to further assess your level
- this visa allows you to work 10 hours a week during your course, and full-time in holiday time
.
What do you need to apply?
- you will need 40 points
(i) 30 points are obtained -once you are enrolled at a School on the Sponsor Register (all our Schools are on this Register)
(ii) 10 points are obtained for evidence of funds – 10 points. For study in London £800 a month must be shown in your bank account for each month you wish to study. For example if you wish to study for 6 months you will need to have in your account £4,800. Outside London £600 a month should be shown. The funds will need to be held in your account for least 28 days prior to the date you make your visa application
When should I apply?
- you must apply for entry clearance as a Tier 4 (General) student before travelling to the UK. You must not submit your entry clearance application more than three months before the start of your course (the date included in your confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)) even though your institution may issue your CAS earlier. Your CAS is valid for six months from the date of issue and you must apply within this six month period. If your CAS is not valid on the date that you apply, your immigration application may be refused
2. Student Visitor Visa
- both visa nationals and non-visa nationals can apply for this visa
- you must be over 18
- your course must be less than 11 months. ( this limit is currently extended from 6 months for courses starting after on 10 January 2011 – for more information see: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf2visitors
- available for beginners and students at any level of English
- there are no minimum hours which you must be studying during your time in the UK (you are allowed to study part-time or full-time as a student visitor)
- cannot be renewed. Students must return home at the end of the course
- you cannot work in the UK with this visa
- cost: Pre-entry clearance £67; on arrival in UK free
What do you need to apply?
- you will need proof of School acceptance – ie letter of acceptance
- evidence of Funds – ie that you have enough money to support yourself without having to work
- evidence that you intend to leave the UK within 6 months
3. Child Visitor Visa
- both visa nationals and non-visa nationals can apply for this visa
- you must be 17 or under
- your course must be less than 6 months
- available for beginners and students at any level of English
- cannot be renewed
- you cannot work in the UK with this visa
- cost: Pre-entry clearance £67; on arrival in UK free
4. Visitors visa
- non-visa nationals can request this visa on arrival in the UK if they are coming for a holiday. If you wish to study then you should request a Student Visitor Visa
For more information on visas available to International Students we recommend that you visit the following:
Although we have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate and reliable Electric English will not be held responsible for changes introduced by the Home Office which might affect students’ status and will not be held liable for the above information. For up to date and more detailed information please see the UK Border Agency web-site at http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/ - Home Office UK Border Agency.
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