Applying for a visa to UK. Study and tourist visa for foreign students

To enroll in language courses in the UK, which can be taken for a maximum of 6 months, you will need a student visitor visa. The following documents are required for visa application:

1. Foreign Passport: Provide your foreign passport with the owner's signature along with a copy of the national passport. The foreign passport should have at least one blank page on both sides and be valid for a minimum of 3 months before your intended trip. If you have two valid passports, both should be submitted.

2. Consular Fee amounts: The consular fee amounts to approximately 140 US dollars.

3. Old Passport: If you have an old passport, provide it along with copies of all its pages.

4. Provide a copy of Residence Permit, Visa, or Green Card.

5. It is necessary to submit two color photographs, which meet the following criteria:

   • Taken against a light background to ensure clear contrast with the face.
   • Good quality of photography. Photography is taken no more than 6 months before submitting the application.
   • Original photos without any Photoshop alterations.
   • Vertical dimensions of 35mm by 45mm horizontally, without corners, oval shapes, or frames.
   • Preferably printed on glossy photo paper.
   • The photos should not have sunglasses, helmets, hats, and the face should be clearly visible.

6. Letter from Educational Institution: it is necessary to obtain a letter from the educational institution where you will be studying. This document, known as a Visa Letter, confirms your enrollment at the school.

7. Documents to Confirm Knowledge: it is necessary to provide copies of any documents that can confirm your qualifications or knowledge. Typically, educational institutions require certain qualifications, knowledge, or test scores for admission. Examples of such documents include an art portfolio, English certificates (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL), or other relevant certifications.

8. Copy of Diploma or Certificate: it can be a copy of your current school diploma, degree, or certificate, along with photocopies of the assessments for all subjects studied.

9. Information about Current Studies: if you are currently studying, provide information about your family, residence, flight reservation, and accommodation details.

10. Personal Bank Account Statement: it is necessary to submit a bank account statement or one from your parents that demonstrates sufficient funds. The statement should show the availability and movement of funds for the past three months. It should be issued no more than one month prior to submitting the documents. The recommended balance on the bank card is calculated based on the following formula: round-trip ticket cost + tuition fee (if not yet paid) + 40 pounds per day multiplied by the number of days you plan to study in the UK. The bank statement should include the bank's seal and original documents.

11. Employment Information: it is recommended to provide information from your parents' place of work. The letterhead of the organization should include the position, working period, salary level, and a contact phone number and official seal of the company. It is recommended that the parent’s salary should not be lower than 1400 US dollars. Unemployed students under 18 years old should submit a sponsor certificate. In case of an employment letter it must state that the applicant will retain their job and position during their stay in the UK.

12. Business Entities and Entrepreneurs: If you are a business owner or self-employed, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Certificate of business registration indicating the owner's name.
• Package of documents, which shows the number and volume of transactions conducted.
• Tax file for a minimum of 1 year.

13. Retired Individuals should provide the following documents:

• Bank account statement with a balance of at least 1400 dollars.
• Copy of pension certificate.
• Sponsorship letter from the funding party, which should indicate the degree of kinship and reason for sponsorship. In addition, it should contain a photocopy of the document that indicates the relationship, a sponsor's employment certificate on company letterhead with a seal (showing work address, position, salary, and work phone number), and a bank account statement from the sponsor demonstrating transactions for the past 3 months. It is recommended to attach a copy of the sponsor's passport.

14. Marital Status Certificate: it is necessary to include a copy and original of the certificate of marital status. If divorced, widowed, or married, provide a marriage, divorce, or death certificate of the spouse.

15. Minors' Documents: for students under 18 years old applying for a British study visa, the following documents are required:

• Birth certificate (original and copy) or adoption document, which should contain the full name of the parent responsible for the account extract and funding the entire period of studying in the UK.

16. Sponsorship: If the applicant is sponsored by someone, submit a sponsorship letter and a copy of the sponsor's passport.

17. Parental/Guardian Consent: If a minor student is traveling alone, notarized consent is required from both parents or all guardians. If the applicant is accompanied by one parent or guardian, notarized consent from the second person is necessary. If the applicant is under the guardianship of one person, a certificate of legal guardianship is required. If a trustee accompanies the student, notarial consent from both parents or guardians is needed.

18. Offenses or Convictions: If you have any offenses or convictions, provide an official document indicating their presence.

19. Assets: If you own land, real estate, or securities, provide copies of property certificates or a copy of the vehicle's technical passport if you own a car.

20. Consent to process personal data is required for obtaining any visa, including a long-term student visa (e.g., England TIER 4). If the applicant is under 18 years old, this document should be completed by one of the parents.

