Applying for a Student VISA LEGAL FRAMEWORK  We have gathered key information available on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website, to explain how the Student VISA application process works. We strongly recommend you to visit www.foc.gov.uk or www.ukvisas.co.uk for more information or for any VISA-related questions. Please note that all the relevant application forms are available on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website (www.foc.gov.uk ) and can be downloaded from there. DFES REGISTER OF EDUCATION & TRAINING PROVIDERS From 1st January 2005, all international students wishing to apply for a student visa in order to attend a course in the United Kingdom must ensure that the educational institution at which they are planning to study is registered on the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Register of Education and Training Providers.
All StudentConnect Education partners are registered on the DfES Register of Education & Training Providers. However, if you wish to study to a non-partner institution such as an independent college, or carry out your own check, you may consult the register online at:
Department for Education & Skills - Providers' Register (http://www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister/search.cfm) DOCUMENTATION NEEDED TO APPLY FOR YOUR STUDENT VISA: To apply for your student VISA you will need to gather the following documents: - Application form VAF1 - non-settlement, correctly filled-in.
- Your passport.
- 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
- Payment for the visa fee. This cannot be refunded and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying.
- All supporting documents relevant to your application.
As a guide, you should include: - any relevant diplomas or educational certificates,
- letter(s) from the university, college or school confirming your place on a course of study in the UK and stating the charges for the course
- Evidence of sponsorship (if appropriate).
- You may also have to show:
- Bank statements, payslips or other evidence to show that you can pay for your stay and your course of studies in the UK
- If relevant: a letter from your host or sponsor in the UK to say that they will support you and provide accommodation for you during your studies, with evidence that they can do so.
Note that your application will systematically be refused if any documents are forged. THE DECISION Process
Based on your application form and the supporting documents you have provided, the Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision. If all the documentation is satisfactory, you will get your student visa directly.
If the Clearance Officer finds it difficult to make a decision on your case, you will be called for an interview. If you are called for an interview
Be ready to answer questions about your motivation. All your statements may be cross checked with simple questions just to make sure that you are a genuine student and that you filled-in your application yourself. It may also be a way to check your level of English or to clarify your financial situation. Bring all your documents with you. If your visa is refused
You may appeal the decision. Please refer to the instructions provided with your refusal letter.
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