Student Visitor Visas and Extended Student Visitor Visas – FAQs (Frequently asked questions)

Student Visitor Visa - what is it?

The Student Visitor Visa (SVV) is for students taking a short course of study in the UK for six months or less. As the name suggests, it falls under the visitor visa category rather than the main student visa category (Tier 4).  Like a visit visa, the SVV does not allow students to undertake any employment or bring dependants.

Under 18s/Over 18s

The SVV is only available to students over 18. Students under 18 wishing to come to the UK to undertake a course of study will have to apply as a general visitor.

How to Apply?

Students applying for a SVV need to use VAF1D. Under 18s have to use VAF1A.
In some countries students can also apply on-line. Please see www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas
 

Cost

The cost of a SVV is currently £70.
 

Extended Student Visitor Visa

In December 2010 the UK Immigration Minister announced a new Extended Student Visitor Visa (ESVV) for English language students.  The ESVV will only be available to students who want to study an English language course for between six and eleven months. The visa will be valid for 11 months. Students enrolling on other courses or English Plus courses will not qualify for the ESVV.  Students will need to show that their course is longer than 6 months. The ESVV will cost £70 and will be available to students applying from 10 January 2011.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will the Extended Student Visitor visa cost?
The cost for an Extended Student Visitor visa is the same as the cost for a 6 month Student Visitor visa, £70.

Who can apply for the Extended Student Visitor visa?
Students of all nationalities (including non-visa nationals) who are planning to come to the UK to study an English language course between 6 and 11 months long.

What courses can be studied under the Extended Student Visitor visa?
Courses which only teach English as a foreign language. Mixed courses with a portion of time spent learning English will not qualify.

What level of English language course will this extended student visitor visa apply to?
Students can study English language courses at any level.

What do you define as an ‘English language course only’?
Where 100% of the syllabus and teaching is English language.

Is this a replacement for the current 6 month Student Visitor route?
No. The Student Visitor route will remain in place. This is a concession to allow those coming to study English language courses only to be able to study on courses for longer than 6 months and no more than 11 months.

How much leave will I be given if I am studying for longer than 6 months?
You will be granted leave for 11 months.

Can I still study non-English language courses if I come to the UK as a 6 month student visitor?
Yes. The requirements for the 6 month Student Visitor route remain the same.

Which visa application form do I use to apply?
You must use the application form VAF 1D, which is available on the Visa Services website.

How do I make an online application?
Online applications for the extended student visitor visa will only be available from 10 January, 2011.  After accessing Visa4UK via the Visa Services website and entering your email and password details you will be taken to the ‘Your Visa Requirements’ screen.  You will then need to:
• select your ‘Current Location’ and ‘Country of Nationality’
• select “Visit” for the ‘Purpose of Application’
• select “(General) Student visitor, to study English Language”
You will then be taken through the appropriate Visit VAF 1 to complete the remaining information for your application.

Where can I find more information on what evidence I need to provide if I wish to apply for an Extended Student Visitor visa?
Further information about applying for an Extended Student Visitor visa can be found at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas

Can I transfer to another course within the time I am studying?
Yes. You may move to another English language course e.g. if you progress faster than expected, provided you do not stay in the UK for longer than your visa states. You must not move onto a course of study in any subject other than English language.

Can I transfer to an English language course offered by another education provider during the time I am studying?
Yes, provided the other English language school provider holds a Tier 4 sponsor licence or is accredited by a UK Border Agency-approved accreditation body, and is prepared to enrol you onto their course.

Can I transfer to another type of course once my course is completed?
No. The Extended Student Visitor visa does not allow students to transfer to another UK course once they have completed their English language course. If you wish to continue studying in the UK you will need to return to your home country and re-apply under the correct route.

Can I work while I am studying under an Extended Student Visitor visa?
No. You cannot take up any employment if you are here on any type of student visitor visa.

Can I bring my dependants to the UK while I am studying on an Extended Student Visitor visa?
No. The Extended Student Visitor visa does not allow you to bring your dependants to the UK. If you wish your dependants to accompany you, they must apply for a visa in their own right.

I don’t need a visa to attend a course up to six months. Will I need to apply for a visa if I want to stay longer?
Yes.

Will there be an appeals process for students whose applications for an Extended Student Visitor visa are refused?
No. The appeal rights are the same as the Student Visitor route and will not attract a full right of appeal.

I am a non-visa national currently in the UK as a student visitor studying English language with 6 months leave to remain. Can I apply for an extension (or the Extended Student Visitor visa) in the UK before my 6 month leave expires?
No, you cannot extend a student visitor visa and you can only apply for the Extended Student Visitor visa outside of the UK.

This information is derived from information provided by English UK and is intended as a general guide.  The information was accurate at the time of compilation, but ETC International College accepts no liability for its accuracy.  You should assure yourself of the latest applicable visa regulations before making your study and travel plans.