Student Visitors
Student Visitor visas are for those students who wish to study for up to six months in the UK. You would enter as a Student Visitor if you were coming to study a short course or re-take an examination or module. Once here as a Student Visitor, you cannot extend your stay or switch into any other visa category; you will have to return to your home country and apply for another visa.
To apply you will need to complete the application form VAF1D or apply online. Check the UKBA country finder to see which form you should complete. The application will cost the equivalent of £78 in local currency. You will need to supply the following documents with your application:
- Current and/or previous passport(s).
- One recent passport-sized photograph (see the Photo guidance).
- A letter from the University of Derby confirming your details, course details and costs. This letter will be issued by the Admissions department for new students, or the Immigration Advisor for current students.
- Bank statements covering at least a three month period, showing that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK. There is no specific figure given, but it is advisable to use the Tier 4 rules as a guideline (£800 for each month of the course).
Non-visa nationals
Nationals of certain countries are not required to obtain a visa before they travel to the UK if they are visiting for less than six months. These students can have their passports stamped on arrival at the UK border control and must make it clear to the Immigration Officer at the border that they are entering the UK for the purpose of study, rather than a general visit. You will not need to complete an application form, but you should still supply the documents listed above.
