Services for Students
Studying in the UK

Immigration

Study visas

Before you make an application for a study visa to the UK, you will need to identify if you are:

1. a 'visa national' or
2. a 'specified (phase 1) national' or
3. a 'phase 2 national'

You can find this out from your nearest British diplomatic post (e.g. Embassy, High Commission or Consulate-General [see link below]), or by using the form on the British immigration authorities' website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk - click on "Do I need a visa?"

You will then need to make sure that you meet the requirements of the immigration rules for students seeking permission to enter the UK, and be able to supply the documents needed as evidence of the requirements.

From 1st January 2005, visas, entry clearance and leave to remain will be granted only for study at institutions which are listed in the Register of Education and Training Providers, compiled by the UK Government’s Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

Before you make your immigration application, check whether the institution you want to attend is in the Register. If it is not, your application will be refused and you may have no right of appeal.

For more information about the Register of Providers, please see the DfES website at www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister

For further information, please see UKCOSA's 'I am coming to the UK to start my studies. What do I need to do about immigration?': www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/before_leaving.pdf

Extending your stay as a student

If you have not been given permission to stay for the full duration of your course, you will need to apply to the Home Office to extend your visa by completing application form FLR(S): www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/

Your application cannot be submitted to the Home Office any earlier than 5 to 6 weeks before your visa expires. For more information, and for a detailed account of the evidence you will need, have a look at UKCOSA's 'I want more time in the UK, as a student. What do I do about immigration?' www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/arrival.pdf

Extending your stay as a visitor

If you want to stay and travel within the UK at the end of your course, or to attend your graduation ceremony, you may be able to extend your stay for up to a maximum of 6 months, (subject to meeting the requirements). You will need to complete Home Office application form FLR(O): www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/applying/

Embassy World

www.embassyworld.com./

Home Office

www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/content/ind/en/home.html

Immigration and Nationality Directorate

www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk

UK Embassies Overseas

www.fco.gov.uk/servlet

UK Visas

www.ukvisas.gov.uk

From 1st January 2005, visas, entry clearance and leave to remain will be granted only for study at institutions which are listed in the Register of Education and Training Providers, compiled by the UK Government’s Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

Before you make your immigration application, check whether the institution you want to attend is in the Register. If it is not, your application will be refused and you may have no right of appeal.

For more information about the Register of Providers, please see the DfES website at www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister

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