Applying for Entry Clearance as a Student

 

The following information outlines the steps to take to apply for entry clearance in order to come to the UK as a student.

1. Contact your nearest British diplomatic post (i.e., Embassy, High Commission or Consulate-General) with a visa section.  The UKvisas website holds information on British diplomatic posts abroad, click here for information.

2. Ask them about the procedure for applying for entry clearance at that post.

  • Do you need to submit your application in person?  Or can you submit it by post orA group of international students via the internet?
  • Will you be expected to attend an interview?  If so, how long will you have to wait for an appointment?
  • What documents will you need to provide in support of your application?
  • How long will it take the post to process your application?
  • Can you start the application process, even if you have not received test/examination results?

3. Ask the post to send you the VAF1 application form, this form is provided free of charge.

 

4. Complete the VAF1 form and submit your application to the diplomatic post, in the way that they have advised you to.  Before submission, make a photocopy of the completed form and of all supporting documents.  A fee of the equivalent of £85 must be paid for each person making an application.

  • If your course of study will last for 6 months or less, and you want to be able to work whilst you are in the UK, ask the Entry Clearance Officer who considers your application to give you conditions that permit you to take work.  If you do not make such a request, the Entry Clearance Officer may prohibit you from working.
  • If your course of study will last for more than 6 months, the Entry Clearance Officer should automatically give you conditions that permit you to take work with certain restrictions.

Make sure you read the guidance notes for the VAF1 form (available from the diplomatic post) carefully before completion.

 

5. If you experience a problem with your application, e.g.:

  • the British diplomatic post does not want you to make an application because they claim it is not compulsory for you to have entry clearance
  • you are told that due to delays at the diplomatic post, your application will not be processed in time for the start of your course
  • you are told that the documentation you have provided about your course or academic ability is insufficient

Contact the college/university to which you have applied and ask for help.  The admissions department may be able to assist you, or you may be put in touch with the International Adviser.

 

6. If your application is successful, an entry clearance sticker will be placed in your passport. Check it for the following:

  • Make sure that the sticker says you are a 'student' and not a 'visitor'.
  • Check the start date of the sticker.  You cannot use the entry clearance to travel to the UK before this date.
  • Check the expiry date of the sticker.  Make a note in your diary two months ahead of this date, to remind you to seek advice if you wish to apply for permission to stay in the UK beyond this date.
  • Check whether you are required to register with the police upon arrival in the UK.  If you are, contact the International Adviser at your college/university in the UK to ask how you regsiter upon arrival.  Unless your college/univeristy had made a separate arrangement with the police, you will be required to register within 7 days of your arrival.

Upon arrival in the UK you will need to show your entry clearance sticker to an Immigration Officer.  You are unlikely to be asked many questions about your purpose for coming to the UK, but it is advisable for you to carry evidence that you meet the immigration requirements for students in your hand luggage, in case you are asked to produce it.  The documents you will need to carry with you are:

  • Your unconditional offer letter from your college/university in the UK.
  • Certificates showing your academic qualifications - paperwork to demonstrate that you are academically able to follow the course.
  • Documentation that shows that you have adequate resources to cover the costs of your tuition fees and maintenance.  If you have already made payments to the college/university for tution fees or accommodation, carry receipts as proof.

If you are notified that your application for entry clearance has been refused, contact the International Adviser at your college/university in the UK as soon as possible to enquire if help is available.