How To Get A Visa: April 2008

Thursday, April 24, 2008

International Graduates Scheme (IGS)

On 1 May 2007 the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS) was replaced with the International Graduates Scheme (IGS).

The International Graduates Scheme grants the right to work in the UK for one year to those who successfully complete one of the following courses in the UK:

*
a Bachelor’s degree course
*
a Master's or PhD course
*
a postgraduate certificate or diploma

At any time during this one-year period, you are able to switch into Work Permit, HSMP, Business, Innovator or Student status without having to leave the UK. Please note that if you qualify for HSMP then it is a good idea to get this while you can. It is also worth remembering that earnings points claims can be made for the period prior to becoming a student if you have obtained your qualification within the most recent 12 months at the time of applying for HSMP.

How do I know if the institution at which I studied is ‘recognised’ or ‘listed’?

The UK authorities recognise those institutions that can offer degrees by virtue of their own degree awarding powers (recognised bodies) or those powers of another institution (listed bodies). A full list of recognised and listed UK further and higher education institutions is available on the Department for Education and Skills website at www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister.

What if I have my results, but have not graduated yet?

Applicants can apply for IGS before they are issued with their degree certificate. If they do not have a degree certificate, they can provide a letter from their institution confirming that they have completed the course at the required level.

What type of work can I do?

There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do as an IGS participant.

How long can I stay in the UK under the scheme?

You can be granted a maximum of 12 months of leave as an IGS participant.

If you spend time outside the United Kingdom during that period you will not be eligible for any further grant of leave to make up this time.

Can my dependants also stay in the UK?

Spouses, unmarried partners, civil partners and children who are already in the UK as the dependants of students are eligible to switch in line with the IGS applicant.

If dependants are applying from abroad, then entry clearance is mandatory.

Tier 1 Post Study UK Highly Skilled Visa

The Tier 1 Post Study Visa is a sub-category of the Tier 1 Highly Skilled Visa, and will eventually replace the International Graduates Scheme (IGS) .

Please note that this sub-category is NOT being introduced at the present time and you should apply for IGS until the Post Study Work Tier 1 Visa commences.

The Tier 1 Post Study Visa allows those who have graduated from a UK educational institution with at least a Bachelor degree level qualification (or an HND if from a Scottish educational institution) to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.

While this Tier 1 sub-category will not qualify towards permanent residence, it would be expected that you would be able to qualify for the Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Visa or obtain a job offer and qualify for Tier 2 by the time your Tier 1 Post Study Visa is due to expire.

Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Visa

The Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Visa replaces the previous Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) and allows the successful applicant to work in the UK for an initial period of 3 years without needing a job offer.

To qualify for the Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Visa you must meet the following criteria:

Primary Points-Scoring Requirements
You must score at least 75 points to qualify for the Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Visa. Points are awarded for your age, education, past earnings and UK experience.

Find out if you qualify using our Tier 1 HSMP Highly Skilled Visa Points Calculator.

Maintenance
You will need to show sufficient available funds to evidence your ability to support yourself and your family while looking for employment.

English Language
You will need to evidence your English language ability, either by way of nationality, education to a certain level in specific countries or an English language test such as IELTS.

All time spent in the UK under Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Visa status counts towards Permanent Residence. After the initial 3-year period you would be expected to apply for a 2-year extension, after which you will be able to apply for Permament Residence.

HSMP Visa holders in the UK

If you are currently in the UK with HSMP Visa status and you need an extension then the extension will be considered under the new Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Visa criteria. If you were approved for HSMP after 5 December 2006 then you will not need to evidence your English Language ability.

Find out if you qualify using our Tier 1 HSMP Highly Skilled Visa Points Calculator.

UK Points Based System - Work Permits & Visas

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

As of 29 February 2008, only the Tier 1 Visa of the UK Points Based System has been introduced. This currently only applies to in-country Tier 1 Visa applications made by those on specific visas within the UK and applications by those based in India.

Those currently outside the UK and not in India who are considering HSMP, should be aware that this new proposal does not affect them in any way at this time. As many individuals discovered to their cost when HSMP rules changed in November 2006, changes can mean that you no longer have the option that you were planning on using.

The potential involvement of Embassies in deciding applications has caused widespread concern. Many of our Consultants recall the delays encountered when applications were submitted at Embassies, even though it was still the Home Office who decided applications. Many of our Client's have had bad experiences when making applications at the Embassies. Embassies have no experience in dealing with work permit or HSMP applications and it is questionable as to whether all Embassies around the world can possibly deal correctly and efficiently with, for example, HSMP applications (Tier 1 under the new system). If applications become Embassy based then it will be more important than ever to ensure that you have your application represented by a UK authorised representative with many years experience to ensure that your application is not unfairly or incorrectly rejected. As always, using a UK company registered with the OISC gives you the reassurance that there is a regulatory body in place to protect your rights.

If you qualify for HSMP now, then we strongly recommend that you apply for HSMP now.

