Visas: UK Student Visa Requirements

Below you will find information about the new student visa requirements for U.S. students entering the United Kingdom (UK), which will go into effect on September 1, 2007. Although students can enter the UK prior to September 1 under the old rules, if they leave and re-enter the UK after September 1, then the new rules will apply. Please note that the new regulations do not apply to British or British Commonwealth citizens, as well as European Union citizens entitled to enter or remain by virtue of the provisions of the 2006 EEA Regulations. The information below will help students decide which visas they should apply for.

Note that the new immigration rules appear on the Web site of the UK Home Office. This information has now been updated on UK Border Agency (formerly UKVisas).

Two Categories of Visas

1. Student Visitor Visas

The following rules apply for the Student Visitor Visas:

• Student Visitor Visas are issued upon arrival in the UK, and allow students to study for a maximum of six months.
• Students cannot participate in paid employment.
• Students cannot participate in an internship during their stay.
• Applying for extensions while studying in the UK will not be possible. If a student is undecided about studying for an entire academic year, he/she should apply for the yearlong Student Visas/Prior Entry Clearance.
• Students must show that they have been accepted on a course of study at an educational establishment that is on the UK's Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Register of Education and Training Providers.
• Students will be required to provide the immigration letter from the program provider or exchange partner each time they enter the UK.
• The first time students enter the UK they must show proof of a round trip ticket.

In sum, a student may NOT use the student visitor visa if he/she:

1. Will be in the UK for more than 6 months.
2. Will be doing an internship.
3. Plans to work in the UK.
4. Might stay beyond 6 months.

2. Student Visas/Prior Entry Clearance

Students will be required to apply for a Student Visas/Prior Entry Clearance if:

• Length of stay is 6 months or more.
• Applying for an internship.
• Participating in paid employment in the UK.

The process of applying for a Student Visa/Prior Entry Clearance appears to be largely the same as it has been over the last few years. However, there is one important difference: the UK is now enforcing the requirement that students show that they have been accepted on a course of study at an educational establishment that is on the UK's Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Register of Education and Training Providers. View the DfES homepage to see if the host organization is registered or download application materials.

The student can complete the initial application online, but will then also need to mail in her/his passport and supporting documents (including the acceptance letter from the host university or program provider, financial support information, photos, and the fee if it has not been paid online). Find the online application and more information about this process.

Find additional information about applying for the student visa with prior entry clearance on the British Council Web site.

Information herein is neither comprehensive nor official and is intended as a guide only. Contact the British Consulate for official and most up to date information and procedures.