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Visa

Your study depends on it.

Contents​​

1.

     UK Tier 4 Student Visa

2.

     Applying Online

3.

     Visa Application Centre

4.

     Arriving in the UK

5.

     British National Overseas (BNO) Visa

⚠️

Students should always refer to the relevant pages on the official UK Government Website for any Visa-related enquiries and advice. See the relevant links posted in each section for more details. 

UK Tier 4 Student Visa

Visit https://www.gov.uk/student-visa for the most updated information regarding Student Visas. 

Application Steps and Procedures

  1.    Apply online and pay your fees

  2.    Book tuberculosis test at an approved clinic

  3.    Book appointment at Visa Application Centre

  4.    Collect passport when ready

  5.    Collect your biometric residence permit (BRP) in the UK

Applying Online

You must apply online for a Student visa via the UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK) website: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply.

Applying from outside the UK

  • The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before your course starts

  • You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
    (To fast track see below)

  • As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity by providing your biometric information (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre and scanning your supporting documents

  • £363 to apply for a student visa from outside the UK

Applying from inside the UK

  • The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts

  • You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
    (To fast track see below)

  • You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring

  • £490 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK

Immigration Healthcare Surcharge

Fast-tracking your visa application

  • If you wish to get a faster decision on your visa, you could pay extra for priority at a visa application centre

Required Documents

  • Current passport or other valid travel documentation

  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from your UCL (check your Portico account)

  • Your tuberculosis test results 

  • UK address/accommodation proof

  • Old visa/BRP if applicable

  • A valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it

  • Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months

  • Proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course

    • This will vary depending on your circumstances (No need to prove if you're from Hong Kong)

Under 18

  • If you’re under 18 you’ll need written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility).

  • This must include their consent for

    • your visa application

    • your living and care arrangements in the UK

    • your travel to the UK

  • You’ll also need to provide a copy of your birth certificate (or another government-issued document) that shows the names of your parents.

Tuberculosis (TB) Test 

Visa Application Centre (VAC)

Overview

  • Once you’ve completed and paid for your visa application on GOV.UK, you’ll be directed to the VFS Global website to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre, so your biometric data (fingerprints, photograph) can be captured

  • There are currently two visa application centres in Hong Kong: North Point and Quarry Bay 

  • You can submit all your supporting documents online or at the visa application centre. Please bring all your supporting documents to your appointment (e.g. printed copy of your online application form, CAS letter, etc.) 

  • Your passport will be taken in at the visa application centre. After a visa application decision has been made, you can pick up your passport from the visa application centre or your documents will be returned to you by courier

  • Additional and optional services can be bought to fast track and make your visa application easier.
    For more information: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/hkg/en/gbr/apply-visa

Arriving in the UK

When can you arrive in the UK?

  • You can arrive up to 1 month before your course starts but you must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa

After arriving in the UK

  • You will need to collect your BRP at the place you selected when you receive your email alerting you to its arrival (usually UCL for most students)

British National Overseas Visa (BNO)

Visit https://www.gov.uk/british-national-overseas-bno-visa for the most updated information regarding the BNO Visa.

About the BNO Visa

  • You’re eligible to apply for the BNO visa if your permanent home is Hong Kong and you’re:

    • a British national (overseas) aged 18 years or older

    • the child of a British national (overseas) born on or after 1 July 1997

  • You can apply for the BNO visa from overseas, but you should wait for a decision on your application before travelling to the UK to avoid any legal matters

  • You can apply to stay for either:

    • 2 years and 6 months (£180 application fee)

    • 5 years (£250 application fee)

  • After living in the UK for 5 years, you can apply to live in the UK permanently

Why the BNO Visa?

  • The BNO visa is a Tier I visa 

  • This means that BNO holders have the right to live, study, and work
    (except not as a professional sportsperson/sports coach) in the UK 

  • For reference, the UKVI Student Visa is a Tier 4 visa –
    you cannot be self-employed, and you can only work up to 20 hours a week

Applying for the BNO Visa

Important issues to note

  • If you’d like to apply to live permanently in the UK, you can’t spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any
    12-month period

  • Your NHS insurance will be refunded if you’ve paid for the Student visa and then the BNO visa, because then
    you would have paid twice

  • You can’t leave the UK before receiving a decision on your application.
    If you do, your application would be considered withdrawn

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