The UK Points Based Sytem is, as the name suggests, a points-based method of qualifying for UK work permits and visas. The system is split into five distinct Tiers:

Tier 1 HSMP Highly Skilled Visa
For innovators, entrepreneurs, highly skilled individuals and post-graduates in the UK, replacing the International Graduates Scheme (IGS), Innovator Visa, Entrepreneur Visa and Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP);

Tier 2 - skilled workers with a job offer, e.g. nurses, teachers, engineers;

Tier 3 - low skilled workers filling specific temporary labour shortages, e.g. construction workers for a particular project;

Tier 4 - students; and

Tier 5 - youth mobility and temporary workers, e.g. working holiday makers or musicians coming to play a concert.

Please browse this section using the links above to find out more about the UK Points Based System for Work Permits and Visas for the UK.

Visa fees

All the fees below are quoted in pounds sterling, but are usually payable in local currency. Please contact your nearest visa application centre to find out what the local fees are and how you can pay for your visa.

Guidance notes and fees for visa extensions, nationality and right of abode applications, for applicants who are already in the UK, are available on the UK Border Agency website.

These fees are effective for all visa applications made from 1 April 2008.

Category - Visit	(£)
Single, double and multiple, valid up to 6 months	65
Longer term multiple entry (1, 2, 5 and 10 years)	205
Academic visitor, up to 12 months	65
Family	65
Business	65
Marriage/civil partnership	65
Medical treatment	65
Student visitor, up to 6 months	65
Child visitor	65
Agreed Destination Scheme (ADS), up to 30 days only	65
Joining ship/aircraft	45
Transit	45
Direct Airside Transit (DAT)	45
Visit Overseas Territory	44
Category: Study	( £)
Student	99
Student nurse	99
Prospective student	99
Writing up a thesis	99
Chevening Scholarship	Free
British Marshall Scholarship	Free
Rhodes Scholarship	Free
Fulbright Scholarship	Free
Chevening Fellowship	Free
Exchange student	99
Resitting exams	99
Sabbatical Officer	99
Student dependant	99
Parent of a child at school	205
Category: Employment	(£)
Clinical attachment and dental observation	205
PLAB Test	205
Postgraduate doctor	205
Postgraduate dentist	205
Work Permit Holder	205
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)	205
Training and work experience (TWES)	205
Overseas qualified nurse/midwife	205
Work permit dependant	205
Category: Permit Free Employment	(£)
Entertainer	99
BUNAC	205
Off Shore Workers	205
Rudolf Steiner Establishment	205
Jewish Agency	205
Japan Youth Exchange	205
IAESTE	205
Representatives of overseas insurance agencies	205
Research Assistant to Member of Parliament (MP)	205
Overseas newspapers, news Agencies and broadcasting organisations news or broadcasting agency	205
Missionary	205
Member of a religious order	205
Sports person	99
Permit free festivals	99
Fresh Talent Working in Scotland	205
Gap year	205
New China Work Experience	205
Airport-based ground staff of overseas airlines	205
Au pair	205
Overseas domestic worker	205
EC Business Association Agreement	205
Innovator	205
International Graduates Scheme	205
Investor	205
Journalist	205
Self employed lawyer	205
Minister of Religion	205
Overseas government employees	205
Seasonal agricultural worker	205
Setting up a business	205
Sole representative	205
Teachers and language assistants	205
UK Ancestry	205
Voluntary worker	99
Working holiday maker	205
Writer, composer or artist	205
Dependant of any of the above	205
Category: Settlement	(£)
Husband/Wife/Civil Partner	515
Unmarried/Same Sex Partner	515
Marriage/Civil Partnership	515
Child or dependant relative of a settled person	515
Adopted child of settled person	515
Family reunion	Free
Armed Forces	515
Category: Points Based System (PBS)	(£)
Tier 1 general applicant	600
Dependant of tier 1 general applicant	600
Tier 1 general applicant with HSMP approval letter (transitional arrangement)	200
Dependant of tier 1 general applicant with HSMP approval letter (transitional arrangment)	200
Category: Exempt/Others	(£)
Diplomats: official visit/posting	Free
Members of international organisations on official visits/postings	Free
Course F (up to 6 months)	65
Course F (over 6 months)	99
Exercise the right of access to a child	205
Family member of an EEA national	Free
Family member of a Swiss national	Free
Handling applications on behalf of Commonwealth countries	44
Member of UK or Visiting Forces	Free
Retired person of independent means	205
Returning resident	205
Right of Abode Certificate of Entitlement	205

Dependants are charged the same fee as the main applicant. All dependants who are travelling must pay the fee whether or not they are included in the main applicant's passport.

Fees are usually payable in local currency and are subject to periodic review.

Visa fees are non-refundable but if a payment has been made and the application is not submitted or if the applicant refuses to provide biometrics details with their application, then we will refund the fee.

