---

Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers?

---

 

What is a visa?

A visa is a certificate that is put into your passport or travel document by an Entry Clearance Officer at a British mission overseas. The visa gives you permission to enter the UK.

What supporting documents should I include with my application?

You should include all the documents you can to show that you qualify for entry to the UK as a student. If you do not, the British Overseas Mission may refuse your application.
As a guide, you should include:

• Any relevant diplomas or educational certificates that you have

• A letter from the university, college or school confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study and/or a period of research in the UK, and a statement of charges for the course and/or period of research (Offer/Admission/Accommodation Letter)

• If you are following a certain type of postgraduate study, an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) Certificate

• Evidence of sponsorship

• Bank statements, payslips or other evidence to show that you can pay for your stay and your course of study in the UK

• If you are being privately sponsored, a letter from your sponsor giving details of how they will support you during your studies, and evidence that they can do so

 

How can I get the offer/Admission/Accommodation letter from the university, college?

All relevant documents for securing your offers/admissions in the UK institution will be advised and collected by us. We will be forwarding the application on your behalf to the institution and will get you the needed letters in the least possible time. We endeavour to have a decision for you within two weeks.

What is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)?

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) was introduced in November 2007. In common with other Governments around the world, the British Government is working hard to stop the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. The ATAS is designed to ensure that people who are applying to study certain sensitive subjects in the UK do not have links to WMD programmes.

If you intend to undertake postgraduate studies and/or research which lead to a Doctorate or Masters degree in certain designated subjects, you will have to get and Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before you apply for your visa.

Can I get an Education Loan?

A student loan is one option for an individual to secure extra finance whilst studying in the UK. All public sector and scheduled commercial banks facilitate students in pursuit of higher education in the UK by providing EDUCATION or STUDENT loans. However the rules and requirements for the majority of banks differ and a student loan application is assessed on a case by case basis. Our officers will guide you with detailed information regarding the requirements and suitability of an education loan in your particular.
In all cases, an offer/admission letter from the University\College is the first step towards approaching the bank for an education loan.

For further information please visit: http://www.support4learning.org.uk/money/financial_support_for_international_students/

international_students.cfm

 

Can I work while I study in the UK?

If you are on a course that lasts more than six months, you should be given a passport sticker that says Work (and any changes) must be authorized or able to work as authorized by the Secretary of State. This allows you to work part-time during the term (up to 20 hours a week) and full-time during your holidays and on work placements for sandwich courses and internships. You must not be self-employed or work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.

What is 'biometric' information?

In all countries by April 2008 - you will need to provide 'biometric' information as part of the visa application process. This biometric information consists of scans of all 10 of your fingers and a full-face digital photograph. You will have to go to the nearest Visa Application Centre in person to provide this biometric information. In those countries where there is no Visa Application Centre, you will need to go to the British mission. Your visa applications will not be processed until you have provided the necessary biometric information. The finger scans are electronic so staff do not need to use any ink, liquid or chemicals. You will have your digital photograph taken at the same time and the whole procedure should take no more than five minutes to complete. You should make sure that you do not have any decoration (such as henna), or any cuts or other markings on your fingertips before having your finger scans. You should also make sure that if you have any cuts and bruises on your face, they have healed or disappeared before you have your photograph taken. Digital photographs must be of your full face and you should not wear sunglasses, a hat or any other head covering (unless you wear it for cultural or religious reasons but the face must not be covered).

Can I extend my stay as a student?

If you enter the UK with a student visa or prospective student visa, or if you want to study on a course at degree level or higher, you can apply to the Border and Immigration Agency.
Can I switch to work permit employment when I am in the UK?
You may be able to switch if:

• You have completed a recognised degree course at either a UK publicly-funded institution of further or higher education or an approved private educational institution that has satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance

• You hold a valid work permit for employment

• You have been sponsored by a government or agency and you have their written permission to remain in the UK in a different category

• You have not broken immigration law

 

Can I bring my husband, wife or civil partner and children with me?

Your husband, wife or civil partner and any of your children under 18 can come to the UK with you during your studies, as long as you can support them without needing any help from public funds.