Student Visas
A UK visa is an official stamp in your passport that allows you to enter in the UK. There are many different types of visas and on the class you’re granted determines the rules for how long you can stay in the UK and if you are allowed to work or not during your stay.
In order to come to the UK you will need a valid passport. This normally means that must be more than six months, at the time of travel, before your passport expires. Remember to check this as early as possible as the process of getting a new passport is often long and slow. You should also make sure that you apply for your visa before travelling to the UK.
If you have chosen to study a short or holiday English language course then you most likely be issued with a student visitor visa not a student visa. The requirements for a student visitor visa are less stringent than for a UK student visa due to the 6 month time limit on a visitor visa. While in the UK on a visitor visa you will not be able to work either. Therefore, if your course will last for more than 6 months, or you think you will be doing some part-time work during your studies, you must apply for a student visa.
For you to be issued with either a student visitor visa or student visa, you will need to show that you are a genuine student and that you can support yourself. In order to be given permission to enter the UK you must satisfy the following:
- You must be able to show your confirmation letter from your school, confirming your place at a recognised institution
- You must be studying a full time course of at least 15 hours per week
- You must be able to show that you can pay for the course and support yourself. Three months bank statements are the best way to demonstrate this
- You must not work unless your visa allows it
- You must follow the whole course and complete it
- You must either leave at the end of your course, or apply to switch to another visa category
Your visa may let you work while you are a student in the UK and if you have been granted a UK student visa you will definitely be able to work. However, you will only be able to work for a maximum of 20 hours a week. In order to get a job in the UK you will have to get a National Insurance number. As soon as you have found a student job you will be able to apply for a National Insurance Number. All you need is a letter from your employer and your passport and can apply at any local Benefits Agency.
See our student jobs section for more details
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