Guidance - Students (INF 5)

This guidance explains what you will need to do if you want to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) to study, and what the Immigration Rules say. It is only a guide but it aims to answer some common questions.

Student rules changes from 1 September 2007
A new entry clearance (visa) category of student visitor has been introduced for short term students who come to the United Kingdom to study on courses of six month duration or less.

Student visitor - details and flowcharts
Student visitor - frequently asked questions

How do I qualify to travel to the UK as a student?
You must be able to show that you have been accepted on a course of study or for a period of research at an educational establishment that is on the UK's Department for Children Schools and Families Register of Education and Training Providers. Contact details are under 'More advice and information' at the end of this guidance, or you can search the register on the Department for Children, Schools and Families website at: www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister.

You must be able to show that you are going to follow:

a recognised full-time degree course, or
a period of study and/or research in excess of 6 months where this forms part of an overseas degree course, or
a course run during the week involving at least 15 hours of organised daytime study each week, or
a full-time course at an independent fee-paying school.

You must also:

be able to pay for your course and support yourself and any dependants, and live in the UK without going into business or getting a job, or needing any help from public funds
be able and intend to follow your chosen course, and
intend to leave the UK when you complete your studies, if your course of study is below degree level.

If you graduated from a UK university or other educational institution within the last 12 months with a bachelor's degree, master's degree, postgraduate certificate or diploma, or PhD, you may be able to apply to stay in the UK and get a job for an extra year after your degree course finishes, without getting a work permit. For more information, please see the section on the International Graduates Scheme in our Permit free employment (INF 14) guidance.

If you successfully complete a degree level course or above, awarded by a Scottish institution, you may be able to apply to live and work in Scotland for up to two years after achieving your qualification under the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme.

Postgraduate doctors and dentists
For entry to the UK as a postgraduate doctor or dentist, you will need:

a UK degree in medicine or dentistry
to have spent at least two years in the UK studying for your medical or dental degree, and
a letter from the Postgraduate Dean responsible for your training to confirm that you have been offered a full-time place on a Foundation Programme in the UK.

You must also:

intend to leave the UK after your Foundation Programme, if you have not been given permission to stay on in another employment or self-employment category, and
be able to support yourself and any dependants, and live without needing help from public funds.

If a government or international sponsorship agency sponsored your studies at a medical or dental school, you need to have the sponsor's permission to study a Foundation Programme in the UK.

If you are a fully qualified doctor or dentist and you want to get a job or take higher specialist training, you will need a work permit. You can get more information about work permits from our Work permit holders (INF 13) guidance.

If you intend to set up in general practice, you will need to meet the requirements for entry to the UK as a self-employed person. For more information see the Setting up in business (INF10) guidance.
Back to questions

What is a visa?
A visa is a certificate that is put into your passport or travel document by an Entry Clearance Officer at a British mission overseas. The visa gives you permission to enter the UK.

If you have a valid UK visa, we will not normally refuse you entry to the UK unless your circumstances have changed, or you gave false information or did not tell us important facts when you applied for your visa.

When you arrive in the UK, an Immigration Officer may ask you questions, so take all relevant documents in your hand luggage.
Back to questions

Do I need a visa to study in the UK?
You will need a visa if you:

are not an EEA national
are stateless (you don't have a nationality)
hold a non-national travel document, or
hold a passport issued by an authority that is not recognised in the UK.

If you do not intend to work or stay in the UK for more than six months, you might wish to consider entering as a student visitor. More information is available on this website or from your nearest visa application centre.

You do not need an entry clearance as a student visitor if you are a non-visa national but, you will have to satisfy the Immigration Officer that you qualify for entry to study when you arrive in the UK. You must be able to show that you have been accepted on a course of study at an educational establishment that is on the Register of Education and Training Providers. They will then give you permission to stay in the UK for up to six months.

If you have any doubts about whether you qualify for entry, you should apply for a visa before you travel to the UK.
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How do I apply for a visa?
You can apply in a number of ways, for example, by post, by courier, in person and online. Staff at the visa application centres will tell you about the ways in which you can apply.

Some visa sections will only accept applications made online. To find out if you can apply for your visa online please visit the visa4UK website.

If you cannot apply online you will need to fill in a visa application form (VAF 3 - Student). You can get a form free of charge from your nearest visa application centre or from the visa application forms page on this website.

You should apply for a student visa in the country of which you are a national or where you legally live.

In some countries, if you are applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than six months, you may need to be tested for active tuberculosis before we will accept your application. You can find out if you need to be tested by using our Do I need a visa? questionnaire on the homepage of this website, or by contacting your nearest visa application centre.
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What are visa application centres?
In some countries, we are working with commercial companies to run visa application centres (VACs). The VACs are in largely populated areas, making it easier and more convenient for people to apply for a UK visa. Trained staff at each VAC deal with all visa enquiries and applications. They collect your biometric information (see the relevant section of this leaflet) along with the relevant fees, and provide unbiased, face-to-face advice on the application process, including whether or not you have included all the necessary documents. Entry clearance staff at the British mission will then consider your application and decide whether to issue or refuse your visa. VAC staff have no say in this decision.
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What will I need to make my application?
You will need to make your application online or fill in the following visa application form:

Application form VAF3 - Student

Student guidance notes

You will also need the following.

