THE INFORMATION GATHERING PROCESS:

• Nationality (EU nationals do not require a visa)
• Student’s level of English
• Student’s current level of education
• Program in which student is interested
• Date student plans to begin his/her studies
• How the student plans on financing his/her studies and living expenses
• Whether student requires housing
• Whether student requires assistance finding employment
• Whether student is interested in immigration

SW AGENT’S ROLE:

• Provide student with program information, including description, length and cost of course
• Ensure student has the minimum education level for acceptance (check the appropriate college/university websites for this as they vary for each institution)
• Ensure student has copies of all certificates and transcripts translated into English
• Assist student in filling out the appropriate application forms
• Email copies of all documents (application form, certificates and transcripts, latest academic qualifications and copy of current Passport) together with proof of payment to Student World, London at london@studentworld.com.au. Agent should be Student World or commission will not be paid.
• Once the visa has been issued, email any special requirements such as accommodation needs and notify arrival details, etc.

THE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY’S ROLE:

• Issue a visa letter (letter of offer) once the application and appropriate documentation is received
• Most UK colleges will assist with finding accommodation. See their individual website to determine the services they provide

THE STUDENT’S ROLE:

• Complete all forms according to the instructions.
• Provide all supporting documents, including a copy of the passport.
• Provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover the course fees and living expenses for the first year. If being privately sponsored, a letter from your sponsor giving details of how they will support you during your studies, and evidence that they can do so will be required.
• Once the Student Visa is obtained, the student will purchase his/her airline ticket (NOTE: Students should not purchase their tickets until the student visa has been issued).

UK BORDER AGENCY:

• Visit the UK Border Agency online for all information at: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf5students. On this website can be found answers to every question the student may have including the rules governing definition of a “visa national”, relatives accompanying them, work permits, etc.
• Once the visa letter (letter of offer) from the sponsoring college/university is received, complete visa application form VAF3. Applications can be submitted online or to the nearest UK Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
• The following will be needed to accompany visa applications:
  • Passport or travel document.
  • A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photograph of yourself. This should be:
    1. taken against a light-coloured background
    2. clear and of good quality, and not framed or backed
    3. printed on normal photographic paper, and
    4. full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons (but the face must not be covered).
  • The visa fee. This cannot be refunded and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying.
  • Supporting documents relevant to the application.
• A medical exam is not normally required as part of the visa approval process. However, students applying from certain countries for visas longer than six months may need to undertake health screening for TB, see http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/tbscreening/ for more information.

ON ARRIVAL IN THE UK:

• Student can request to be met at the airport, however, arrangements will normally be coordinated by the college/university.
• The student is required to adhere to the college/university rules and regulations at all times and comply with attendance requirements in order to maintain student status. Failure to do so may result in deportation to the student’s country of origin.