21. Our company's specialists will prepare the application form and reservation (often 2 copies are required).

For studying on academic programs lasting six months or more, you will need to obtain a Tier 4 Child/General Student Visa. The following package of documents is required for the visa application:

1. Consular Fee and IHS Fee: The consular fee amount varies, and there is an additional IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) fee of 150 GBP per school year. The IHS fee covers access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) for non-EU citizens.

2. Original Foreign Passport with the owner's signature and a copy of national passport are required. The foreign passport must have at least one blank page and be valid for the entire duration of your studying.

3. If you have a previous passport, include copies of all its pages.

4. It is required to submit a Green Card, Visa, or Temporary Residence Permit: Submit a copy of your green card, visa, or temporary residence permit.

5. Color Photographs: Include two color photographs that meet the following criteria:

   • Taken within the past six months.
   • Clear and taken against a light background to ensure facial features are distinguishable and well-contrasted.
   • Original photos without any Photoshop modifications.
   • Sized 35mm horizontally and 45mm vertically, without corners, ovals, or frames.
   • The face should be clearly visible without sunglasses, helmets, or hats.
   • Preferably printed on glossy photo paper.

6. It is required to obtain an invitation (CAS) from the UK educational institution you plan to study. The invitation should include a final offer with your name, citizenship, passport number, and the UKBA Sponsorship License. It should also include the institution's address, cost of living and education, payment details, course dates, and contact information. The CAS is a crucial document for obtaining a TIER 4 student visa to England.

7. Provide photocopies of any documents that can confirm your qualifications, necessary language knowledge, or test scores.

8. It is required to provide the original and a copy of your certificate, diploma, or other documents confirming your education. If you are currently studying, provide a report card with grades.

9. Accommodation Information: Provide details of your apartment, hotel, residence, or host family arrangement. You must have a place to live during your study period.

10. Personal or Parent's Bank Account Statement: Submit a bank account statement indicating the availability of funds and their movement over the past 30 days (preferably for 3 months). The statement should be obtained no more than 1 month prior to the date of submitting the package of documents and should indicate a minimum balance equal to the sum of round-trip tickets, the first-year tuition fee, and 1265 pounds for London or 1015 pounds for other UK cities, multiplied by the number of months you plan to study.  It is required to provide all payments made with supporting documents. The bank statement must include bank details, seals, and officials' signatures; otherwise, it will not be accepted.

11. It is necessary to include a letter of employment confirmation from your parents (not necessary for Tier 4 Child Visa, but it is advisable to provide this certificate). The letter should state the position, working period, and monthly salary. It should be printed on company letterhead with a valid contact phone number and official stamp. The recommended personal or parental salary should be at least 2350 US dollars. Attach a copy of the sponsor's passport.

12. Business or Entrepreneur Documents: If you are a business owner or entrepreneur, you may need the following documents:

• Certificate of registration indicating the owner's name.
• Documentation indicating transactions value and volume.
• Tax files and company accounts for at least one year.

13. Retired individuals need to provide the following package of documents:

• Pension certificate and a photocopy.
• Bank account statement with a minimum balance of 150,000 thousand.
• Sponsorship letter from the funding party (if there is one), indicating the degree of kinship and reason for sponsorship. Include a photocopy of the document indicating the relationship, the sponsor's letter of employment confirmation on company letterhead with a seal, and an extract from the sponsor's bank account reflecting transactions from the past 3 months. Attach a copy of the sponsor's passport.

14. It is required to provide a copy and original certificate of marital status. If divorced, widowed, or married, include a marriage, divorce, or death certificate of the spouse.

15. Minors' Documents: for students under the age of 18 years old, who want to obtain a British study visa, include an original and copy of their birth certificate or adoption document. It must contain the full name of the parent responsible for the account extract and funding the entire period of studying in the UK.

16. Sponsorship: If someone is sponsoring your student visa, include a sponsorship letter and a copy of the sponsor's passport.

17. Parental/Guardian Consent: If a minor student is traveling to the UK, notarized parental or guardian consent (original and copy) is required. Different options of the document include:

• If traveling unaccompanied, provide notarized consent from both parents or all guardians.
• If accompanied by one parent or guardian, provide notarized consent from the second person.
• If under the care of a guardian, provide a certificate confirming legal guardianship.
• If a trustee accompanies the student, notarial consent from both parents or guardians is needed.

18. Offenses or Convictions: If you have any offenses or convictions, include an official document indicating their existence.

19. Property Certificate: If you own land, real estate, or securities, provide copies of property certificates or a copy of the car's technical passport if there is one.

