It is very important for anyone entering Britain as a student to comply with UK immigration requirements.

European Union, European Economic Area and Swiss Nationals

Members of the European Union (EU) are:

Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom

The European Economic Area (EEA) consists of the following countries:

All EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein

Students from these countries and Switzerland, who have been accepted onto a course of study and have sufficient resources for the duration of their stay without claiming public funds (benefits), are entitled to enter the UK freely upon production of a valid passport or national identity card and have the right of residence for the duration of their course.

Non-EEA / Swiss Nationals

In order to enter the UK, non-EEA / Swiss nationals must apply for the correct leave (permission) to enter the UK. All students coming for a course of more than 6 months must apply for leave as a student and must therefore meet all of the following conditions:

• You must have been accepted for a course of study at a publicly funded university or college, or a bona-fide private institution or an independent fee paying school. The place of study must be included on the Department for Education and Skills Register of Education and Training Providers;

• You must be able and intend to follow a full-time degree course, or a weekday full-time course at a single institution involving at least 15 hours per week of organised, daytime study or a full-time course of study at an independent fee paying school;

• You must be able to meet the costs of your course and maintenance (living expenses, including accommodation) and the maintenance of your dependants (if they are with you) without working in the UK or claiming public funds (government benefits);

• You must not intend to work in the UK, except part-time (20 hours per week maximum) or vacation work;

• You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies.

* The Bury Language School is included on this register.

Visas and Entry Clearance - general information

For up-to-date immigration information before you come to the UK, visit the UKvisas website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk

For immigration purposes, non-EEA / Swiss nationals are split into two different categories:

1. Visa nationals: Visa nationals must obtain a student visa before travelling to the UK. If you obtain a visa in any other capacity (except for 'prospective student') eg visitor, then it will not be possible to change this to a student visa from within the UK. You will have to return to your country and make another application.

2. Non-visa nationals: Non-visa nationals do not require a visa to enter the UK, but do require entry clearance (permission to enter) before travelling to the UK if coming for more than 6 months. It is also advisable to apply for entry clearance if coming for less than 6 months, although applications for leave (permission) to enter the UK can also be made on arrival in the UK (see Students coming for less than 6 months).

Are you a visa national? Check the visa national list on the UKvisas website.

Students coming for less than 6 months

Non-visa nationals coming for less than 6 months can apply for leave (permission) to enter the UK on arrival in the UK if necessary. However, we strongly advise all students coming for less than six months to apply for entry clearance before travelling to the UK (visa nationals must apply before travelling to the UK). You can ask for the start date to be delayed for up to three months.

If you apply for leave to enter on arrival (non-visa nationals only) it can be difficult to obtain leave to enter as a student. You will normally be granted leave to enter for 6 months as a visitor, which will prohibit you from working during your stay. In addition, you will have no right of appeal if you are refused entry to the UK.

If you do apply on arrival in the UK, you should take particular care to insist that you are granted leave to enter as a student and not as a visitor, so that you have permission to take part-time employment. You will need to prove you are a student so it is important to carry your papers from the University in your hand luggage.

Applying for a visa / entry clearance before you leave home

Applications for entry clearance should be made at a British Mission (British Embassy, High Commission or British Consulate) in the country of your nationality or the country in which you are living. Check with the Mission whether or not they are able to process students and whether they accept postal applications or applications made in person.

You should apply in good time in order to avoid missing the start of your course. In some countries the visa application process is very lengthy. Please check the processing time.

You will need to apply using application form VAF1, which is available from your nearest British mission or it can be downloaded on the UKvisas website. Complete the form carefully and keep a copy for your own records. Submit the original to the British Mission, along with the following:

• Your valid passport;

• 2 recent passport-sized photographs;

• The fee. This is ?85 for single-entry clearance which is payable in local currency. Cash should not be sent through the post, but bank drafts, payable to the Mission, may be enclosed;

1. A letter of acceptance onto the course of study; this can be requested from the Admissions Office for undergraduates and the Graduate Office for postgraduates;

2. Evidence that you can pay the course fees and support yourself (and your family if they are coming with you). If you have an official sponsor, you will need a letter from them. If you have a private sponsor, such as a family member, you will need a letter from them confirming that they can support you, together with evidence that they can do this (eg bank statements or salary details from their employer). If you plan to support yourself, you will need to submit personal bank statements.

Remember that all documents should be originals. Please note that the production of the above documentation does not guarantee that you will be granted a visa / entry clearance. You may be asked to provide other documents, and you may be asked to attend an interview in person. If you do experience any difficulties obtaining entry clearance in your home country, contact the International Office for assistance as soon as possible.

If you are granted a visa / entry clearance, you will still have to pass through UK immigration control on arrival. You should therefore carry the documents listed above, along with your valid passport, in your hand luggage. Do not enter the UK as a visitor if your intention is to study, as once in the UK it will be extremely difficult to change your immigration status from visitor to student, and you may have to return to your home country to do this.

Extending your visa / leave to remain in the UK

You may need to extend your visa / leave to remain (LTR) in the UK when you are here. You can do this through the International Office.

Make sure that you make a note in your diary 2 months before the date of expiry to give you time to obtain the necessary documentation. Overstaying is a serious offence and if you do so you will have no right to appeal if your application is rejected. Applications to extend your visa / LTR can be made from approximately 5 weeks before it expires up until the expiry date. Please note the Home Office charges for student applications for LTR:

Posted applications - ?250

Personal applications at one of the Public Enquiry Offices - ?500