VISAS

Important Notice : Please Note that visa regulations are changed on a regular basis depends on UK governments, PlacesTours cannot be liable for any information that could have been changed since we checked it. It is the responsibility of each passport holder to check the different conditions of entry to the desired country.

Who Requires A Visa?
UK immigration services also refer to visas as “entry clearance".

Citizens of countries not listed below may not be required to obtain entry clearance to study in the UK, prior to arrival.

Nationals not requiring prior clearance will still need to satisfy immigration services of their eligibility, upon arrival in the UK.

If you have any doubts, it is recommended to apply for a visa before booking airline tickets.

Nationals of the following countries will require a visa to enter the UK:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China (PR), CIS, Colombia, Comoros, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Congo (Rep. Of), Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Belgium, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Korea (DPR), Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen, Serbia & Montenegro and Zambia.

What Documents Will Be Required?

Even if a visa will not be required, students should still be able to provide UK immigration with documentation explaining their stay (a letter of acceptance, proof of funds, etc.).
Please contact the appropriate embassy for further information.

The following documents may be required for visa applications:

Valid passport
Completed application form
2 passport sized-photos
Letter of acceptance
Evidence of financial support
Evidence of accommodation arrangements for duration of trip
Letter of intent for post-course period (presentable upon arrival)

Time Required To Issue Visa:
Contact nearest Consulate for further information.

How Do I Apply?
You will need to complete visa application forms IM2A and. IM2S. You can also get the forms from your nearest UK Overseas Mission where there is a visa section. You should check with your nearest British mission whether they can deal with your application. If they cannot they will tell you where to apply.

Applications may be made to the Visa Section of a British mission in person or, in some instances, by post *.

*Please contact your nearest British mission to enquire about postal applications.

What Is The Cost Of A Visa?
Approx £35; varies with nationality

How Long Is The Visa Valid For?
6 months or longer, depending on type of visa obtained

Other information:

A passport is not required for travel between Great Britain and Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Passengers transiting the UK destined for the Republic of Ireland are advised to hold return tickets to avoid delay and interrogation.

What will happen when I make my application?

The Entry Clearance Officer will check that he or she has all the information that is needed to make a decision. If more information is required you may be asked to return with additional information before your application is accepted.

After looking at your application the Entry Clearance Officer may offer you the opportunity to withdraw your application before you pay the fee. You do not have to accept this advice. If you wish to continue with your application it will be accepted and you will be issued with a receipt for your fee.

Once your application has been accepted you might have to be interviewed.


What are public funds?

The Immigration Rules require that people who wish to travel to the UK to study are able to support and accommodate themselves without claiming certain state benefits.

Can I extend my stay as a student?

If you enter the UK with a student visa and wish to extend your stay for further studies you can apply to do so at the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND)

If you are a visa national, you cannot stay on as a student unless you entered the UK with a student or prospective student visa.

Can I switch to Work Permit employment whilst in the UK?

You may be able to switch if you meet the following requirements:
you have completed a recognised degree course at either a UK publicly funded further or higher education institution or bona fide private education institution which maintains satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance
you hold a valid work permit for employment
If sponsored by your government or international scholarship agency you have their written consent
you do not have an adverse immigration history

Work Permit and Visa Processing in the UK

A Program now exists to encourage skilled individuals at the top of their chosen profession to seek entry in order to work in the UK, without having a prior offer of employment. In this way, it differs dramatically from existing Work Permit programs. An application made under the Program is an application for an immigration status.

Successful application enables you to apply for entry to the UK for a 12-month period in order to look for work in your chosen field.

The Program has been very successful since it’s introduction in 2002; and it is expected that the revised Program introduced in October 2003 will enable far more applicants to qualify for entry.

The Program is a points-based system. There are 5 main categories where points can be scored. Only candidates with a minimum of 65 points will have a chance of being considered. In addition, it is important that candidates show that they are able to work in their chosen field in the UK, able to support themselves and their family until they find work, and are willing to make the UK their main home for the period of the Program.

Points Calculation

Qualification (Maximum 30 points)
PhD - 30 points