The International Office
Online Handbook
UK Immigration Requirements
It is very important for anyone entering the UK as a student to comply with UK immigration requirements.
EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals
Students from the European Economic Area (the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland, who have been accepted onto a course of study and have sufficient resources for the duration of their stay without claiming public funds (benefits), are entitled to enter the UK freely upon production of a valid passport or national identity card and have the right of residence for the duration of their course. No visa/entry clearance is needed.
All other nationals
Non-EEA / non-Swiss nationals must apply for permission to enter the UK. This will be either entry clearance or a visa. Non-EEA / non-Swiss nationals are split into two categories:
- Visa nationals: Visa nationals must get a student visa before arriving in the UK.
-
Non-visa nationals:Non-visa nationals who wish to study for
less than 6 months do not need a visa to enter the UK but they
must get entry clearance as a ‘student visitor’ at the UK Port of
Entry. A ‘student visitor’ visa will prohibit you from any work
(unpaid or paid) and you will also not be able to extend your student
visa in the UK. If you plan to work while studying during your
stay in the UK or if there is a possibility you will want to extend
your student visa, you are strongly advised to apply for a student visa in your home country before entering the UK. Non-visa nationals who wish to study for more than 6 months
must get a student visa before arriving in the UK
Are you a visa national? Check the visa national list on the UKvisas website.
To apply for a visa or entry clearance as a student you must meet all of the following conditions:
- You must have been accepted for a course of study at Bath;
- You must be able and intend to follow a full-time degree course, or a weekday full-time course involving at least 15 hours per week of organised, daytime study;
- You must be able to meet the costs of your course and maintenance (living expenses, including accommodation) and the maintenance of your dependants without working in the UK or claiming public funds;
- You must not intend to work in the UK except part-time (20 hours per week maximum) or vacation work or not work at all (student
visitor only); - You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies.
Applying for a visa / entry clearance
For up-to-date immigration information before you come to the UK, visit the UKvisas website.
You should apply at a British Mission (Embassy, Consulate or High Commission) in the country of your nationality or the country in which you are living. You should apply early so theres no risk of you missing the start of your course. In some countries the visa application process is very long. Check the processing time. You will need to apply using application form VAF3, which is available from your nearest British mission or it can be downloaded here.
From 2008, all applicants will also be required to supply 10-digit fingerscans and a digital photograph when applying for a UK visa. Please enquire at your nearest British Embassy or see here for more information.
Submit your VAF3 form to the British Mission with the following:
- Your valid passport;
- Two recent passport-sized photographs;
- The fee. This is £99 for single-entry clearance which is payable in local currency. Cash should not be sent through the post, but bank drafts, payable to the Mission, may be enclosed;
- A letter of acceptance onto your course; get this from the Admissions Office for undergraduates and the Graduate Office for postgraduates; As a postgraduate , you might also need an ATAS certificate (www.fco.gov.uk/atas). This information will beincluded in the letter from the University.
- Evidence that you can pay the course fees and support yourself (and your family if they are coming with you). If you have an official sponsor, you will need a letter from them. If you have a private sponsor, such as a family member, you will need a letter from them confirming that they can support you, together with evidence that they can do this (eg. bank statements or salary details from their employer). If you plan to support yourself you will need to submit personal bank statements.
Remember that all documents must be originals.
If you are granted a visa / entry clearance, you will still have to pass through UK immigration control on arrival. You should therefore carry the documents listed above, along with your valid passport, in your hand luggage. Do not enter the UK as a visitor if your intention is to study, as once in the UK it will be impossible to change your immigration status from visitor to student - you will have to return to your home country to do this.
Extending your visa / leave to remain in the UK
You may need to extend your visa / leave to remain (LTR) in the UK when you are here. You can do this through the International Office. Charges for extending your visa:
- Posted applications: £295
- Personal applications: £500 (by appointment with the Home Office only, Tel: 0870 6067766)
Overstaying
Overstaying (staying beyond the expiry date of your visa) is a serious offence.
Points-Based System (PBS)
The Points-Based System is the new immigration system that was launched in February 2008. It is replacing current provision in the Immigration Rules for work and study only. Tier 4, the new immigration system for students, will come into effect in early 2009 and should simplify the process of applying to study in the UK. We will keep you informed of important developments and how they will affect you. One significant change for current students is that the University will be required to report students who abuse the immigration rules to the Home Office. This will help to ensure that students with valid immigration status are protected.
More information about extending your visa / leave to remain in the UK is available in the Advice Online pages.