EDEXCEL
City & Guilds
Student Loan Company
London Transport
UK Border Agency
EDI
UKCISA
OISC
LSST EmailVisas & Immigration
European Union & European Economic Area Nationals (EEA) |
|
Nationals of the EU and EEA, as well as Switzerland, will not require a visa to study in the UK. |
|
The countries of the EEA are all the EU member states, in addition to Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. |
|
Although you do not need a visa it would be advisable to carry your acceptance letter with you when you are entering the UK. |
|
Non-EU or EEA Nationals |
|
To find out if you need a student visa, you will need to contact the British Mission (Embassy, Consulate or High Commission) in your home country. |
|
Details of all British representations abroad can be found at www.fco.gov.uk |
|
For further information about immigration and visas, the following sites may be useful |
|
Remember that it is your responsibility to check whether you need a visa and if so to ensure that you have the correct type. |
Visa Extensions
All international students in the UK, subject to immigration control, are advised to check the expiry date of their Visas. If an extension of your Visa is required you should read through the following Guidance Notes carefully. Please note that LSST staff cannot provide immigration advice.
What does 'Leave to Enter/Remain' mean?
Is it the same as a 'Student Visa'?
The term 'Leave to Enter' is stamped in your passport when you enter the UK if you have not applied for entry clearance prior to arriving. It states the date when you entered the UK and the date until when you have permission to stay in the UK. At the end of your permission to stay you may apply for an extension and as a result may be given a stamp which states the date until when you can remain in the UK, otherwise known as 'Leave to Remain'.
A 'Student Visa' or 'Entry Clearance as a Student' is a sticker which is placed in your passport if you apply for and are granted a visa before travelling to the UK. Your 'Student Visa' will also have an expiry date and you may apply to extend your stay in the UK before it is due to expire. During 2009, an ID Card was introduced to replace the Visa sticker in your passport – again, you should check the expiry date on this card and ensure you apply for a new Visa before that expiry date.
When should I apply to extend my permission to stay in the UK as a student?
You can send your application to the Home Office any time before your current Visa expires. You should make your enquiry to the School Administration at least 8 weeks before your visa is due to expire, so that you have enough time to complete the application form and collect all the documentation needed to accompany your application.
Students are advised to check the UKCISA website for further guidance on extending permission to stay in the UK.
Which form do I need to complete and where can I get it from?
In order to extend your stay as a student in the UK you must normally apply on Form Tier 4 (G) which is available at:
On the right hand side of the page you will see the TIER 4 General form.
Can my family join me in the UK?
UKCISA have created an useful web tool to help Tier 4 (General) students decide whether they can have family members with them in the UK. Click here for more information.
Click here for the UKBA application form for dependants of a Tier 4 (General) student.
Who can help me with my application?
Unfortunately, LSST staff cannot provide you with Immigration advice. For information of how to choose an immigration advisor, click here.
Does it cost anything to make an application to the Home Office?
Yes. Clik here for more information.