Visa Applications
Students
Each year, thousands of international students are successfully granted visa to study in the United Kingdom. The UK government welcomes international students, and currently there is no limit on the number of student visas that can be issued.
If you are applying for a visa to come to the UK to study for a course which will take more than six months, you will need to pay an additional NHS health surcharge. This is regardless of whether you are applying from within or from outside the UK.
There are three types of visas you can apply for someone who wants to pursue short courses. These are:
- Short-term student (Child) visa – for people aged 18 or younger, who want to study in the UK for a maximum of six months.
- Short-term student visa – for people aged 18 or over, who want to study in the UK for a maximum of six months.
- Short-term student visa (11 months) – for people aged 18 or over who want to study an English language course only for a maximum of 11 months.
Those who wish to pursue long duration courses can apply for one of the following visas:
For minor children aged between 4 and 17 years old. If they are between 4 and 15 years old, they must be coming to the UK to be educated at an independent, fee-paying school.
If you are aged 16 or over and have been offered a place on an English language course that lasts longer than 11 months, or on any other course that lasts longer than 6 months or on a course that includes a work placement or work experience and are able to show that you have enough money to support yourself, you may be granted a tier 4 (General) student visa. Some students applying for a Tier 4 (General) visa may need to take an English language test as part of their application.
If you have been granted a visa or leave to enter the UK as a visitor, you can study for up to 30 days provided study is not the main purpose of your visit.
We can also assist you in making an application for further leave to remain as a student.
Ancestry
If you are a Commonwealth citizen and are able to prove that one of your grandparents was born in the UK and are able and planning to work in the UK, you can apply for an ancestry visa from outside the UK. If you are granted this visa you will also be entitled to study.
Family Members of Migrant Workers
As the partner or dependent child (under 18) of a migrant who is in or coming to the UK under most categories of the points-based system, you can apply for a visa to join them here as a PBS dependent. You will need to show that you intend to live with the migrant worker, your relationship is genuine, or for children, you have not formed an independent family unit or leading an independent life. The migrant worker will also need to prove that he/she can support you without recourse to public funds.
Applications under Appendix FM (Family applications)
Partners (spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner)
Appendix FM of the Immigration rules provides for Non- Europeans to apply for visa from outside the UK or for further to leave to remain in the UK on the basis of their relationship as a “partner” of a British citizen or a settled person in the UK.
In order to make this application you must meet certain requirements, including:
- Suitability requirements
- Relationship requirements
- The financial requirements
- Adequate accommodation
- English language abilities
For people who are already in the UK and unable to meet the above requirements they may make an application and succeed if they are able to prove that a separation from their child or partner will cause them insurmountable obstacles.
Parent of a child in the UK
As the parent of a child who is a British citizen or settled in the UK, you can apply for permission to enter or stay in the UK. You will need to show that you have sole responsibility for the child, or at the very least access rights. You must also show that you can maintain yourself without recourse to public funds, together with suitability and English language requirements. If you meet all the requirements you will be given temporary permission to remain in the UK for 30 months. You will be eligible to stay for a further 30 months if you continue to meet the requirements and after 5 years you can apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
Dependent Child Visas
The dependent child of a British citizen or a person with settled status can apply for permission to enter and/or remain in the UK temporarily or permanently. To qualify the UK Border Agency must be satisfied that the child is under 18, not leading an independent life, not married or in a civil partnership and has not formed an independent family unit. There are several additional requirements, with more for adopted children.
Adult Dependent Visas
As the parent, grandparent, sibling or child over the age of 18 of a British citizen or a person with settled status in the UK, you can only apply for permission to come here in exceptional circumstances. This is when you need long-term personal care that only your UK sponsor can provide. The application must be made from outside the UK and a visa obtained before travelling.
Visitor Visas
If you are planning to visit the UK for leisure and tourism, family visit, business related activities, private medical treatment or sports you may apply for a Standard Visitor’s visa.
Also, if you are a Chinese citizen you may come to the UK for up to 30 days as part of a tour group. To qualify for this visa you must satisfy the approved destination status agreement and comply with the requirements attached to this visa.
If you wish to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK and are not planning to stay or settle in the UK after your marriage or civil partnership you may apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa.
Before submitting your application, it is important to ensure you submit the right one because a refusal can be very costly and frustrating. It is also important that you pay the correct fee in order to avoid any delays.