New UK Student Visa Requirements
New student visa requirements for U.S. students entering the UK 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.
Beginning September 1, students will be required to apply for a Student Visas/Prior Entry Clearance if their length of stay is 6 months or more, they are applying for an internship, or if they are participating in paid employment in the UK. In addition, NAFSA recommends that students who might extend their stay beyond six months apply for Prior Entry Clearance since a “Student Visitor” visa may not be extended beyond six months.
Note: The UK Visas Web site has been updated to reflect the above changes.
1. The UK requires both "Students" and "Student Visitors" to show that they "have been accepted on a course of study…provided by an organisation which is included on the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Register of Education and Training Providers."
View the DfES Homepage to see if your organization is registered or download application materials.
2. All students pursuing any internship/work placement in the UK must apply for a Prior Entry Clearance Student Visa, regardless of the number of credits earned.
"Visas: UK Student Visa Requirements," a NAFSA Practice Resource, summarizes the new regulations in an effort to inform the EA community about these changes and to help students and to help students decide which visas they should apply for. More information will be posted when it is received. The Education Abroad Knowledge Community Subcommittee on Visas and the Policy & Practice Education Abroad Subcommittee have liaised with the British Council to create this resource.
Additional Information
The following links provide updated information on the new immigration rules.UK Home Office Web site
