UK Student VISA Facts

United Kingdom is a sought after global education destination for international students, with its larger than life universities and rich heritage. Though one’s resume should boast a sound academic background, there are a few prerequisites to keep in mind while applying for visa to the host country.

It’s better to be well-prepared before applying for Visa. Here’s useful information to guide you through UK Student visa application process.

Kinds of Visas

Before you apply for a UK visa, you must know that there are different types of Visa, and each has its own restrictions and conditions. Your suitability for a particular type of visa mainly depends on your age, type of course you are applying for, length of the program, and type of university or college you are applying for.

Visa Types	Suitability
Tier 4 (General)	Meant for adults (above 18 years of age), you can apply according to the points-based system if you are coming to the for your post-16 education (course is at National Qualification Framework level 3 or equivalent or above and is longer than 2 years).
Tier 4 (Child)	Meant for students between 4 and 17 years old, you can apply as a child visitor. This visa cannot be 'switched' or extended (for course below National Qualification Framework level 3).
Child visitor	Meant for child visitor under 18, under this visa, the student can study in the UK for up to 6 months. This visa cannot be 'switched' or extended.
Student visitor	If you are planning to stay in the UK for up to 6 months (or up to 11 months to take an English Language course), and you do not wish to work, then apply for a student visitor visa. It is meant for students who are at least 18 years old. This visa cannot be 'switched' or extended.
Prospective Student	Meant for students who are yet to be accepted by an institution, this visa is issued to prospective pupil who want to visit the UK for finalising arrangements required for Tier 4 course of study (such as appearing for university selection interview, which has made a conditional offer). This visa can be switched into the Tier 4 (General) or Tier 4 (Child) category while you are in the UK.

Requirements for a Tier 4 Student visa

• UK visa system follows a points-based immigration system and to obtain a Tier 4 visa, you must score 40 points (30 points for a valid CAS and 10 points for proving finances to cover fees and living costs).
• Get a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) document from the institution where you intend to study.
• A Sponsor’s License which must reflect that the institute is recognised by UKBA.
• If you are above 18 years of age and you want to study an academic course, then the courses must be at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) * Level 3 or above (e.g. A Level or University Foundation). If you are under 18, then there is no restriction on study levels.
• You must prove that you have enough funds to finance your studies. In order to get a visa, if your age is above 18 years then you must pass an approved English language test.
• An 'official financial sponsor' is an organisation that wholly supports you to study in the UK by giving you money to cover your course fees and your living costs. The UK government, your home government, the British Council or any international organisation, international company, university or UK independent school can be an official financial sponsor.

*Note: National Qualifications Framework is a credit transfer system designed for qualifications in Wales, England and Northern Ireland.

Recently, UK has changed its immigration policy and removed its post-study work visa (PSW) route for non-EU nationals. According to UKBA report, from now on, all those students who are planning to study in UK for more than 6 months will have to provide valid tuberculosis (TB) clearance certificate. If you are going to UK for higher education for 6 months or less, then you do not require a TB clearance certificate.

Requirements for a Student Visitor visa

• The student must have been accepted on a course of study in the UK.
• The institution, providing the course must be:
  • Accredited by Accreditation UK or the Accreditation Body for Language Services (ABLS), or
  •  accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) or the Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC), or
  • inspected or audited by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), HM Inspectorate of Education (in Scotland), Estyn (in Wales), the Education and Training Inspectorate (in Northern Ireland), or
  • the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) or an overseas higher education institution which offers only part of its programmes in the UK, holds its own national accreditation, and offers programmes of an equivalent level to a UK degree; or
  • a licensed sponsor under Tier 4 of the points-based system.
  • The student cannot intend to study at a maintained school.
  • The student has to show that, during your visit, they do not intend to:
    • take paid or unpaid employment, produce goods or provide services, including the selling of goods or services directly to members of the public;
    • marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership;
    • carry out the activities of a business visitor, a sports visitor or an entertainer visitor;
    • receive private medical treatment
    • Proof of age (above 18 ) and intention document stating that the visit to UK is for no more than 6 months (or 11 months in case of an English Language course);
    • You must prove that you have enough funds to finance your studies and accommodate yourself without working or help from public funds, or you and any dependants will be supported and accommodated by relatives or friends;
    • You can meet the cost of the return or onward journey;
    • You are not in transit to a country outside the 'Common Travel Area' (Ireland, the UK, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands).

For more details on supporting documents for Visa, click here (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/out-of-country/visitors.pdf ).

Note: 'Visa application centres in India' are listed below, at the end of this article.

According to latest information published on September 6, 2013, some new changes have been introduced to ease Visa rules. The new rules to affect student community and education purposes include:

• Greater flexibility for businesses and workers by allowing some students to work as interns under the Tier 5 government authorised exchange scheme; and making it easier for graduate entrepreneurs to switch into Tier 2;
• Allowing tourists and business visitors to do some study where it is not the main purpose of their visit; and removing the prospective student route.

In other words, international students can take up corporate internships after completing their degrees and making it easier for graduate entrepreneurs to take up skilled jobs. Also, business visitors will now be allowed a short period of study or training as part of their stay.

