What type of student visa do I need?
Types of student visas are given blow which will be applicable after the 31-March-2009.
| Type of student visa |
Who can apply? |
Child student
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You can apply as a child student if you are between 4 and 17 years old. If you are between 4 and 15 years old, you must be coming to the United Kingdom to be educated at an independent fee-paying school. |
| Child visitor |
You can apply as a child visitor if you are 17 years old or under and you want to come to the United Kingdom to do a course of study for up to six months.
You will not be able to switch and apply for a child student visa while you are in the United Kingdom as a child visitor. If you want to apply for a child student visa, you must apply from the country you live in.
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Adult student
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You can apply as an adult student if you are coming to the United Kingdom for your post-16 education. |
| Student visitor |
You can apply as a student visitor if you are 18 years old or over, you want to come to the United Kingdom to do a course for up to six months, and you do not want to work while you are here.
You will not be able to switch and apply for an adult student visa while you are in the United Kingdom as a student visitor. If you want to apply for an adult student visa, you must apply from the country you live in.
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| Prospective student |
You can apply as a prospective student if you want to come to the United Kingdom to help you decide which course to study or if you plan to start a course of study within six months.
You will be able to switch and apply for an adult or child student visa while you are in the United Kingdom.
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16 and 17 year old students applying to come for more than 6 months
You and your approved education provider should agree whether you need to apply for an adult or child student visa. If you will be studying a course below (NQF) National Qualification Framework level 3, you must apply as a child student. If your course is at NQF level 3 (or equivalent) or above and is longer than two years, Home Office recommend you apply as an adult student. If you want to study for an English language qualification at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level A2 or above, you must apply as an adult student.
Applying for an adult student visa
To apply for UK Student visa you must remember that if you are 16 or 17 years old and want to study a course at NQF level 3 or above, you can agree with your approved education provider either to apply as an adult or child. Those studying for an English language qualification at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level A2 or above must apply as an adult student. Source: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk
ID cards and biometric
If you are applying from inside the United Kingdom, you will have to apply for an identity card for foreign nationals.
You must have your photograph taken and give your fingerprints, which are known as your biometric information.
Your ID card is proof of your permission to stay in the United Kingdom and shows any conditions you must meet while you are here. It helps your approved education provider. The card enables you to confirm your identity, what rights you have to study or work here and to access public services.
More Infomation
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Apply for an ID card?
When you apply to extend your stay while in the United Kingdom, you will have to make an appointment to go to one of Home Office
seven enrolment center's
to have your photograph taken and your fingerprints scanned and recorded (which is a quick and clean process). Your fingerprints and photograph are known as 'biometric information'
If you apply by post, after you have submitted your application you will get a letter from Home Office telling you how to book an appointment to give your biometrics. If you submit your application in person at one of our public enquiry offices, you will be able to give your biometrics at the same time.
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How to get my ID card?
If you applied by post, the card will be posted to you by secure delivery, separately from the decision about your application and return of your documents. If you applied at the public enquiry office, the ID card will be sent to you by secure delivery after your appointment. Identity cards cannot be issued on the same day.
If you have not got your card within seven days of the date of your decision cover letter you should contact Home Office on 0300 123 2412.
You must check the card carefully when you get it to make sure that all the details on it are correct. If you find a mistake, please telephone 0300 123 2412 within 10 working days of getting the card, or you may be charged for a replacement and have to apply again.
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Usage of my ID card
Your ID card is proof of your permission to stay in the United Kingdom and shows any conditions you must meet while you are here. It helps official agencies, employers and education providers (such as universities and colleges) to see what you are entitled to. The ID card enables you to confirm your identity, what rights you have to study or work here and to access public services.
You must show it to your employer or approved education provider to prove that you are allowed to work or study.
If you travel outside the United Kingdom during your time here, you may need to show it to an immigration officer at the border when you leave the United Kingdom. You will need to show it as well as your valid national passport or travel document before starting a journey back, and again when you re-enter the United Kingdom. The ID card proves you are allowed to return to the United Kingdom, but it cannot be used instead of a passport or travel document.
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In Case of Lost or stolen
If your card is lost or stolen, you must report the loss or theft to the UK Border Agency on 0300 123 2412 as soon as possible so that the card can be cancelled.
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