Over the last 5 years the UK has become increasingly security conscious. This is particularly the case with visa and immigration regulations. However, do not let that put you off. Each year thousands of Indian Students successfully gain entrance to the UK by following a set of simple procedures. The Indian Student investigates...
Before entering the UK as an international student you must apply for an entry clearance certificate, commonly referred to as a visa, through your local British Mission. A visa is a certificate that is placed in your passport or travel documents by your local British Mission. The visa gives you permission to enter the UK. If you have a valid UK visa you will not normally be refused entry to the UK, unless your circumstances have changed or you have given false information or perhaps withheld important facts upon application. The visa tells the immigration officer at a UK port of arrival:
- The purpose of your travel
- How long you can stay in the UK and
- The latest date that you can enter the UK.
Normally, you may enter and leave the UK as many times as you like during the validity of your visa.
Where can I apply for a Visa?
You should ideally apply for your visa at your local British Mission. They will be able to clearly talk you through all the procedures. If you need to find out where your nearest British Mission is then log onto the UK Visa website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk. However, should you wish to make a postal application the IND Application Forms that you will need plus any additional information can also be found on the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk. Visa information for Chinese student plus details of your nearest British Missions can also be found through the British Embassy website: www.britishembassy.org.cn
How do I apply for a Visa?
You will need to fill in the IND Visa Application form and give this to the UK visa office with:
- Your valid passport or travel document
- Two recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photographs. The photograph should be:
- taken against a light coloured (white, off-white etc.) background,
clear and of good quality
- printed on normal photographic paper
- full face without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless for ethnic or religious reasons
- The visa fee – the standard fee for international students wishing to study in the UK is £36.00 (payable in local currency)
- Plus any additional documentation that you may require.
Upon application make sure that:
- You have answered clearly all of the required questions on the form(s)
- Signed and dated the form(s) where asked
- Any supporting documents you show are originals or attested copies
- You make your application in good time, but not normally more than 3 months before you plan to travel
Will I need an Interview?
- The entry clearance officer may want to ask you some further questions about your application. This will be done straightaway if possible. If not, you may be asked to come back for an interview usually within 10 working days. However, this can take longer, especially leading up to and during holidays. Contact your nearest UK Overseas Mission where you intend to apply for up to date information on waiting times for interviews.
What if I am refused a Visa?
Despite what you have heard about UK immigration rules, seven out of eight applicants worldwide receive the visa that they have applied for. If you are refused a visa, you will receive a written notice explaining why. In some cases, you will have the right of appeal against the decision. At the time that your visa is refused, you will be told if you have the right of appeal, and if so will be given advice on how to appeal. Also, if you have been previously refused a visa, you may make another application at any time, but if the reasons for your refusal still apply, you may be refused again. For more information on the UK’s immigration rules log onto www.fco.gov.uk
For more UK visa information then log onto:
