Getting a Student Visa to Study in the United Kingdom

If you are looking into the idea of studying abroad and going to college in the United Kingdom, you will most likely need to secure a student visa for yourself in order to legally be in the country as a student. While the easiest way to become a student in the U.K. is by far using a study abroad program with a college or university in your country, it is possible for you to arrange your own studies and therefore your own student visa.

A United Kingdom study visa is what you will need to come to the country to study at a college or university. You should only apply for a study visa if your studies will keep you in the United Kingdom for a period greater than 6 months in duration.

You cannot gain permanent residence with a student visa. A student visa is merely a temporary residence visa. Time spent in the UK under a student visa does not count towards the residence requirement for acquiring permanent residency. However, once you have completed your studies you may be able to transition to a different visa if you meet all the qualifications for that visa.

In order to get a study visa, there are some conditions that must be met. You must be able to prove that you have been accepted into a university or college. You must be in a full-time degree course. You must be able to prove that you have adequate financial resources to cover the cost of attending the school, your accommodations while in school and general living expenses without seeking full-time employment. You must also show that you intend to leave the country when your studies are completed.

If you are granted a student visa to come to the United Kingdom, they are typically granted for a period of one year initially. However, there is no limit to the amount of time you can be in the country under a student visa.

You are also allowed to seek part-time employment if you hold a student visa in the United Kingdom. There are conditions to this employment benefit. You cannot work more than 20 hours a week, unless it is a holiday period. You cannot be self-employed. And you cannot work a full-time permanent job while under the student visa.

If you are married, your spouse may come to the United Kingdom with you. You must show sufficient financial means to support the both of you. Your spouse is only allowed to work if your permit is for at least 12 months.

For more information on the UK student visa, visit the Home Office Border and Immigration Agency website.