Do
I require a visa to study at BBSI?
EU/EEA
Citizens
If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country, you do not require a visa to study in the UK.
Visa
Nationals
If you are a citizen of a 'Visa Country' (ie a 'Visa National'), you will require
a visa to study in the UK. To check details, you should refer to the UK Border Agency website and refer to Appendix 1 of the
Immigration Rules at Persons Who Require A Visa For The United Kingdom. Citizens of countries detailed at Appendix 1 are termed 'Visa Nationals'.
Non-Visa Nationals
A 'Non-Visa National' is a citizen of any country that is NOT detailed
by the UK Border Agency at Appendix 1 of the Immigration Rules at Persons Who Require A Visa For The United Kingdom. A Non-Visa National may not require a visa to visit the UK for a period of less than
6 months; however, your eligibility should be checked with your local British Embassy/British Consulate. A Non-Visa National
visiting the UK for a period of 6 months or more will require a visa.
What type of visa will I require?
General Student Visa (GSV)
You will require a GSV if you are 18 years of age or over and
... Plan to study in the UK for a period of up to 6 months, wish to extend
your visa whilst in the
UK, work part-time during your course for up to 10 hours per week, or bring dependants
with you (eg husband, wife or children) if you are studying for more than 6 months.
Plan to study in the
UK for a period greater than 6 months.
If you intend to apply for a GSV
you must have already studied English and be at Pre-Intermediate Level (Council of Europe Framework Reference B1
Level) or above, you will also need to provide proof of your current English language level. You must supply an original document(s)
with your visa application to prove your English level and supply a copy to BBSI on enrolment. Examples of documents you could
supply as evidence of your current English-language level are:
* secondary
school attendance record or leaving certificate, showing you have attended English classes for 3/4/5 years at CEFR Level B1
* secondary school examination certificate, showing some form of English language achievement at CEFR B1
* attendance
certificate from evening classes in English at CEFR B1
* college or university certificate showing your attendance/achievement
in an internationally-recognised certificate in English (eg PET)
* a written reference from an appropriately
qualified person (to include their contact details) stating that you have previously studied English and providing details
of the course and study dates - the reference must certify that the referee has interviewed you and that your English-language
level is adequate for entry to the intended course of study at BBSI.
For further details please refer to the BBSI
Information Sheet General Student Visa
A General Student Visa will enable you to travel
to the UK up to one month before your course commences.
How
do I apply for a visa?
You can download official visa application forms from the UKBA website as
follows:
General Student Visa: Tier4 (General) Application Form.
Student Visitor Visa: Application form VAF1D - Student visitor.
Child Visitor Visa: Application form VAF1A - General visitor.
To apply for your visa you will
need the following:
* Passport.
* Visa
fee.
* Your biometric details, ie fingers scans and a full-face digital photo (the British Embassy/British
Consulate will arrange this process).
* A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm) photograph in colour on
a white background, not framed, on normal photographic paper, full face without a hat or sunglasses.
* Proof
from your bank that you have enough money to cover your Tuition fees, accommodation and expenses while the UK.
Documentation. Should you not have the correct documents, it is unlikely
that your application would be successful.
Visa Application Centre (VAC). In some countries the
UK Border Agency works with a local VAC, which acts as a collecting and processing facility. The VAC will assist you with
preparing your visa application and be responsible for sending your application to the British Embassy/British Consulate for
processing.
What will I need to support my visa application?
UK
Sponsor. BBSI will be your Sponsor. BBSI is licensed by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) to enrol international students. BBSI
is featured on the UKBA website at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ as an 'A Rated' registered education provider.
Confirmation
of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Once you have completed a BBSI Enrolment Form,
paid a deposit for your course and provided the necessary information and documents (see below), BBSI will provide you with
a document confirming the details of your course, which will include you CAS reference number. Please note that the CAS is
not an actual document; it exists only as a number on the UKBA database. The CAS reference number must be quoted on your visa
application. For BBSI to provide you with a CAS, we will require the following information and copies of all documentation:
* Your full name (as it appears on your passport).
* Your
home address (full postal address).
* Your date of birth.
* Your city or town of birth.
* Your nationality.
* Your passport number.
* A copy of your Passport (e-mail
or fax is acceptable).
* Confirmation of the type of visa for which you will applying for, ie GSV.
* Proof
of your current English language level, which must be Council of Europe Framework Reference (CEFR) Level B1 or above. To apply
for a GSV, you must already have studied English and be at least at Pre-Intermediate level (CEFR B1)
Financial Details. Visa applicants will need to prove to the UK Border
Agency on application that they possess sufficient money to cover all their costs while in the UK: tuition, accommodation,
living expenses and travel costs. Moreover, should you plan to apply for a General Student Visa, you will need to demonstrate
that you have access to at least GBP 600.00 per month in accommodation and spending money.
How much
will my visa cost?
General Student Visa. The General Student Visa currently costs
GBP 145.00. This will rise to GBP 199.00
Where
can I get more information about visas?
For information and assistance regarding visas for studying
in the UK, please visit the UKBA website at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/. The site provides a 'Quick Guide' for students, which you might be helpful.