Pre-requisites for the Visa Interview

Before you start brushing up your conversation skills for the Visa interview, make sure you get your forms in place. There are two forms to complete when you apply outside the UK:

• VAF9 Form: this is a general form for everyone applying under the Points Based System.
• PBS Appendix 8 Form: this is the form that asks you questions about your proposed study in the UK

Always apply using the latest version of the application form.  You can download the forms at…UK Border Agency Website

Time to book an appointment for Visa Interview

With effect from Monday 5 March 2012 all UK visa applicants need to complete the visa application form online. Manually completed applications will no longer be accepted.

At the same time, you are also required to make an online appointment to attend a visa application centre to submit your application. The applicant is required to print a hard copy of the visa application form on good quality paper and carry it along for the Interview, along with all supporting documentation.  Please note that once the application form is completed online, only small manual amendments to this form will be accepted for submission at the visa application centre.

To apply for a UK visa and schedule an appointment online an applicant can go to http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx

Important Documents to carry to U.K Student visa interview

It is essential to make it on time for the UK Student visa and never turn up without the documents mentioned below:

• A print out of the email confirming the details of the appointment should taken along to the visa application centre one have chosen to attend.
• Biometric Information: Every applicant needs to provide the Biometric information details, when applying for a visa to U.K. All UK visa applicants are required to provide biometric data (10-digit fingerscans and a digital photograph) as part of the application process. You will have to go to your nearest visa application centre in person to provide your biometrics, as the visa application will only be processed after the submission of this information.
• Recent passport size photograph with a white background (50mm x 50mm)
• Visa application fee receipts ( To know the fees of your respective visa, please visithttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/fees/  )
• VFS appointment letter (available online)
• VAF 9 + Appendix 8 Form (Tier 4 – Student) and Guidance Notes
• Passport
• One Passport size photo (45 x 35 mm Color, less than 6 months old)
• CAS letter from University – ORIGINAL & Photocopy (of all docs.)
• Unconditional letter from University
• ATAS Certificate (if necessary)
• Receipt of fee payment towards accommodation & Tuition.
• Bank Statements - ORIGINAL for the last 28 days from all sponsors
• Transcripts (Mark sheets) (from 10th class till the last degree obtained.
• Affidavit of Support to be given by the sponsor on Rs.20 stamp paper (non-judicial)
• Work experience certificate  
• Fixed Deposit Receipts (if necessary)
• Bank loan sanction letter (if necessary)
• To keep a track of changes, keep a tab on the website of the nearest U.S. Embassy.

Don’t lose heart if your U.K. student visa is postponed or not approved

It can happen at times that student’s UK visa might get postponed, which just means you have to wait longer for an answer from the consulate about your case. Even if the visa gets refused, there is still a chance you might be approved. Waiting for further response or action, or contacting the consulate, should be the next step. However, if the visa application is refused, you can reapply by paying the visa processing fees again, and schedule another appointment.

Arrival in UK

Once you have arrived in U.K. at your point of entry, your passport, U.S. student visa, will be verified by an immigration official before being granted Leave to Enter. The length of your Leave to Enter or expiry date will be stamped in your passport by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. You have permission to stay in the UK until that date (if you remain a student). In absence of the proper documentation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will conclude immediately that you should be sent back to your home country.

Visa Application centres in India:

It goes without saying that any student intending to study in the UK, needs to acquire a student visa from the nearest UK Embassy. To acquire the visa sooner, it is best to be prompt in putting together all the documentation at the earliest. It is best to choose a Visa application centre close to your permanent home address. For example:  if your permanent home address is Mumbai, its better if you apply in Mumbai.

Delhi Upper Ground Floor, S-2 Level, International Trade Tower, opposite Satyam Cinemas, Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019	Chandigarh SCO 62 63, Sector 8 C, near Hotel Icon and Times of India office Madhya Marg, Chandigarh 160018	Jalandhar Jalandhar Lower Ground Floor, MIDAS Corporate Park, Plot No. 37, G.T. Road, opposite Jalandhar Bus Stand, Jalandhar – 144001
Mumbai South Ground Floor, Apsara Complex, Dr. Dadasaheb Bhadkamkar Marg, Grant road East, Mumbai 400 007	Mumbai North National House, 13,14,15 Sahar Road, near Garware House Ville Parle East, Mumbai 400057	Pune Office No. 305, Gera 77, next to Bishops Co-Ed School, Kalyani Nagar, Pune 411014
Ahmedabad Unit No. ( 1 & 2 ), First floor Bhikhubhai Chambers, opp. Bharat Petroleum, near Kochrab Ashram Ashram Road, Paldi, Ahmedabad 380009.	Chennai Symphony Palace, Door No 744/450 Poonamallee High Road, opposite to Pachaiyappa’s college and next to Clothes Encounter Showroom Kilpauk, Chennai 600 010	Bangalore Unit No. 302 & 303, Second Floor, Level 3, Prestige Atrium No 1, behind Palmgroove Military Canteen and opposite to Empire Hotel Central Street, Bangalore – 560001
Hyderabad Sunil Chambers, 8-2-542/A Road No. 7, near Meridian School Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500 034	Cochin Saliah Arcade, Door No 40/8193, near Ernakulam Public Library College P. O, Convent Road, Cochin 682035	Kolkata ABHILASHA-II, Ground Floor, 6, Royd Street, behind Indian Overseas Bank, near Royd Nursing Home Kolkata 700 016

Processing time

• 90% of non-settlement applications is settled within 3 weeks, 98% within 6 weeks and 100% within 12 weeks of the application date; and
• 95% of settlement applications within 12 weeks and 100% within 24 weeks of the application date.