If you are planning to study in the UK, it
is vital that you seek advice on UK immigration
procedures before making final arrangements
to leave your home country.
This guide aims to provide basic information
about how UK immigration laws affect international
students.
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How
do I qualify to enter the UK as a Student?
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To be classified as a student for immigration
purposes you must be able to show all of the
following:
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You have been
accepted on a course of study at a publicly
funded institution of further or higher
education (for example a university),
a private education institution or an
independent fee-paying school |
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You
are going to follow a recognised full-time
degree course, a course run during the
week that involves at least 15 hours of
organised daytime study per week, or a
full-time course of study at an independent
fee-paying school |
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You are
able to pay for your course and support
and accommodate yourself and any dependents
without working or help from public
funds
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You plan
to leave the UK when you complete your
studies
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Students from India and other visa national
need a visa to enter the UK. If you are not
a visa national, you will find it helpful
to carry documents with you, which will show
immigration officers that you meet the requirements
for entering the UK as a student.
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How do I apply for entry
clearance?
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You should apply for entry clearance at
the British High Commission or at any Visa
Facilitation Services (VFS) in your city or
in the country in which you are living. You
should ask for Not-Settlement Form VAF1 2003
(the form can be downloaded from http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk).
You do not have to pay for the form itself
although you will have to pay a fee later.
Fill out the forms carefully. Keep a copy
of your completed forms as a record of your
application.
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Documents to be submitted
to British Embassy or High Commission through
Visa Application Centre
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You need to submit your application and Biometric
data at the Visa Application Centre (VAC)
in your area in person:
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VAF3 - Student
Application Form completed |
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Passport |
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2 recent passport-sized
photographs |
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Fee (paid in local currency and non-refundable) |
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Any relevant
documents requested to show that the immigration
rules relating to students can be met.
Photocopies are not normally accepted |
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Am I allowed to work
during my Studies?
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International students may take on part-time
or vacation work subject to the following
restrictions.
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You will not
work for more than 20 hours a week during
term time, unless your work placement
is part of your studies and your education
institution agrees |
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You will not do business, be self-employed
or provide services as a professional
sports person or entertainer |
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You will not
work full time in a permanent job |
If you are a graduating student and you
wish to stay in the UK to work after your
graduation, you can extend your stay under
Tier 2 (Post-Study Work) scheme or you may
be able to find a job without the need for
you to return home. UK Businesses and employers
may be able to offer you a job and obtain
a Work Permit / Certificate of Sponsorship
(CoS).
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Can I bring my husband
or wife and children with me?
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You may bring
your husband or wife and any of your children
less than 18 years of age to the United Kingdom
during your studies as long as you can support
and accommodate them without help from public
funds.
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