Effective May2009:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/quickguideforstudent/adultstudents/applyingforanadultstudentvisa/
A new points based immigration system was introduced in April 2009 for students coming to the UK, thereby reducing the routes into the UK for students to the following two options:
- Students Visitor Visa:
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This can only be granted for a maximum period of six months, and does not permit any type of work to be carried out (including volunteering or internships) whilst in the UK. A Student Visitor Visa cannot be extended under any circumstances. Many people will be able to get entry clearance into the UK under this route at the border – however, we strongly advise you check this prior to coming to the UK.
- Tier 4 – General Student
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This is the only visa that can be used for periods of study over six months long (although it can be used for shorter stays too).
Whilst they involved a lengthy application form, these general students visas do allow students to work for up to 20 hours per week in term-time and full-time (40 hours) on the University holidays. They can also be extended whilst in the UK, (for example, to pursue further study) and hence give more flexibility.
You will also need to provide an orignal transcript of your academic progress from your home institution.
What you will need:
For both types of visas you will need to be able to show that you have:
- A confirmed offer of a place to study at a recognized UK institution.
- Tuition fees – either the money to cover these or confirmation that they are already paid/being invoiced to your home institution (the latter will be detailed on the “visa letter” as appropriate).
- The necessary fundss to support yourself during yout time in the UK (this is often referred to as “maintenance”) – equivalent to £800 sterling per month for the duration of your stay, up to a maximum of £7,200.
Your confirmed offer of a place of study will be sent to you by your program abroad, whether as a “status letter” to support a Student Visitor Visa application, or as a “Visa Letter” for a Tier 4 General Student application.
These letters should be sent out from your UK institution in order to allow you plenty of time to apply for your visa as necessary.
Evidence of your available funds needs to be in your bank account (in your own name) for 29 days prior to making you visa application.
Please note:
You must provide original evidence of any money that you have already paid/has been paid on your behalf in order to have this taken into account when applying for your visa/entry clearance. Only original paper receipts will currently be accepted (no photocopies or internet receipts are valid for this purpose), and bank statements must be originals or bank-certified copies.
The information above is not comprehensive and may not reflect recent policy changes. For the most current and complete visa information please contact the embassy of the country to which you are traveling. Please contact a study abroad advisor with any questions or for a letter of support from the home institution verifying payment and ensuring that the student will return to the U.S. to complete his degree.
