Student Visa for U.K.

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     The UK is very keen to attract bright young people to come and take advantage of the many types of high quality courses and opportunities to study in the UK. We are also keen that you might stay after you have graduated and join the UK workforce.

     People who have secured a place to study on a full-time basis at some form of educational institution may enter the UK as a student. In practice, at least 15 hours a week must be spent in study and the student must be able to meet the cost of the course, maintenance and accommodation without working. However, those on student visas may work 20 hours/week during term time and 40 hours/week during holidays. Normally there are no restrictions on a spouse and children working in the UK, if the student will be studying longer than one year.

     Candidates from visa-national countries (those who need a visa even for entry to the UK as a visitor) must apply for a student visa at the British Embassy/Consulate/High commission in their home country. Other candidates have the option of presenting the relevant documents to the Immigration Officer on entry, or may apply from within the UK to switch from another category to that of Student.

Immigration Rules for Students

1)  You must intend to study at a publicly funded university or college, a bonafide private       institution or a fee-paying independent school.

2) You must be able to and intend to follow a full time degree course, or a weekday, full       time course at a single institution involving at least 15 hours of organized, daytime study       per week.

3) You must be able to pay for your course and the living expenses of your husband or wife and      children (if they are with you) without working in UK or claiming public funds.

4) You must not intend to work in UK unless you are accepted for a course lasting longer      than six months, when you may work part-time or during vacations.

5) You must intend to leave UK at the end of your studies

What supporting documents should I include with my application?

You should include all the documents you can to show that you qualify for entry to the UK as a student. If you do not, your application will be refused.

Basic Requirements

1) Any relevant diplomas or educational certificates that you have.

2) A letter from the university, college or school confirming that you have been accepted on a      course of study in the UK, and a statement of charges for the course.

3) Evidence of Government sponsorship (If appropiate).

4) Bank statements, payslips or other evidence to show that you can pay for your stay  and your      course of studies in the UK

5) If you are being privately sponsored (for example, by a college in the UK) you should      provide a letter from your sponsor giving details of how they will support you during your      studies, and evidence that they can do so.

Interview

Interview is a part of your visa application process. The interview is to give you the opportunity to clarify for the ECO certain parts of your application. The ECO will be aiming to satisfy him or herself that your study plans are genuine and workable.

       The interview is a normal part of the process, but you may feel quite nervous before it and find it an uncomfortable experience. ECO’s are trained professionals who will try to make the process as painless as possible, but the questions are necessarily very direct and personal.

Preparation for Interview

1) Be familiar with all your study plans; why you chose the particular institution and course     and how the course will help your future career.

2) Be clear about the cost of living and the course and your finances: do you have enough      money to complete the course? Can you prove it?

3) Be as clear as you can about your likely future career in your country: what are you  going to      do on your return

Can I switch to work permit employment when I am in the UK? Permit employment when I am in the UK?

You may be able to switch if :

1) You have completed a recognised degree course at either a UK publicly funded  institution of      further or higher education or an approved private education institution that has satisfactory      records of enrolment and attendance.

2) You hold a valid work permit for employment.

3) You have the written permission of any government or agency that is & sponsoring you.

4) You have not broken any Immigration Law.