Your passport or travel document.
A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photograph of yourself.
This should be:
- taken against a light-coloured background
- clear and of good quality, and not framed or backed
- printed on normal photographic paper, and
- full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons (but the face must not be covered).
The visa fee. This cannot be refunded and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying.
Supporting documents relevant to your application.

Back to questions

What is 'biometric' information?
In some countries currently - and in all countries by April 2008 - you will need to provide 'biometric' information as part of the visa application process. This biometric information consists of scans of all 10 of your fingers and a full-face digital photograph. You will have to go to the nearest VAC in person to provide this biometric information. In those countries where there is no VAC, you will need to go to the British mission. Your visa applications will not be processed until you have provided the necessary biometric information. The finger scans are electronic so staff do not need to use any ink, liquid or chemicals. You will have your digital photograph taken at the same time and the whole procedure should take no more than five minutes to complete. You should make sure that you do not have any decoration (such as henna), or any cuts or other markings on your fingertips before having your finger scans. You should also make sure that if you have any cuts and bruises on your face, they have healed or disappeared before you have your photograph taken. Digital photographs must be of your full face and you should not wear sunglasses, a hat or any other head covering (unless you wear it for cultural or religious reasons but the face must not be covered).
Back to questions

What supporting documents should I include with my application?
You should include all the documents you can to show that you qualify for entry to the UK as a student. If you do not, we may refuse your application.

As a guide, you should include:

any relevant diplomas or educational certificates that you have
a letter from the university, college or school confirming that you have been accepted on a course of study and/or a period of research in the UK, and a statement of charges for the course and/or period of research (if appropriate)
if you are following a certain type of postgraduate study, an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) Certificate
evidence of government sponsorship (if appropriate)
bank statements, payslips or other evidence to show that you can pay for your stay and your course of studies in the UK, and
if you are being privately sponsored (for example, by a college in the UK) a letter from your sponsor giving details of how they will support you during your studies, and evidence that they can do so.

We will refuse your application if we find that any documents are forged.
Back to questions

What is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)?
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) was introduced in November 2007. In common with other Governments around the world, the British Government is working hard to stop the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. The ATAS is designed to ensure that people who are applying to study certain sensitive subjects in the UK do not have links to WMD programmes.

If you intend to undertake postgraduate studies and/or research which lead to a Doctorate or Masters degree in certain designated subjects, you will have to get and Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before you apply for your visa. Full details about this scheme can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk/ATAS.
Back to questions

What will happen when I make my application?
The Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision using your application form and the supporting documents you have provided. If this is not possible, they will need to interview you.

Please check your visa when you get it. You should make sure that:

your personal details are correct
it correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK, and
it is valid for the date on which you want to travel. (You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to three months if you do not plan to travel immediately).

If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, contact the visa section immediately.
Back to questions

What are public funds?
Under the Immigration Rules, if you want to travel to the UK you must be able to support yourself and live without claiming certain benefits. A full list of public funds is available on the UK Border Agency website.

You can find more information about public funds in the Immigration Directorate Instructions (IDIs) and Immigration Rules on the UK Border Agency website.
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Can I extend my stay as a student?
If you enter the UK with a student visa or prospective student visa, or if you want to study on a course at degree level or higher, you can apply to the UK Border Agency. Their contact details are at end of this guidance. The UK Border Agency will charge you a non-refundable fee for any application to extend your stay in the UK.

If you enter the UK with a student visitor visa, you will not be allowed to extend your stay.
Back to questions

Can I work?
You can take part-time or holiday work, but you must not:

work for more than 20 hours a week during term time unless your placement is part of your studies, has been agreed with your educational institution and leads to a degree or qualification awarded by a nationally recognised examining body
do business, be self-employed or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, or
work full-time in a permanent job.

Back to questions

Can I switch to work permit employment when I am in the UK?
You may be able to switch if:

you have completed a recognised degree course at either a UK publicly-funded institution of further or higher education or an approved private educational institution that has satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance
you hold a valid work permit for employment
you have been sponsored by a government or agency and you have their written permission to remain in the UK in a different category, and
you have not broken immigration law.

