Student Visa Information
It is VERY important that you read this section very carefully.
Advice for passing through Immigration upon arrival in the UK:
You MUST have all your OSAP paperwork with you when you arrive, or you may be deported! (NOT in your luggage- keep it in your carry-on, or otherwise on your person). If you encounter any issues with immigration, you may ask the immigration officials to ring the OSAP office for clarification using the contact details on your acceptance letter or on the Education Providers Register (to which they have access).
If you are staying for less than 6 months (i.e. one term), you simply produce your acceptance letter at immigration, after arriving in the UK, and request “leave to enter as a Student Visitor.” It is free, and you do not need a visa.
However, it is very important that you fly directly from the United States to the UK in order to receive acceptance as a “Student Visitor.” (Don’t try to fly from the US to Europe first, and backpack around, because then your flight is from Italy to the UK. However, if you have a layover in another European city, that’s okay.)
If you would like to stay in the U.K for longer than 6 months for any reason, you must obtain a student visa from your nearest British consulate BEFORE you depart for the U.K. It costs about $200 and takes at least two weeks to process, and requires the provision of biometric data (a fingerscan and digital photograph, which can be obtained at a British consulate).
Recently, a few students have been sent back home to obtain a student visa. One student arriving for a September course went to the Irish Republic first and was given admission as a tourist for 30 days; in Britain this was regarded as a 30-day only permit for Britain. This was an unforeseen situation.
You may obtain the Student visa fairly easily by filling out a form online. Please see www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx
You then will mail the consulate your passport; they will return it to you by mail with the visa included. If you are near a consulate you may wish to make an appointment by phone. If you go in person they will usually give you the visa the same day.
For more information please see: www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1018721067373
www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/before_leaving.pdf
If you are coming for the academic year (ten months) or for two terms (eight months to be safe) be sure to let the consulate know that. You may show them your original acceptance letter for one year or two terms.
Let them know if you do not have a US passport.
As we have said elsewhere, it is entirely the responsibility of the student to gain entry to the UK. It is entirely between him or her and the British government.
