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What
is an entry clearance?
A
United Kingdom entry clearance is a visa or an entry certificate
which you apply for before you travel to the United Kingdom.
Even when you hold an entry clearance you will still need
to pass through immigration control at the United Kingdom
port of entry, eg Heathrow or Gatwick. But if you are
holding an entry clearance you will not be refused permission
to entry the United Kingdom unless there has been some
change in your circumstances or you gave false information
or did not disclose important facts when you obtained
the entry clearance. Holders of entry clearances may also
be refused on medical grounds, if they have a criminal
record, if they are subject to a deportation order or
if there are other exceptional reasons why they should
not be admitted.
When
you arrive in the United Kingdom, you may be questioned
by an Immigration Officer so take all relevant documents
in your hand luggage.
Do
I need an entry clearance?
If
you are a national of one of the countries listed on the
right or if you are stateless or hold a non-national travel
document or a passport issued by an authority not recognised
by the UK you must have a valid UK visa on each occasion
you enter the UK, unless you qualify for exemption.
It is not possible to switch from visitor to student status
once in the UK. You must therefore have the correct
visa before you travel.
Other
nationals do not have to have prior entry clearance to
study in the UK. However, you will have to satisfy the
immigration officer on arrival in the UK that you qualify
for entry. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility
you are advised to apply for an entry clearance before
you travel.
The
Rules
You
must be able to support and accommodate yourself and any
dependants and pay for your studies without working in
the UK and without recourse to public funds. It is acceptable
for support and accommodation and the cost of your studies
to be provided by relatives or friends in the UK. It is
not necessary to have finalised your arrangements but
you must intend to study at a university, a college of
further education, independent school or other genuine
private educational institution. You must also be able
to follow your intended course.
Your
course of study should occupy the whole or a substantial
part of your time (as a general rule at least 15 hours
a week organised day-time study of a single subject or
of directly related subjects leading to a particular qualification).
You must intend to leave the UK when your studies are
completed.
How
to apply for a student entry clearance.
If
you wish to apply for an entry clearance you should fill
in form IM2A (and related forms if applicable) which you
can get free of charge from the nearest British Mission
offering an entry clearance service. You should check
with the Mission whether or not they are able to process
student applications, if they cannot they will advise
you where to apply.
Your
application form may be submitted by hand or by post together
with:
- your
passport*
- two
recent passport-sized photographs
- the
entry clearance fee which is non-refundable
- any
relevant diplomas or educational certificates which
you hold
- a
letter from the University, College or School confirming
your acceptance for the course of study in the UK and
a statement of charges for the course
- evidence
of Government sponsorship (if appropriate).
*
In certain countries it may be inadvisable to send
your passport through the post.
Fees
must be paid in local currency (ie the currency of the
country in which the British Mission is located). You
should not send cash through the post, but bank drafts,
postal or money orders payable to the Mission may be enclosed.
The entry clearance officer may then be able to decide
your application without further enquiries. However, you
might have to attend an interview. In addition to the
documents listed above you may be asked for:
- evidence
of funds to pay for your stay and your course of studies
in the UK or
- a
letter from your host or sponsor in the UK to say that
s/he will support and accommodate you during your course
of studies, together with evidence that s/he can do
so.
You
should not buy a ticket or pay all or part of the cost
of a course of studies if delay or refusal of your application
will result in financial loss. The entry clearance officer
may ask you for other documents: production of those listed
above does not guarantee that entry clearance will be
issued. If in doubt, you can obtain advice from the
nearest British Mission.
While
every care has been taken in preparing this information
it is intended only for general guidance, and may, in
certain circumstances, have been overtaken by events.
Her Majesty’s Government cannot accep liability for
any loss or damage arising in respect of any statement
contained in this article. Applicants should always clarify
their position with The British Mission before travelling.
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