Applying for a Student Visitor visa

Transcription

1 Immigration Guidance Applying for a Student Visitor visa What is a Student Visitor visa? A Student Visitor visa will allow you to enter the UK: for up to 6 months to study a short course; or for up to 11 months to study an English language course; or while enrolled on a course abroad that is at least equivalent to the level of a UK bachelor s degree (you can enter for up to 6 months to do research, or to receive tuition on how to conduct research, at a UK institution); or to undertake a resit examination. As a student visitor, you must leave the UK on or before the date that your immigration permission ends. If you wish to continue studying in the UK, you will need to return home and apply for entry clearance as a Tier 4 (General) Student, or another appropriate immigration category.

2 Who is eligible? This visa is for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. To be eligible: you must be at least 18 years of age; you must have enough money to support yourself while you are in the UK. You need to show you can pay for your tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses; you must already have an unconditional offer to study in the UK; the period of study must be completed within 6 months (or 11 months for an English language course) Can I study part time? Yes, there are no minimum hours that you must be studying during your stay in the UK. You can study part time or full time as a student visitor. Can I work in the UK? No, work of any kind is not permitted if you are in the UK with a Student Visitor visa. If you wish to be able to work during your stay, you should apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student visa. How much does the application cost? If you are applying at the port of entry in the UK, there is no fee for this application. If you are applying prior to travelling to the UK, the fee is 83 for a visa for up to 6 months, or 150 for a visa for up to 11 months.

3 When should I apply? Visa nationals You must apply for entry clearance before you travel to the UK. You should carry all of the documents that you submitted with your entry clearance application when travelling to the UK. You may be asked for these documents when you arrive in the UK. Non-visa nationals You can apply for entry clearance in advance of travelling, or at the port of entry to the UK. You will need to produce all the documents to support your application when you arrive at the port of entry to the UK. It is important that you ask to be admitted as a Student Visitor (rather than as a General visitor) and ask that the stamp in your passport indicates you are a student visitor. If you obtain entry clearance as a student visitor before travelling, you should carry all of the documents that you submitted with your entry clearance application when travelling to the UK. You may be asked for these documents when you arrive in the UK. To check if you are a visa national please refer to the Home Office Immigration Rules guidance (PDF): Travelling to the UK You should not travel via the Republic of Ireland if you plan to enter the UK as a Student Visitor. If you do this, you will not pass through UK immigration control to have your passport stamped. This means that you will not have study permission for the UK and you will not be able to enrol on your degree programme at the University of Edinburgh.

4 How do I apply? All applications for entry clearance as a student visitor must be made online: You can apply from any country outside of the UK (it does not have to be the country where you normally live). To apply you will need: to complete the online application form; your current passport; two passport sized colour photograph; the application fee in local currency; evidence of your unconditional offer of study or research in the UK. You will get a letter from the University of Edinburgh once your offer of study becomes unconditional; evidence that you have enough money to support yourself while you are in the UK you need to show you can pay for your tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses - as a guide only, it would be reasonable to show that you have the equivalent of 800 per month; any other documents requested by the Home Office:

5 Do I have to provide an English language test? You do not have to demonstrate your English language ability as part of the visa application - there is no minimum ability level required for this visa. However, in order to receive your unconditional offer from the University of Edinburgh, you will have to meet the English language requirements for the degree programme which you wish to pursue. Can I extend my stay in the UK? No, the Student Visitor visa cannot be extended, and you cannot apply to switch into any other immigration category whilst in the UK as a student visitor. Can I travel outside the UK? If you apply at port of entry The Student Visitor stamp in your passport you receive upon arrival at the UK port is for single entry. This means that you do not have permission to come and go from the UK freely. You would have to apply for a new Student Visitor visa each time you arrive back at a UK airport. We do not advise that you do this, as UK immigration rules prohibit more than one Student Visitor visa being granted within any 12 month period. In some cases, UK Border Control officers will exercise discretion and allow you to re-enter the UK to finish your course of study, but this cannot be guaranteed. If you apply before you travel If you wish travel in Europe, we recommend that you either apply for entry clearance as a Student Visitor before travelling to the UK this is multiple entry or apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa which is also multiple entry.

6 Further information and advice The International Office offers support and can assist you with any questions you have relating to student visitor visa eligibility or the application process. E: The International Office, 33 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh EH8 9JS The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336