Applying for a Student Visa
Students from China wishing to study in England will be required to apply for a visa. There is no limit on the number of visas that can be issued by the appropriate authority (the UK Border Agency, or UKBA).
When to apply:The amount of time it will take to process your visa depends on the country you hail from. It is a good idea, however, to begin the application process as soon as you decide that study in England is right for you.
What are the different kinds of visas?
The different available visas are classified according to prospective students’ age, intended length of stay and other considerations. Students from China who wish to obtain their GCSEs or A-Levels in England will require:
The Tier 4 (Child): Student Visa:This type of visa is for students aged between four and 17, who meet a number of criteria, including:
Having a place on a course
Having parental consent/ a guardian’s consent
Having enough funds to live and pay course fees
You can lodge your application for this type of visa up to three months before the date of your intended arrival in the UK and you can expect to receive your visa, if approved, within a time frame of three weeks. With this type of visa, you can stay for up to six years (plus four months subsequently) if you are under 16. If you are 16 or 17, you can stay up to three years (plus four months subsequently).
Cost:The cost of this visa is ￡406 If you apply online or by mail, ￡781 if you apply in person and ￡298 if you apply outside the UK.
Extension:It is possible to extend your stay, providing you are eligible for the Tier 4 (Child) visa and you are already in the UK. Make sure to apply within the last three months of your current permission and no later than six months after you Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) has been decreed.
Another type of visa, the Child Visitor Visa, is available for those aged under 18 who wish to complete a short course in the UK (i.e. your stay must be no longer than six months, or 12 months if you are accompanying an academic visitor).
If you are looking for expert advice and guidance on applying for a UK Visa, please email Phillip Waring at phillip@grayson-education.com
