UK Visa Information

Do I require a visa to study at BBSI?

EU/EEA Citizens
If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country, you do not require a visa to study in the UK.

Visa Nationals
If you are a citizen of a 'Visa Country' (ie a 'Visa National'), you will require a visa to study in the UK. To check details, you should refer to the UK Border Agency website and refer to Appendix 1 of the Immigration Rules at Persons Who Require A Visa For The United Kingdom. Citizens of countries detailed at Appendix 1 are termed 'Visa Nationals'.

Non-Visa Nationals
A 'Non-Visa National' is a citizen of any country that is NOT detailed by the UK Border Agency at Appendix 1 of the Immigration Rules at Persons Who Require A Visa For The United Kingdom. A Non-Visa National may not require a visa to visit the UK for a period of less than 6 months; however, your eligibility should be checked with your local British Embassy/British Consulate. A Non-Visa National visiting the UK for a period of 6 months or more will require a visa.

What type of visa will I require?

General Student Visa (GSV)
You will require a GSV if you are 18 years of age or over and …

Plan to study in the UK for a period of up to 6 months, wish to extend your visa whilst in the 
UK, work part-time during your course for up to 10 hours per week, or bring dependants with you (eg husband, wife or children) if you are studying for more than 6 months. 
Plan to study in the UK for a period greater than 6 months.

*  secondary school attendance record or leaving certificate, showing you have attended English classes for 3/4/5 years at CEFR Level B1
*  secondary school examination certificate, showing some form of English language achievement at CEFR B1
*  attendance certificate from evening classes in English at CEFR B1
*  college or university certificate showing your attendance/achievement in an internationally-recognised certificate in English (eg PET)
*  a written reference from an appropriately qualified person (to include their contact details) stating that you have previously studied English and providing details of the course and study dates - the reference must certify that the referee has interviewed you and that your English-language level is adequate for entry to the intended course of study at BBSI.

For further details please refer to the BBSI 
Information Sheet General Student Visa
A General Student Visa will enable you to travel to the UK up to one month before your course commences.

Student Visitor Visa (SVV)
If you are 18 years of age or over and plan to study in the UK for a period of up to 6 months, you will require a SVV. With an SVV you will not be permitted to extend your visa whilst in the UK, to work part-time during your course, or to bring dependants with you (eg husband, wife or children). 

For further details please refer to the BBSI 
Information Sheet Student Visitor Visa
A SVV will allow you to travel to the UK up to one week before your course commences.

Child Visitor Visa (CVV)
If you are under 18 years old and plan to study in the UK for a period of up to 6 months and will require to submit a letter from your parents with your application stating that they agree to your travelling to the UK and living independently. This letter must be written in your own language. 

For further details please refer to the BBSI
Information Sheet Child Visitor Visa
A CVV will allow you to travel to the UK up to one week before your course commences.

How do I apply for a visa?

You can download official visa application forms from the UKBA website as follows: 

General Student Visa: Tier4 (General) Application Form.
Student Visitor Visa: Application form VAF1D - Student visitor.
Child Visitor Visa: Application form VAF1A - General visitor.

To apply for your visa you will need the following:

*  Passport. 
*  Visa fee. 
*  Your biometric details, ie fingers scans and a full-face digital photo (the British Embassy/British Consulate will arrange this process). 
*  A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm) photograph in colour on a white background, not framed, on normal photographic paper, full face without a hat or sunglasses.  
*  Proof from your bank that you have enough money to cover your Tuition fees, accommodation and expenses while the UK.

Documentation. Should you not have the correct documents, it is unlikely that your application would be successful.

Visa Application Centre (VAC). In some countries the UK Border Agency works with a local VAC, which acts as a collecting and processing facility. The VAC will assist you with preparing your visa application and be responsible for sending your application to the British Embassy/British Consulate for processing.

What will I need to support my visa application?

UK Sponsor. BBSI will be your Sponsor. We are licensed by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) to enrol international students. Our UKBA Sponsor Licence Number is H0KMT5TH3 and we feature on the UKBA website at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ as an 'A Rated' registered education provider.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Once you have completed a BBSI Enrolment Form, paid a deposit for your course and provided the necessary information and documents (see below), BBSI will provide you with a document confirming the details of your course, which will include you CAS reference number. Please note that the CAS is not an actual document; it exists only as a number on the UKBA database. The CAS reference number must be quoted on your visa application. For BBSI to provide you with a CAS, we will require the following information and copies of all documentation:

*  Your full name (as it appears on your passport).
*  Your home address (full postal address).
*  Your date of birth.
*  Your city or town of birth.
*  Your nationality.
*  Your passport number.
*  A copy of your Passport (e-mail or fax is acceptable).
*  Confirmation of the type of visa for which you will applying for, ie GSV.
*  Proof of your current English language level, which must be Council of Europe Framework Reference (CEFR) Level B1 or above. To apply for a GSV, you must already have studied English and be at least at Pre-Intermediate level (CEFR B1)

Financial Details. Visa applicants will need to prove to the UK Border Agency on application that they possess sufficient money to cover all their costs while in the UK: tuition, accommodation, living expenses and travel costs. Moreover, should you plan to apply for a General Student Visa, you will need to demonstrate that you have access to at least GBP 600.00 per month in accommodation and spending money.

How much will my visa cost?

General Student Visa. The General Student Visa currently costs GBP 145.00. This will rise to GBP 199.00

Student Visitor and Child Visitor Visas. The Student Visitor and Child Visitor Visas both currently cost GBP 67.00. This will rise to GBP 68.00 on 06 April 2010. 

Where can I get more information about visas?

For information and assistance regarding visas for studying in the UK, please visit the UKBA website at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/. The site provides a 'Quick Guide' for students, which you might be helpful. 

Please note that the above information is for general assistance; it is not legal advice.
BBSI cannot take responsibility for any inaccuracies