Visa Requirements for International Students in the UK

For international students planning to study in the UK, obtaining the correct visa is an important step in the process. This article provides guidance on the application process for a Student Route visa and the importance of complying with UK immigration regulations.

The article also highlights the specific visa requirements for EEA/Swiss nationals and British National Overseas citizens and residents of Hong Kong. Finally, the article explores the Graduate Route, a flexible option for graduates to work and change jobs for two years after completing a UK degree. 

Visa Requirements for International Students

If you’re an international student planning to study in the UK, you will need to apply for a visa from the Home Office. Typically, you will need a Student Route visa and must be sponsored by a UK Home Office licensed education provider.

The University of Law is an approved sponsor and can provide sponsorship for international students under the Points-Based System. It’s important to note that it’s not possible to initially enter the UK on a Short-Term Student or Visitor visa and subsequently switch to the Student Route.

Additionally, if you’re a Short-Term Student, the University of Law cannot register you for full-time courses that exceed six months. Also, it’s not possible to enroll you on a Visitor visa or any other visa that doesn’t permit studying.

Compliance with Immigration Regulations

To ensure compliance with immigration regulations, it’s important to read the Student Visa Policy and Appendix ST: Student of the Immigration Rules. International students need to have the appropriate immigration authorization throughout their academic program in the UK.

It is important to keep in mind that UK immigration policies are subject to change without notice, so students should review the most recent edition of the Immigration Rules. In the case of possessing a UK immigration permit/visa, students must utilize the online verification system to present proof of their Right to Study in the UK.

Before enrolling in any course or attending any learning sessions, the University must verify your Right to Study.

Specific Visa Requirements

Starting from January 1, 2021, a visa is mandatory for EEA/Swiss citizens who wish to study in the UK, unless they possess the “Pre-Settled or Settled Status” for the UK. For British National Overseas citizens and residents of Hong Kong, a new visa will be introduced.

The Graduate Route

Graduates who have received a degree-level qualification from a recognized UK Higher Education provider can take advantage of the “Graduate Route,” which offers the flexibility to work and change jobs for two years after completing a UK degree, without the need for employer sponsorship or endorsement.

It’s important to note that to be eligible for the “Graduate Route,” applicants must have completed their degree during their current “Tier 4/Student Route permission,” and must receive confirmation of their degree outcome within the validity period of their current visa. 

Note: If a student’s degree program completion is postponed due to retaking an exam (resit) or submitting additional work (resubmission), they may be ineligible for the Graduate Route visa. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, international students who want to study in the UK must obtain the appropriate visa from the Home Office, usually a Student Route visa. The University of Law is an approved sponsor and can provide sponsorship for international students.

It is essential to comply with immigration regulations and ensure that the correct immigration permission is obtained for the entire duration of the course. Students need to stay up-to-date with the latest version of the Immigration Rules since requirements may change.

EEA/Swiss nationals must have “Pre-Settled or Settled Status” to study in the UK without a visa, while British National Overseas citizens and residents of Hong Kong will require a new visa. The Graduate Route is available for graduates to work flexibly and switch jobs for 2 years after completing a UK degree, without requiring sponsorship or endorsement by an employer, but eligibility criteria must be met.

Overall, international students should stay up-to-date with the latest version of the Immigration Rules and seek guidance from the University and the Home Office to ensure a successful study experience in the UK.