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Who requires a visa?
UK immigration services also refer to visas as “entry clearance".
Citizens of countries not listed below may not be required to obtain entry
clearance to study in the UK, prior to arrival.
Nationals not requiring prior clearance will still need to satisfy immigration
services of their eligibility, upon arrival in the UK.
If you have any doubts, it is recommended to apply for a visa before booking
airline tickets.
Nationals of the following countries will require a visa to enter the UK:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan,
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape
Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China (PR), CIS, Colombia, Comoros, Congo
(Dem. Rep.), Congo (Rep. Of), Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican
Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,
Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Korea (DPR), Kuwait,
Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania,
Mauritius, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman,
Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi
Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Somalia, Sri Lanka,
Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey,
Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen, Serbia & Montenegro and Zambia.
What documents will be required?
Even if a visa will not be required, students should still be
able to provide UK immigration with documentation explaining their stay (a
letter of acceptance, proof of funds, etc.).
Please contact the appropriate embassy for further information.
The following documents may be required for visa applications:
Valid passport
Completed application form
2 passport sized-photos
Letter of acceptance
Evidence of financial support
Evidence of accommodation arrangements for duration of trip
Letter of intent for post-course period (presentable upon arrival)
Time required to issue visa:
Contact nearest Consulate for further information..
What is the cost of a visa?
Approx £35; varies with nationality
How long is the visa valid for?
6 months or longer, depending on type of visa obtained
Other information:
A passport is not required for travel between Great Britain
and Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Passengers transiting the UK destined for the Republic of Ireland are advised to
hold return tickets to avoid delay and interrogation.
What will happen when I make my application?
The Entry Clearance Officer will check that he or she has all the information
that is needed to make a decision. If more information is required you may be
asked to return with additional information before your application is accepted.
After looking at your application the Entry Clearance Officer may offer you the
opportunity to withdraw your application before you pay the fee. You do not have
to accept this advice. If you wish to continue with your application it will be
accepted and you will be issued with a receipt for your fee.
Once your application has been accepted you might have to be interviewed.
What are public funds?
The Immigration Rules require that people who wish to travel to the UK to study
are able to support and accommodate themselves without claiming certain state
benefits.
Can I extend my stay as a student?
If you enter the UK with a student visa and wish to extend your stay for further
studies you can apply to do so at the Home Office Immigration and Nationality
Directorate (IND)
If you are a visa national, you cannot stay on as a student unless you entered
the UK with a student or prospective student visa.
Can I switch to Work Permit employment whilst in the UK?
You may be able to switch if you meet the following requirements:
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you have completed a recognized degree course at either a UK publicly
funded further or higher education institution or bona fide private education
institution which maintains satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance
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you hold a valid work permit for employment
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If sponsored by your government or international scholarship agency you
have their written consent
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you do not have an adverse immigration history
Can i work in UK
If you are admitted for a course lasting more than 6 months, you may, without
a work permit or permission from the local Job Centre, take part-time or
holiday-work, but you must not:
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work for more than 20 hours per week during term time unless your
placement is part of your studies, has the agreement of the education
institution and leads to a degree or qualification awarded by a nationally
recognized examining body
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do business, be self-employed or provide services as a professional
sportsperson or entertainer
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work full-time in a permanent job
If you are admitted for a course lasting 6 months or less, permission to work
is granted at the entry clearance or immigration officer's discretion.
UK Visa application guidance information and application forms
Embassy contact information:
General enquiries: (+44) (0)20 7008 8438
Application forms: (+44) (0)20 7008 8308
E-mail: Visas.ForUK@fco.gov.uk
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