Back to questions

Can I bring my husband, wife or civil partner and children with me?
Your husband, wife or civil partner and any of your children under 18 can come to the UK with you during your studies, as long as you can support them without needing any help from public funds.
Back to questions

What do my dependants need to make an application?
Your dependants will need to make their application online or fill in the following visa application form:

Application form VAF3 - Student

Student guidance notes

They will also need the following:

Their passport or travel document.
A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm),colour photograph of themselves. This should be:
- taken against a light coloured background
- clear and of good quality, and not framed or backed
- printed on normal photographic paper, and
- full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless they wear this for cultural or religious reasons (but the face must not be covered).
The visa fee. This cannot be refunded and they must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where they are applying.
Evidence of their relationship to you.
Evidence that you can support them without needing any help from public funds.
Evidence of the course of study your are doing or are going to do in the UK.
A copy of the relevant pages from your passport, showing your permission to stay if you are already in the UK.

Back to questions

Will my husband, wife or civil partner be allowed to work?
Your husband, wife or civil partner will be allowed to work in the UK if we give you permission to stay in the country for at least twelve months.
Back to questions

Will I need to register with the Police?
Nationals of certain countries are required to register with the police if they are entering the UK for more than six months. Your visa will state if this is necessary.

In London, police registration is made at the Overseas Visitors Registration Office, (OVRO), Brandon House, 180 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1LH, Tel. 020 7230 1208. If you are not in London you can register at the nearest police station specified as a registration office. You will be charged for the initial registration certificate.
Back to questions

Can I go to the UK to arrange my studies?
You can travel to the UK as a prospective student for up to six months to arrange your studies. You will need to show that:

you intend to enrol on a course of study within six months of arriving in the UK
you can pay for your course, support yourself and your dependants, and live without working or needing any help from public funds, and
you intend to leave the UK when you finish your studies or when your permission to stay ends if you do not qualify to stay in the UK as a student.

Note: you should not buy a ticket, or pay all or part of the cost of a study course if your visa application being delayed or refused would mean that you lost your money.
Back to questions

When should I apply?
You should apply in good time for your entry clearance so that you are not delayed in getting into the UK. However, you cannot have your clearance post-dated by more than three months. It can get very busy in visa sections, especially over the summer when lots of students are applying.
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More advice and information

Register of Education and Training Providers
For more information about the Register of Education and Training Providers.

The Register of Education and Training Providers
PO Box 54876
London SW1P 9EZ
Email:info@dcfs.gov.uk
Information about UK recognised degrees is available on the Department for Children, Schools and Families website.

You can get more advice about studying in the UK from the following organisations:

UKCISA
The Council for International Student Affairs provides advice and information to international students studying or planning to study in the UK, and to their family, teachers and other advisors:

UKCISA: The Council for International Student Affairs
Phone: (+44) (0)20 7107 9922 (1pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday)
Website: www.ukcisa.org.uk

British Council
The British Council provides information to help international students prepare for study in the UK.
Education UK
British Council
Bridgewater House
58 Whitworth Street
Manchester M1 6BB
Website: www.britishcouncil.org

The UK Border Agency
For more advice and information about extending your stay once you are in the UK:

The UK Border Agency
Croydon Public Caller Unit
Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon CR9 2BY
Phone: (+44) (0)870 606 7766 (general enquiries)
Phone: (+44) (0)870 241 0645 (application forms)
Email: indpublicenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk

UK Border Agency, Visa Services Directorate
London SW1A 2AH

Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)
The Immigration Advisory Service is the UK's largest charity providing advice and respresentation in asylum, immigration and nationality law. It has offices right accross the UK and abroad. It provides a free service to those who are eligible. It may also be able to help those who are not eligible. The IAS is a non-profit service.

Immigration Advisory Service
3rd Floor, County House
190 Great Dover Street
London SE1 4YB
Phone: (+44) (0)20 7967 1200
Phone: (+44) (0)20 8814 1559 (duty office open 24 hours a day)
Fax: (+44) (0)20 7403 5875
Email:advice@iasuk.org
Website: www.iasuk.org

Revenue and Customs
For advice on bringing personal belongings and goods into the UK contact:

HM Revenue & Customs
Dorset House
Stamford Street
London SE1 9PY
Phone: (+44) (0)845 010 9000
Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk

Health insurance
If you come from a country with a health-care agreement with the UK, or if you are enrolled on a course for more than six months, you may be able to get medical treatment on the National Health Service (NHS). Short-term students who are in the UK for six months or less are not entitled to free medical treatment, and you will have to pay for any treatment you get. Please make sure you have enough health insurance for the whole of your stay.

Drugs warning
Anyone found smuggling drugs into the UK will face serious penalties. Drug traffickers may try to bribe travellers. If you are travelling to the UK, avoid any involvement with drugs.

False documents
Travellers to the UK may commit an offence if they produce a false travel document or passport to the UK immigration authorities for themselves and their children. People found guilty of this offence face up to two years in prison or a fine (or both).

Alternative formats
In the UK we also have versions of our guidance notes in Braille, on audio tape and in large print. If you would like any guidance notes in one of these formats, please contact us:

UK Border Agency, Visa Services Directorate
London SW1A 2AH

11 scholarship options for the UK

You plan to study in the UK, but your course costs a fortune. So, we brought you the basics on how to get a scholarship to aid your quest for funding. Here is a comprehensive list of 11 scholarship options.

