VISAS
If you are a student from outside of the European Economic Area, you may need to apply for a visa to enter the UK. This can be checked on the following UKBA (UK Border Agency) webpage:
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/
International House Newcastle is a UKBA Highly Trusted Sponsor - Sponsor Licence No: 5P2D6T558.
Which visa will I need?
For courses of 6 months or less: Student Visitor Visa
If you come to the UK as a student visitor, you will not be able to extend your stay in the UK as a student visitor or as a student. Please note that you are not allowed to work whilst in the UK. There is no minimum English level requirement.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/student-visitors/
For courses of 11 months or less: Extended Student Visitor Visa
If you come to the UK as a student visitor, you will not be able to extend your stay in the UK as a student visitor or as a student. Please note that you are not allowed to work whilst in the UK. There is no minimum English level requirement.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/student-visitors/
PBS Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
Students must study at least 15 hours per week. Further applications for visa extension may be made, but English Language Course students are not permitted to work. There is a minimum English Language requirement that needs to be shown with an appropriate certificate, equivalent to (or above) Level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and be ready to study on a course at CEFR Level B2. A full list of acceptable certificates and the grades required can be found on the UKBA’s website:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/adult-students/
Please note that applications for this visa must be supported by proof of your current level of English in accordance with current UKBA requirements and information on what you will use your English skills for in the future e.g. university study.
What we will need:
1. Course application fully completed and full payment of fees.
2. A copy of the passport.
3. Which type of visa will be applied for? For example,
• Student Visitor Visa
• Extended Student Visitor Visa
• PBS Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
4. If applying for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, we need indication of the level of English being minimum CEFR Level B1 or above, and proof of this, in accordance with UKBA requirements.
5. If applying for a Tier 4 student visa, we need details of what the student will be studying after they have completed their course at our school.