Congratulations on securing your place at a UK boarding school!
You're probably curious about what comes next. Before you start your term or even come to the UK, you likely need to get a visa.
The visa application process can seem very complicated and daunting, so we have put together this blog to help you understand some of the basics.
There are various types of visas to study in the UK. Most of our international students coming to the UK to study at an independent boarding school (aged 4-17) require a Child Student visa. If you are attending a higher education institution in the UK, you are likely to need a Student visa.
Here are some essentials to know before you start your visa application process:
The cost of a visa depends on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. You can see the fees for a Child Student visa and a Student visa on the government website.
As part of your visa application, you will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). We explain this further below.
Once your school has offered you a place, they will send you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You need this CAS before you can apply for a visa. Once you receive it, the application process can begin.
When you’re applying for your visa, you need to be able to prove that you have enough money to pay for your course and support you in the UK. If you’re boarding at an independent school in the UK, you must have enough money to pay for your course fees and your boarding fees for one academic year.
You must prove you (or your parent) have the money in your accounts for a certain length of time. Read more information on the financial evidence process.
As part of your visa application, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS).
The calculated cost of your IHS might seem to be more than you expected. This is because the cost of the IHS is based on the full duration of the visa being used. This includes the additional period (usually of four months) that is added upon completion of your studies.
Now that you’ve got a place at a boarding school in the UK, your family might want to come and visit.
For parents and family visiting the UK for six months or less, you can either enter the UK as a Standard Visitor (without a visa) or you may need a Standard Visitor visa to come to the UK. This depends on which country you are from. You can check if you need a visa on the UK Government website.
Applying for your visa can be stressful and it is inconvenient and costly to have your application rejected. Our partner immigration lawyers have the expertise and experience required to successfully support your visa applications.
If you would like further information or a referral to one of our visa partners, please fill in our visa application support form.
We recommend beginning to prepare your child's visa application six months before the start of term to ensure ample time for gathering the required documents. We are always here to help if you need additional support.
Curious what happens once the visas are secured and it's time to start the journey to the UK? See our Airport Assistance document for more information.
This article appears in the following categories FAQs & Resources, School Admissions, Students
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