UK Visa Application Process 

Immigration controls are strictly enforced in the UK. All students require permission from the UK government to enter the country in order to study (the only exception is students who hold a European Union passport; in this case no visa is required). There are three routes available:

• UK ETA
• Short-Term Student Visa
• Student Visa

No matter which route you choose, it must be clear to the UK immigration authorities that the main purpose of your stay in the UK is for study. If you miss too many classes during the semester you will be reported to the UK immigration authorities and you could be deported at your own cost. Also, the decision to grant entry to the UK is always at the discretion of the Border Force Officer you encounter. Do not travel via Ireland initially, as you will not pass through the appropriate border control. You must be able to obtain the validating stamp for your visa.

All students are responsible for getting a passport. If you already have a passport it must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned return from the UK. All students are also responsible for obtaining the appropriate visa in order to participate in their respective program.

NON-U.S. CITIZENS: You may need to follow a different process to obtain permission to study in the UK. You may check to see if you need a visa on the UK government website. Contact your program coordinator for more information.

 

• Cost: £16 via credit card online
• Duration: This allows you to visit the UK for up to 6 months. Valid for two years from date of issue, or until passport expiration, whichever is sooner. Valid for multiple journeys. Must be valid for the entirety of stay.
• When to Apply: At least 3 business days in advance of travel.  May be able to apply last minute, but no guarantee of approval. Processing may occasionally take longer than 3 business days.

3. Student Visa: If you plan to study in the UK for more than 6 months or participate in extracurricular activities like an internship you will need a student visa.

The following students require a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa for academic reasons:

1. Anyone studying in the UK for more than one semester
2. Students undertaking an officially supported academic work placement (EDCP386) 

The following students require a Student Visa for extra-curricular reasons:

1. Anyone wishing to find part-time work (paid or unpaid)
2. Anyone participating in an internship with Arts and Humanities in London

The process for obtaining a Student Visa:

1. Obtain a CAS statement (number) from your host institution. 
2. Complete the online application, biometrics and supplemental application 2-3 months before the program start date. The application cost is currently ca. £524. Students must work with their local university or program provider to obtain the necessary paperwork and instructions.
3. You will need to be able to demonstrate that you have a pre-determined amount of money available for your living costs (‘maintenance') in a cash bank account, preferably in your name, or through scholarships and loans. You should begin to prepare for this ahead of time, as funds must be available for at least a month before you APPLY for the visa.
4. You must mail in your original passport as part of your visa application, so you should plan to be without it for a few weeks within the two months before your program starts.

Students cannot enter the UK before the start date of their visa, and must leave the country by the date their visa expires. The visa is valid from one week before the program start date until one week after the program ends for semester students; and from one month before the program start date until two months after the program ends for year-long students. 4. Short-Term Student Visa:
If none of the criteria given above for the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa applies to you, you may enter the UK on a Short-Term Student Visa.

1. There is no pre-application process for U.S. Citizens. Please be aware of the following:
   1. There is no additional cost for this visa type
   2. You must provide proof of study at immigration. This is your acceptance letter from the program provider or exchange partner institution.  
   3. You are required to demonstrate adequate funds for stay upon entering the UK. You will need to be able to demonstrate that you have a pre-determined amount of money available for your living costs (‘maintenance') in a cash bank account, preferably in your name, or through scholarships and loans.
2. This route has a number of restrictions:
   1. No work placement (internship) is permitted
   2. Very restricted volunteering opportunities are permitted
   3. No part-time work (paid or unpaid) is permitted
3. You may not use this route if you are a student registering for EDCP386 (academic work placement) or if you will be a year-long student in the UK.

The Short-Term Student visa is valid from the date of entry to the UK and will expire either after 6 months or on the last day of the program. The visa validity is at the discretion of the Border Force Officer. Special point about visas 
Terminology in the UK can mean something completely different from your understanding in the USA. British law is very clear about what students can and cannot do. Work placements or internships that are not academically assessed through courses are not permitted. 

When entering the UK, only provide your passport and letter of acceptance. Do not provide additional paperwork (example: proof of funds) unless asked directly by the agent. You must be able to provide this information immediately upon request, or risk being deported.