20. A formal consent to process personal data is a prerequisite for obtaining any visa, including a long-term student visa (e.g., Tier 4). If you are under 18 years old, one of your parents should complete this document.

21. Children aged 11 and above need a tuberculosis test certificate. Parents or guardians must accompany children to the clinic and pay for medical test (150 USD), and provide identification documents. If there are previous lung tests or tuberculosis certificates, provide them as well. Children under 11 years old need to fill out a health questionnaire at an accredited clinic. Based on the questionnaire, the doctor will determine the need for tuberculosis testing. If testing is unnecessary, a certificate stating so will be issued for a fee. The negative test result certificate is issued within 4 hours of the examination.

22. Printed Application Form with Reservation at the visa center is required. Our company's specialists can assist in preparing these documents (2 copies).

Important Note: If the student resides with a host family that is not affiliated with the educational institution, additional documents are required. These documents include a guarantee voucher from a member of the host family, an official consent letter from a parent or legal guardian (translated into English), a copy of the notification letter to the local authority regarding the child's placement with a private foster carer, and an original document confirming the local authority's notification. It is also necessary to provide proof that the foster carer is legally residing in the UK, such as a copy of their naturalization certificate or British passport, along with confirmation of sufficient funds on the bank account.

A tourist visa is issued for durations of 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. To apply for this visa, you will need to prepare the following package of documents:

1. Consular Fees vary depending on the duration of the visa. The fees are as follows: $142 (6 months), $513 (1 or 2 years), $930 (5 years), $1260 (10 years).

2. It is required to provide a passport with your signature. The passport should be valid for the entire period of your trip and have at least one blank page on both sides. In addition, it is necessary to include a copy of your national passport (2 copies).

3. If there is one, include a previous foreign passport along with photocopies of all its pages.

4. Green Card, Visa, and Temporary Residence Permit: Submit a copy of your green card, visa, or temporary residence permit.

5. Color Photographs: it is required to include two color photographs that meet the following requirements:

   • Taken within the last six months.
   • Taken against a light background to ensure clear facial features with good contrast.
   • Original photos without any modifications.
   • Sized 35 mm horizontally and 45 mm vertically, without corners, frames, or ovals.
   • The face should be clearly visible without sunglasses, helmets, or hats.
   • Preferably printed on glossy photo paper.

6. Certificate, Diploma, or Education Document: It is necessary to include a copy of the certificate, diploma, or any other document confirming your education. If you are currently studying, include a copy of the report card with grades.

7. Accommodation and Travel Information: it is required to provide details of your apartment reservation, flight tickets, hotel booking, or arrangements with a host family. Include documentation of any prepaid deposits.

8. Bank Statement: Submit a personal bank account statement or a statement from your parent's account. The statement should indicate the availability of funds and their movement over the past three months. The bank account statement should not be older than 30 days at the time of submitting the application. The recommended balance in the account should cover the number of days you plan to stay in the UK, multiplied by 40 pounds per day, as well as the cost of round-trip airfare. The bank account statement must include bank details, seals, and officials' signatures; otherwise, it will not be accepted.

9. Employment Certificate: Include a certificate of employment or a certificate from your parent's workplace. The certificate should indicate the position, working period, and salary level. It should be printed on company letterhead with the correct phone number and stamped. Non-working or underage students can provide a similar certificate from their sponsor. Attach a copy of the sponsor's passport.

10. Business or Entrepreneur Documents: If you are a business owner or entrepreneur, you may need to provide the following documents:

• Certificate of registration of your company with the owner's name.
• Documentation indicating  transactions value and volume.
• Tax files and company account statements for at least one year.

11. Certificate from Place of Study: Students should provide a certificate from their educational institution.

12. If you are a pensioner, you may need to provide the following:

• Pension certificate and its copy.
• Bank account statement with a minimum amount of $1400.
• If sponsored, it is required to provide a sponsorship letter indicating the degree of kinship and reasons for sponsorship. Include a copy of the document confirming the relationship and a certificate of employment from the sponsor's company on letterhead with a stamp, address, and work phone number. The certificate should indicate a position with a salary of at least $1400. Attach an extract from the sponsor's bank account reflecting the movement of funds for the past three months.

13. Marital Status Certificate: Include an original and copy of your certificate of marital status. If married, divorced, or widowed, provide the appropriate marriage, divorce, or death certificate of the spouse.

14. Minors' Documents: Minors should present an original and copy of their birth certificate or adoption document. The document should contain the full name of the parent responsible for the account statement and funding their entire stay in the UK.