Study abroad: Strategies, tips...more

Scholarships managed by British Council

Check for eligibility criteria for each scholarship before applying.

i. British Chevening Scholarship

This is the UK government's flagship scholarship scheme whose primary objective is to provide an opportunity for dynamic students and professionals who wish to study in the UK in research or postgraduate courses. It has supported over 1,900 Indian students to date. It aims to encourage students and professionals to study in the UK and then return to India to contribute to future work in their discipline.

The scheme offers two kinds of programmes:

~ Long term (open) scholarships: Open for courses at any UK institution and are designed for candidates who have already applied for one-year postgraduate study at the institution of their choice.

~ Short term (professional) scholarships: Designed for working professionals who would like to pursue short-term training to expand their knowledge and skills.

Applicants under this scheme need not apply directly to UK institutions; they only need to make a Chevening application.

Web sites: http://www.chevening.com/ , www.britishcouncil.org/india-scholarships-chevening.htm

ii. Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships

An annual scheme made available to all Commonwealth countries by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission. The India programme is managed jointly by the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India and the British Council. The scheme offers 55 scholarships over a range of subjects including medicine, engineering and technology, pure and applied science, agriculture, humanities and social sciences .

Web site: http://www.acu.ac.uk/

iii. Charles Wallace India Trust Awards

The Charles Wallace India Trust provides awards for postgraduate studies, research and fellowships in the UK. The awards concentrate primarily on the arts and humanities and the organisation provides up to 50 grants annually for Indians.

Each year, awards are offered in six areas:

Visual and performing arts

Architectural and materials conservation

Museum studies and curatorship

English studies

Humanities

Journalism

Web site: www.britishcouncil.org/india-scholarships-commonwealth-scholarships.htm

iv. The De Souza Trust, Goa Scholarship

Aims to provide opportunities to study or train in the UK, to young men and women of Goan origin (or those who have been living and working in Goa for the past ten years), who have demonstrated academic excellence and extra-curricular achievements.

Web site: www.britishcouncil.org/india-scholarships.htm

v. Scottish International Scholarships

Six scholarships available to Indians who wish to study a Master's programme of not more than 12 months based in a Scottish higher education institution. Priority for the following subject areas: science and technology, creative industries (including arts, design and culture).

Web site: http://www.scotlandscholarship.com/

Other scholarships

i. Ford Foundation Visiting Fellowship

Specially designed to support candidates from social groups that have been marginalised and lack systematic access to higher education.

Web site: http://www.ifpsa.org/

ii. The Rhodes Scholarships

Up to six fully covered scholarships offered at Oxford, for pure and applied sciences, law or medicine.

Web site: http://www.rhodesscholarships-india.com/

iii. The Skoll Scholarship Programme

Five fully-funded annual MBA scholarships within the Said Business School, University of Oxford, UK.

Web site: www.britishcouncil.org/skoll-scholarships.doc

iv. The Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards

Awards for outstanding graduate students from India, China, Hong Kong, Russia and the developing world to pursue PhDs in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, social sciences and technology.

Web site: www.rcuk.ac.uk/hodgkin

v. Oxford and Cambridge Society of India

Scholarships awarded for study at the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge.

Web site: http://www.oxbridgeindia.com/

vi. Felix Scholarships

Offers up to six scholarships each for Indian graduates at University of Oxford, University of Reading, and School of Oriental and African Studies every year.

Web sites:

www.ox.ac.uk

www.soas.ac.uk

www.reading.ac.uk

Bookmark these

~ British education online: www.educationuk-in.org

~ Student Money: www.scholarship-search.org.uk

~ The Association of Commonwealth Universities: www.acu.ac.uk

~ Ministry of Human Resources Development: www.education.nic.in

~ Scottish education online: www.educationukscotland.org

~ UKCOSA -- The Council For International Education: www.ukcosa.org.uk

Part I: Need a scholarship to study in the UK?

Have you won a scholarship to study in India or abroad? Share your experiences

Tell other Get Ahead readers about your scholarship search, the eligibility criteria, application process, name of your course and institute and any other information you think will be of use to other applicants.

Don't forget to mention your name, age and location.

Applying for a UK student visa?

Picture this: you get admission to the university of your choice in the UK.

Your mum, all misty-eyed and sentimental, immediately starts packing your bags. Farewell parties are thrown.

You are dreaming of a sunny welcome to life in the UK... and then you go and mess up your visa application.

To avoid such an eventuality, here's a rundown of what you need to know before applying for your student visa.

Need a scholarship for the UK?

Quick check

Before applying for a visa, you must be able to show you have been accepted for study at an educational establishment that is on the UK's Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Register of Education and Training Providers.

Verify this at the DfES web site.

Visa application form

~ This is available at the visa office or at www.ukinindia.com.

