As of March 2009, the Visa Regulations for International students who wish to apply to study in the United Kingdom, are now changed.

Obtaining a Visa ...

• To be eligible to obtain a Visa and travel to the United Kingdom as a student, you will be required to pass a points-based assessment.
• The pass score is 40 points.

How the score is calculated ...

• Yourself
• Your course fees.
• Monthly living expenses for up to 9 months (known as maintenance).

Visa fee ...

Currently €145 (for applicants outside UK).

Visa letter explained ..

A Visa letter is a full detailed proof of acceptance on an approved course from your education provider, who is also your immigration sponsor.

It must also include precise detailed information about you, your sponsor the course, and your finances.

Approved Education Provider explained ...

You must study with an approved education provider on the UK Border Agency Tier 4 Register of Sponsors.

Your approved education provider is your immigration sponsor while you are in the United Kingdom, and must tell the UK Border Agency if you:

• Do not arrive for the start of a course
• Withdraw from a course
• Defer or suspend your studies.
• Fail to attend your course for significant periods of time

Your Finances explained ...

The finances you need to pass the points-based system are calculated on :

• Where you will study in the UK :
• In London
• Outside London
• Length of your Course :
• 9 months or less
• More than 9 months.

Proof of Identity ...

• You will need to show your ID card if you are applying from inside the United Kingdom.
• The UK Border Agency will also need to record your biometric details if you are applying from outside the United Kingdom

You must submit your Visa application at the nearest British High Commission or Embassy in your home country.

Your application, along with all the required documents and Visa fee, must be submitted to an Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) from the nearest visa issuing centre of the British High Commission or Embassy.

Acceptance decision ...

The British High Commission or Embassy aims to make decisions on Visa applications within 2 working days, although this may take slightly longer during busy periods. It is therefore, important to apply as early as you can.

If an interview is required then the application process will take longer and you are therefore advised to apply for your visa at least 1 month- or preferably earlier - before your Course commences.

If your application is fully prepared, and accompanied by the compulsory and relevant documentary evidence of your circumstances, you may be issued a Visa without an interview.

Interview Process ...

The final decision on whether you would require an interview or not will be taken by an Entry Clearance Officer at the British High Commission or Embassy. No one else can make this decision.

However, generally students may not require an interview (subject to changes in Visa Regulations for different countries) if they have:

• Travelled to the US, Australia, New Zealand. Canada, Switzerland or Schengen countries within the last five years and have evidence of this travel.
• Prepaid 100% of their tuition fees and have a receipt to prove it.

If no interview is required, your passport will be returned to the application centre, or sent by courier to you, within two working days or you may be asked to collect. If however, you are called for an interview, you are likely to get an appointment for the next working day. This may change during exceptionally busy periods.

A student is likely to be called for an interview if they have:

• Been refused a Visa for the UK or for any other country, unless a Visa was subsequently obtained for that country.
• Been refused entry to the UK or any other country.
• Failed to comply with the conditions of entry to the UK, or sought an extension of stay there.

Types of US Student Visa ...

Most non-U.S. citizens who wish to study in the United States will seek an F-1 (non-immigrant) Student Visa, but there are other Visa types that are sometimes authorized for those who study in the U.S. Here is a short description of the different Visa types that involve study:

• F-1 Student Visa - Most commonly applicable for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States. It is for people who want to study at an accredited U.S. College or University or to study English at a University or intensive English Language Institute.
• M-1 Student Visa - For those who will be engaged in non-academic or Vocational study or training at an institution in the U.S.
• J-1 Exchange Visitor - For those participating in an exchange visitor program in the U.S.