For all international students, coming to the UK, should check if you need a visa. Previously, it was quite a simple process to apply for a UK student visa but laws and procedures have changed and I will explain what you will need to know.
-Who needs a UK Visa?
You will need a UK visa if you are not an EU or an EEA national. EU and EEA nationals have unrestricted stay and unrestricted permission to work in any EU or EEA countries including the UK. However if you are from outside the EU or the EEA (e.g. USA) you will need a visa.
-
Ok, so how do I get one?
You should apply in the country of your current residence. If you are school aged, you must apply to a private school. In some cases you will have to apply directly to the British Embassy but now as the UK is receiving so many applications the UK Border Agency is using commercial agencies that will handle your application. These companies do not make any decisions but they will process your application for the agency.
-
-
Do I need a Biometric ID card?
Any non EU or EEA student will need one. This is compulsory. This was a response to the increase in illegal immigration. The card will show your immigration status; eligibility to work, nationality and your biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo) will be stored on the card.
Any non EU or EEA student will need one. This is compulsory. This was a response to the increase in illegal immigration. The card will show your immigration status; eligibility to work, nationality and your biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo) will be stored on the card.
-
What is the Points-Based System Tier 4?
The British Government has introduced the points-based tier system. This system is quite similar to that of the Australian Visa system where you will need a certain amount of points to qualify for a visa. International students are placed in Tier 4 and there are two subgroups (Child student and General student). A prospective student must accumulate 40 points. 30 Points is awarded for CAS (Certificate of Acceptance of Study). This will be the proof that you have been accepted into a school/course and you have paid for it. Only the place of study can issue this certificate. 10 Points is available for Maintenance and Funds. This will prove that you have the necessary money and funds to support yourself without having to claim ‘Benefits’ or public funds. For courses less than 1 year, £800 is needed per month. For courses lasting more that a year, £9,600 is needed in your bank account. You may want to bring dependants (children, husbands, etc). They will be eligible for Free State education and may be eligible to work. However on top of your initial funds you must also have £535 per month for each dependant you wish to bring.
-
Can I work?
Those with a full student visa may be allowed to work. This all depends on what it says on your ID card. If it reads, ‘no work’, this means no work and you will be deported if you are found to be engaging in any paid or un-paid work. However for some, it may read ‘Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State’. This will allow you to work for 20 hours maximum during term time and 40 hours during the holidays. It will be clear whether you are allowed to work or not. However it is important to follow the rules as illegal work is taken very seriously.
-
Do I have to register with the police?
If your ID card or visa states that you need to register with the police, then you must do this. Those aged under 16 will not have to do this. If you don’t do it, it may have very serious consequences for any future UK visa applications and you could be banned from entering the UK (for any reasons) for 1 year or up to 10 years in some cases.
-
These rules may seem very strict and harsh, however unfortunately it is a measure that the UK had to take in order to prevent the abuse of the system by a minority. Nevertheless, the UK welcomes every student and will make sure that you have the best time!
What is the Points-Based System Tier 4?
The British Government has introduced the points-based tier system. This system is quite similar to that of the Australian Visa system where you will need a certain amount of points to qualify for a visa. International students are placed in Tier 4 and there are two subgroups (Child student and General student). A prospective student must accumulate 40 points. 30 Points is awarded for CAS (Certificate of Acceptance of Study). This will be the proof that you have been accepted into a school/course and you have paid for it. Only the place of study can issue this certificate. 10 Points is available for Maintenance and Funds. This will prove that you have the necessary money and funds to support yourself without having to claim ‘Benefits’ or public funds. For courses less than 1 year, £800 is needed per month. For courses lasting more that a year, £9,600 is needed in your bank account. You may want to bring dependants (children, husbands, etc). They will be eligible for Free State education and may be eligible to work. However on top of your initial funds you must also have £535 per month for each dependant you wish to bring.
-
Can I work?
Those with a full student visa may be allowed to work. This all depends on what it says on your ID card. If it reads, ‘no work’, this means no work and you will be deported if you are found to be engaging in any paid or un-paid work. However for some, it may read ‘Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State’. This will allow you to work for 20 hours maximum during term time and 40 hours during the holidays. It will be clear whether you are allowed to work or not. However it is important to follow the rules as illegal work is taken very seriously.
-
Do I have to register with the police?
If your ID card or visa states that you need to register with the police, then you must do this. Those aged under 16 will not have to do this. If you don’t do it, it may have very serious consequences for any future UK visa applications and you could be banned from entering the UK (for any reasons) for 1 year or up to 10 years in some cases.
-
These rules may seem very strict and harsh, however unfortunately it is a measure that the UK had to take in order to prevent the abuse of the system by a minority. Nevertheless, the UK welcomes every student and will make sure that you have the best time!
-
some useful information:
Official UK Visa website: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf5students
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment