Visas

General Student Visas

A general student visa (GSV) 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 continue their stay as a student in the UK, for example to go on to a course at University.

To study on an English course on a GSV, students must already have a B1 (intermediate) level of English to apply. From April 2011 they will need to prove this with one of the Secure English Language Tests (SELTS), for example IELTS, TOEFL, the Pearson Test or a Cambridge examination. Students will need IELTS 4.0 (in all four skills), or the equivalent.

Dependants cannot apply to join students studying on an English course on a GSV in the UK for the duration of the course. From July 2011, there is no right to work for GSV students studying on English courses.

GSV students are “sponsored” by the school where they study. To sponsor a student, the school must be on the Tier 4 register of sponsors. GSV students can only study at the establishment named on their visa. If they do not satisfactorily attend the school, the school is legally required to report them to the UK Border Agency.

In order to apply for a GSV, you will need a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS) from the school at which you wish to study, which is a computer-generated number to be attached to your visa application. To issue a CAS, the school will need to gather more information from you, so there is an additional Self Assessment form to complete for GSV applications which you should send in with the normal application form and with the other documents listed on the Self Assessment form. These will include proof of a minimum of B1 level of English through a SELT (Secure English Language Test) and a copy of your passport. When you apply for your visa, you will also need to provide evidence that you have enough money available to pay your fees and support yourself while you are in the UK. Further information is available on the UK Border Agency website.

Click here for the application form for a GSV

Click here for our GSV self-assessment form

English in Chester and the Register of Sponsors

Any education institution in the UK that wants to admit students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) on a General Student Visa must have a licence from the UK Border Agency to be allowed to sponsor students. When they have a licence they will appear on the Register of Sponsors.

All education institutions on the register of sponsors are rated as either B (sponsor), A (trusted sponsor), or HTS (Highly Trusted Sponsor).

English in Chester is licensed as a Tier 4 Highly Trusted Sponsor for students by the UK Border Agency. Our sponsor number is 2REABR0U7.

The Highly Trusted Sponsor category is designed to identify those sponsors who have the highest levels of compliance with their sponsor obligations, and whose students are showing the greatest compliance with the terms of their visa or permission to stay. Highly Trusted Sponsors have the right to offer a wider range of courses and have other special privileges.

This information was last updated on 29 April 2011. It is for guidance only and does not constitute immigration advice. English in Chester cannot be held responsible for any errors contained in the information on this page. We advise you to take independant advice and/or visit the UK Border Agency website for further information.