~ Make sure to fill out your form carefully and precisely. Do not forget to sign it. The visa officer will, in many cases, make a decision based solely on your application form and supporting documents.

Officers repeatedly stress that an incomplete or incorrect application may result in an unfavourable outcome.

~ Remember to include your contact details on the form, especially an e-mail address if you have one (if you don't, we suggest you create one to facilitate e-mail communication).

Supporting documents

~ Start putting your supporting documents together in advance. Do not submit your application until you have collected all the documents required.

~ Make sure your documents are originals or attested copies.

~ There is no fixed checklist for the documents needed, as each student's circumstances are different. The common factor is that students need to show as much credible evidence as they can of their individual circumstances. Your supporting documents must relate to your education, your family's financial situation, any assets you own and your sponsor.

Documents checklist

Here is a broad checklist. Once again, every student's case is different, so remember to include any other documents that seem relevant to your case as well.

i. Letter of acceptance from the university

~ You must include a letter from the university, college or school confirming that you have been accepted for a course of study in the UK.

~ Include a statement of charges for the course and receipts for any payments that may have already been made.

ii. Evidence of your sponsor's financial status

~ Officers stress that anyone can sponsor your education. In the case of sponsors who are not close family, it is up to you to present a credible picture as to why this person is willing to sponsor you.

~ Include a letter from your sponsor stating that they will sponsor your education, with evidence that they can afford to do so.

~ Documents related to sponsor's financial status:

A letter of support from their company/ business/ self

Tax returns for the last three financial years

A bank letter confirming the balance in their account is sufficient to cover costs of study

Original bank statements and passbooks for the last six months

Fixed deposit receipts

Demat accounts papers

If you have a UK sponsor, include:

A photocopy of his passport or other evidence of immigration status

A letter of sponsorship

Evidence of your sponsor's income

~ If you are taking a bank loan for your studies, bring along a letter of sanction from the bank certifying the amount that has been sanctioned and stating the repayment arrangements.

iii. Evidence of past studies

~ This includes original school and college examination certificates.

~ You will need to include evidence of your proficiency in English. This could be in the form of an up-to-date International English Language Proficiency Test (IELTS) certificate. You may be asked to take the test at the British Council.

iv. Student questionnaire

~ This provides an opportunity to present a good picture of yourself and is available along with the application form. Fill it out carefully.

v. Passport

~ You must have a valid passport, with enough space for a visa.

vi. Photograph

It is crucial to include a photograph that meets the following requirements:

It should be a recent, passport-sized (45 mm x 35 mm), colour photograph of yourself taken against a light coloured background.

It must be clear and of good quality and printed on normal photographic paper.

It must display your full face, without sunglasses, hat or any other head-covering, unless you wear it for cultural or religious reasons.

It must be glued to the application form. Do not staple the photo onto the form.

vii. Visa fee

~ Make sure you take the correct amount of money with you before you go. Currently, the student visa fee is Rs 6,800 but please confirm this before applying. The fee is non-refundable.

Guidelines

~ Unlike US student visas, a formal interview is not the norm for UK student visas. However, you could be called for one in case of discrepancies in your application. Make sure all your papers are in order for a smoother application process.

~ Apply two to six weeks before you intend to travel. The period from September to January is especially busy for the visa office, so make sure you apply well in advance.

~ Mention your intended dates of travel on your application form.

~ Make sure your financial documents are in order and you have a credible explanation for any perceived discrepancies. For example, if there is a bank statement with recent large deposits, make sure you are able to sufficiently explain that deposit to the visa officer.

~ The visa officers need to see that your course for further education is consistent with your education so far. So, if there is any change in your educational direction, make sure you can explain this decision clearly.

~ To apply for a visa contact an Application Centre, operated by Visa Facilitation Services. These are located in New Delhi, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Cochin and Kolkata. Get details from your local British Council Office.

UK Student Visa - Study in the UK

The UK is very keen to attract bright young people to come and take advantage of the many types of high quality courses and opportunities to study in the UK. We are also keen that you might stay after you have graduated and join the UK workforce.

This applies to people coming from overseas and people already here in the UK.

SkillClear aims to assist the solution of the UK's skills shortage by both Immigration and Education and therefore exists to provide a full and comprehensive resource for students wishing to study in the UK and for Universities and Higher Education Organisations wishing to attract such students.

So with this in mind you will find a growing list of courses available in the UK and key information surrounding UK Student Visas, Educational Institutions and Training Providers.

Education and Training Providers can also receive inquiries from people interested in their course offerings.

Obtaining a UK Student Visa has changed greatly in recent times and so has the process and criteria for what you can do during and after your UK education such as working, further study or something completely different like setting up your own business or consultancy.

This and other pages on our site aim to help you define your options. There are also links to relevant resources for Students in our Service and Resource Centre. These aim to help you with every day life in the UK during your studies as well.

You need to have this firmly in mind before you exercise your requirements and many questions need answering, including:

Can you switch to a work permit?
Do you actually need a work permit?
Can you switch to other categories?
Can you stay in the UK whilst you do this?
How long might your chosen process take?

