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| English in Chester 9-11 Stanley Place Chester CH1 2LU |
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| Tel: | +44 (0)1244 318913 |
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| Fax: | +44 (0)1244 320091 |
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Applications for General Student Visas
The new Points-Based System for General Student Visas
From 31st March 2009, the UK is introducing a new visa system for students. After this date, if an adult student is applying for a visa to study in the UK, there will be two possible kinds of visa:
A student visitor visa (SVV): this is for courses less than 6 months long. Students cannot work in the UK with this visa, and they cannot extend their stay without returning to their country and applying for a new visa. Students cannot bring in dependants such as children or partners if they are studying on a SVV. This is the same as the existing student visitor visa. The procedures for applying for a SVV will be the same as they are now.
A general student visa (GSV): this is suitable for courses or periods of study over 6 months long, and for some students who are coming on shorter courses but may wish to extend their stay as a student in the UK. This is a new kind of visa with different requirements from the old student visa. Beginners cannot study on a general student visa, so students will need to provide documentary proof that they are not beginners. Dependants can apply to join students studying on a GSV in the UK for the duration of the course. Students who get a General Student Visa to study at a establishment will only be able to study at the establishment named on their visa. If they then do not attend the school, the school will be legally required to report them to the UK Border Agency.
Applying for a General Student Visa
In order to apply for a General Student Visa from 31st March 2009, a student will need a new kind of letter from the school where they wish to study. We will need to gather more information from students applying for the GSV, so there will be an additional Self Assessment form to complete for GSV applications which should be sent in with the normal application form and with the other documents listed on the Self Assessment form. These will include proof of the level of English of the student and a copy of the student's passport.
From Autumn 2009, the visa letter will be replaced by a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS) from the School at which he or she wishes to study, which will be a computer-generated number to be attached to the visa application.
» Click here to download the Self Assessment form for GSV applications
» Information about applying for a GSV from 22 February 2010
Fees and deposits for GSV applications
Students applying through English in Chester for a General Student Visa from 31st March 2009 will normally be required to pay their tuition fees in full in advance, which includes a £200 non-refundable deposit. Students applying through an approved agent will still have to pay the non-refundable deposit of £200 before their application is processed. Students sponsored by their Government will need to provide documentary evidence of the sponsorship and will also need to pay the deposit of £200, unless they can provide a financial guarantee document from their sponsor.
If you are an agent and you think you are likely to be sending students to English in Chester who will require General Student Visas, please contact us and we will send you a copy of our information sheet outlining the new procedures for applications received from March 2009.
