Visa Type

General (Adult) Student Visa

The General (Adult) Student Visa will give a full range of entitlements:

• to switch to another visa category
• to work part-time (maximum 20 hours a week during the course, and full-time in vacations)
• to extend their stay by applying while in the UK
• to bring in dependants (such as partner or children) who may themselves work if the student has a visa for 12 months or more.

To enrol for a General Student Visas students:

• must be 16 or over
• must be enrolled on a course with a minimum of 15 hours a week of organised daytime study
• must be at level A2, Elementary (Total beginners at A1 level must come through the Student Visitor route).
• must provide proof of level of English
• must provide proof of funds

Student Visitor Visa

The Student Visitor Visa (SVV):

• will have no entitlements (no right to work at all, nor to switch, extend or bring in dependants).
• will have a maximum duration of 6 months and is intended for those who simply wish to come to the UK to take a short course and then return home.
• will allow anyone who is a beginner in English language (CEFR level A1) will have to apply for this visa. (If they then want to pursue their studies in the UK, they will have to return home and apply for the Adult Student visa from their home country.)

Applicants for the SVV will be assessed particularly on their reasons for wishing to take the course, their finances, and their intent to return home at the end of it. For the SVV applicants, letters of acceptance/enrolment will be required.