U.K. VISA INFORMATION
If you're thinking of studying English at one of our partner English schools you must be sure you get the correct visa. Here is some information to get you started.
A quick guide to UK visas for study.
First, check you need a visa on the UK ETA - Electronic Travel Authorisation. The ETA might be enough.
Different visas.
Student visas
1. You need an offer of a place from educational organisations on the Licensed Student Sponsor list from the Home Office
2. You should speak, read, write and listen well, in English
3. You should have enough money to support yourself and your studies
4. You should have permission from parents if under 18
5. Applications should be made 6 months in advance unless extending. Then it's 3 months in advance
6. Payment of fees and health care compulsory
Standard Visitor Visas
1. Allows 6 months of study
2. Need to prove you will leave the country after your studies
3. Need to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family during this time
4. Need to prove that you can pay for your return, or onward journey out of the UK
5. Need to prove you will not frequently visit the UK and thus extend your visit
6. £115 cost
7. Must study at accredited institutions including English Language schools
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Child Student visa
1. Need an unconditional offer of a place
2. You should have enough money to support yourself and your studies
3. You should have parental consent
4. Applications should be made 6 months in advance unless extending. Then it's 3 months in advance
5. Length of stay is 6 years for under 16 year olds
6. Length of stay is 3 years for 16-17 year olds
7. £490 visa fees and healthcare charge compulsory
8. For16-17 year olds permission to work part time for 10 hours a week and full time during vacation periods is allowed
8. Permanent jobs are not permitted nor are claiming benefits
Short term study visa (for English language students)
1. 6-11 month English Language courses only
2. Stay for the length of your course + 30 days
3. £200 visa fees plus £776 healthcare surcharge compulsory. It allows you to use the National Healthcare Service (NHS)
Check figures with your agent, school or online before applying
4. No family, no visa extension, no business or work, no benefits or changing schools/courses​​
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Under 18s Travelling in Schools Groups
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The name of the Group Leader should be idetified on your visa. If not, you'll be refused entry into the UK. You can name 2 adults on your visa and travel with at least one of them. The adults should also apply for a visa but separately.
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For more information refer to the Government website.​
The Important Stuff !!
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​Documents you must Provide (Originals only)
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Valid passport
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Banks statements or payslips 6 months backdated as proof you can support yourself - certified by a lawyer if not in English or Welsh
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Address of where you will stay and travel plans. Do not pay for accommodation until you receive your visa
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Tuberculosis Test Results if you're from a country that needs to take such tests. Certified by a lawyer if not in English or Welsh.
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Contact details of parents or guardians
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Accpetance letter from the educational establishment on headed paper including course name, duration and cost
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Previous certificates of study, references, level tests results, transcripts and corresponding UK equivalents of qualifications. Check with ECCTIS etc
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Accommodation and travel plans
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Financial sponsor's occupation details, income, savings, funds that will support your studies if you are not paying yourself. Financial sponsor may be your parent.
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NOTE: If you do not know your English level we require you to sit an online test and attend a Skype interview to assess your level.