1. Choosing your course and getting your Student Visa

Of course the process has to start with choosing your course and ensuring that you can apply for, and obtain, your relevant student visa for that course.

(If you are engaging a private Training Provider for a training course, please also see our Training and Work Experience page).

There has been much work done by the Government to stop misuse of courses and student visas to gain entry to the UK under false pretences.

It is now mandatory that you choose your course only from Institutions that appear on the official Register of Education and Training Providers list as published by the Department for Education and Skills.

Resources for students.

Currently our rates for student applications are substantially discounted. You need to get this right.

If you would like us to help you with gaining a student visa then please contact us. So you have to have been accepted for a course of study at one of the above institutions which include:

a publicly funded institution of further or higher education
a bona fide private education institution which maintains satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance
an independent fee paying school outside the maintained sector

Or you are able and intend to follow either:

a recognised full time degree course at a publicly funded institution of further or higher education
a weekday full time course involving attendance at a single institution for a minimum of 15 hours organised daytime study per week of a single subject, or directly related subjects
a full time course of study at an independent fee paying school

Or you are under the age of 16 years and enrolled at an independent fee paying school on a full time course of studies which meets the requirements of the Education Act 1944.

You must intend to leave the United Kingdom at the end of your studies.
You must not intend to engage in business or to take employment, except part time or vacation work undertaken with the consent of the Secretary of State for Employment, whilst studying [see section 2 below].
You must be able to meet the costs of the course and accommodation and the maintenance of yourself and any dependants without taking employment or engaging in business or having recourse to public funds.

Students are allowed to bring their family with them to the UK while they study.

2. What can you do whilst studying?

Although students studying here are not normally allowed to work in the UK, they can work without permission as long as they do not work for more than 20 hours per week or start a business and the work they do is not a full time job.

3. What can you do after your course is completed?

This is another area where changes have occurred. If you have a UK graduate degree you can switch to full time work without having to leave the UK.

You can do this by :

Obtaining a sponsored work permit
Obtaining an HSMP visa
Taking advantage of IGS (The International Graduates Scheme)

Please see our full page on this but in short, the scheme allows non-EEA nationals who have graduated from UK higher or further education establishments to remain in the UK for 12 months after their studies in order to pursue a career.

Depending on your specific circumstances, there may be other ways to achieve the right to work in the UK from Student status.

We can also help you extend your stay in the UK as a Student.

There are specific criteria for award and extension of student visas for:

Student Nurses
The term student nurse means a person accepted for training as a student nurse or midwife leading to a registered nursing qualification; or an overseas nurse or midwife who has been accepted on an adaptation course leading to registration as a nurse with the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting.

You must have been accepted for a course of study in a recognised nursing educational establishment offering nursing training which meets the requirements of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting.

The possession of a Department of Health bursary may be taken into account in assessing whether the student meets the maintenance requirement.

Postgraduate Doctors and Dentists
You must be a graduate from a medical school and eligible for provisional or limited registration with the General Medical Council.

You must intend to undertake Pre Registration House Officer employment for up to 12 months and have not spent more than 12 months in aggregate in Pre Registration House Officer employment.

Or you must be a doctor or dentist eligible for full or limited registration with the General Medical Council or the General Dental Council, who intends to undertake postgraduate training in a hospital or the Community Health Services or both.

Prospective Students
You must demonstrate a genuine and realistic intention of undertaking, within 6 months of his date of entry, a course of study which would meet the requirements for an extension of stay as a student.

Six months is the maximum permitted leave which may be granted to a prospective student but you can extend after that.

Of course, the families of Students or prospective Students are welcome under the Immigration rules. There is more information relating to your family here.

Sponsored Researchers
This category is for:

someone who has a job overseas, for which they are still being paid, or someone who is currently on paid or unpaid sabbatical
has come to the UK to undertake a period of research at an employer/host organisation

where the funding for the research:

remains overseas
is transferred to the UK employer or host
is arranged and paid by UK employer or host

We are here to help you find and complete your chosen education.

Remember, if you are looking for Private Training or Work Experience, different rules apply.

If you have completed, or are nearing completion of your UK education, or wish to move away from education prior to completion have a look at our work related pages like Work Permits or HSMP.

How To Get A Visa

VisaInfoCenter

How To Get A Visa

Thursday, April 24, 2008

International Graduates Scheme (IGS)

Tier 1 Post Study UK Highly Skilled Visa

Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Visa

HSMP Visa holders in the UK

UK Points Based System - Work Permits & Visas

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Visa fees

Guidance - Students (INF 5)

Top 4 US visa interview questions

11 scholarship options for the UK

Applying for a UK student visa?

UK Student Visa - Study in the UK

1. Choosing your course and getting your Student Visa

2. What can you do whilst studying?

3. What can you do after your course is completed?

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