15. Sponsorship: If someone is sponsoring you, submit a sponsorship letter from that person.

16. Parental/Guardian Consent: If you are a minor traveling to the UK, provide notarized parental or guardian consent (original and a copy) translated into English. Different options of the document include:

• If traveling unaccompanied, present notarized consent from both parents or all guardians.
• If accompanied by one parent or guardian, present notarized consent from the second person.
• If a guardian is giving consent, provide a certificate confirming their legal guardianship.
• If a trustee is accompanying the student, notarial consent from both parents or guardians is required.

17. Offenses or Convictions: If you have any previous offenses or convictions, provide an official document stating their existence and the corresponding sentencing.

18. Consent to Process Personal Data: Provide your formal consent for our consultants to process your personal data.

19. If you own land, real estate, or securities, provide copies of the property certificates or a copy of the car's technical passport if there is one.

20. Application Form and Reservation: Our company's specialists will prepare the application form and reservation for you.

Please note that this information is subject to change, and it is recommended to consult the relevant authorities or our specialists for the most up-to-date requirements.

Please, pay attention! Please inform the company manager if you require additional services. The availability and cost of additional services may vary depending on the location of the UK visa center.

The additional services may include

1. SMS Notification
2. Premium Zone Submission
3. Document Delivery to Your Address
4. Premium Time Document Submission
5. Document Printing
6. Group Reservations (5 to 25 people) for a Joint Trip
7. Priority Examination of Documents: Up to 5 working days (for tourist visas up to 6 months and study visas)
8. Passport-Free Document Submission (for tourist visas valid for 2/5/10 years)
9. Document Translations

Important! All documents must be translated into English. The translation should accurately include the name, contact information of the translator, their clear signature, and the date of translation.

If you receive an invitation to study from any institution in the UK (secondary education, higher education, academic degree, or advanced education), we will send it to the applicant's address.

Visa Extension

• If a visa, including a British study visa, is issued for less than 6 months (e.g., for a short period of study in the UK), it cannot be renewed, and a new visa must be obtained.
• If the visa is issued for more than 6 months, such as a student visa to England Tier 4, it can be extended. This long-term category allows working without formal authorization for up to 20 hours per week during study time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays.

Refusal or Withdrawal of Documents:

• In case of refusal or withdrawal of documents, the consular fee is non-refundable for all applicants, regardless of age. If documents with incorrect information are provided, the applicant may be refused a visa for study in the UK, and a 10-year ban on submitting a new application may be imposed. In such cases, we recommend writing an official letter to the visa center explaining the situation in advance if the applicant lacks sufficient documents.

Reasons for Refusal:

• Entry into the country or violation of the period of stay under a previously issued visa.
• Providing false information in the application.
• Cancelled passport without granted British visas or presence of records of visa refusals.
• Insufficient financial guarantees.
• Providing documents, with an incorrect phone number from the workplace required for employment confirmation.
• Lack of documents confirming tourist purposes, which may raise suspicions of intending permanent residence in the country.

Urgent Visa Application: If you need an urgent visa, the package of documents can be applied for within 3-4 working days. The cost of this service is £120, which can be paid on the visa center's website. However, the applicant must meet certain requirements for the "visit" category with a period of 6 to 12 months and have previous trips to the UK within the last 5 years (this requirement has been in effect since 2014). Failure to comply with these requirements may cause delays in the application process. Please note that the number of slots available for urgent applications is limited to 20% of the total per day. If the limit has been reached at the time of application, the applicant can still submit an application under the normal procedure without a refund for the paid urgency fee.

Courier Delivery and Passport-Free Document Submission

• Courier delivery service costs £10.
• Passport-free document submission service costs £40 (for visa categories valid for 2 years or longer). Once a positive decision is made, the applicant needs to submit their passport to the visa center and obtain a stamp. This procedure usually takes no more than 7 working days.

To collect the documents, the applicant needs to present their civil passport and the receipt provided by the visa center employee during document submission. The passport with the stamp can be returned through the following methods:

• Courier with a power of attorney and the delivery receipt. The courier must present an identity card (a copy and an original) and a copy of the applicant's passport.
• Express mail with an approximate delivery cost of £9.95. In case of loss of the receipt, the passport can only be obtained in person by presenting a civil passport.

Minor discrepancies in the name and surname on the visa are acceptable. However, significant discrepancies should be urgently reported to the visa center to rectify the error, which may take up to 2 working days.

Please note that visa centers may change the conditions for visa applications and cover letters. It is essential to clarify all the procedure details with the visa center or SMAPSE consultants before submitting the application.