Free UK Visa Help: April 2009

Work Visa: Other

European Economic Area and Swiss nationals:
All EEA and Swiss nationals are free to enter and live in the United Kingdom without the need to apply for our permission. If you are a national of a country that joined the European Union (EU) in 2004 you may need to register with us when you start work. If you are a national of Bulgaria or Romania, you may need to apply for our permission before you start to work.

Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS):
The SAWS is designed to allow farmers and growers in the United Kingdom to recruit low-skilled overseas workers to undertake short-term agricultural work. The scheme works on a quota basis. Farmers and growers who participate in the scheme are allowed to employ a fixed number of overseas workers though the scheme each year. In 2009 the quota is 21,250 places.

To be able to apply to come to the United Kingdom under the SAWS you must be a national of either Bulgaria or Romania.

Participants in the scheme will be issued with a work card. This work card gives them permission to work in the United Kingdom for a fixed period of time.

Participants will be allowed to work in the United Kingdom under the scheme for up to six months.

Once the number of fixed work cards have been issued to workers the scheme will be closed for the year and no more applications will be accepted.

SAWS workers will carry out low-skilled work including:
planting and gathering crops;
on-farm processing and packing of crops;
handling livestock.

Workers will be paid at least the Agricultural Minimum Wage and will be provided with accommodation by the farmer or grower employing them.

The SAWS is a short-term immigration category. If you come to the United Kingdom as a seasonal agricultural worker you will be given permission to work for a maximum of six months.

Sectors Based Scheme (SBS):
This section explains what the Sectors Based Scheme (SBS) is, who can apply for a place on the scheme, and how to make an application.
The SBS allows United Kingdom based employers to recruit low skilled workers from Bulgaria and Romania to vacancies in the food manufacturing sector that cannot be filled by resident workers.

Other categories:
This section contains information about other work-based categories available to people wanting to come to the United Kingdom to work.

domestic worker:
This section explains how you can apply to come to the United Kingdom to work as a domestic worker in a private household.
The domestic worker category allows overseas employers to bring their domestic workers with them when they visit or move to the United Kingdom. To qualify to come here as a domestic worker, you must be an established member of the employer's staff.
You will only be given permission to stay in the United Kingdom for a fixed period of time - at the end of this period you will need to either return home or apply to extend your stay.
The domestic workers category can be a short- or long-term immigration category. We will only extend your visa if you are still employed as a domestic worker when your old visa expires. You are allowed to change employers while you are in the United Kingdom, but you must still be employed as a domestic worker. If you change employers, you must notify us, and you will not be allowed to change into a different type of employment.
Once you have been in the United Kingdom for five years as a domestic worker, you can apply to stay here permanently.

sole representative of an overseas firm without a work permit:
This section explains how you can come to the United Kingdom as a sole representative of an overseas firm without a work permit. In most cases you will need a work permit, and this section also explains how you can apply for one if you need to. You are not allowed to switch into this category from another.
In this section you can find out:
whether you are eligible;
how to apply;
whether you can extend your stay under this category;
whether you can use a representative when making your application;
whether your dependants can come to the United Kingdom;
how much your application will cost; and
whether you can appeal.

Representatives of overseas newspapers, news agencies and broadcasting organisations:
This section explains how you can apply to come to or stay in the United Kingdom as a representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation.

If we approve your application to come to the United Kingdom as a representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation, we will give you permission to enter and stay in the United Kingdom for a maximum of two years. At the end of this period you will need to either return home or apply to extend your stay.
If you are coming to the United Kingdom to work for less than six months, you may be able to apply under the business visitor category. You should read the pages on business visitors for more information.
You cannot change employers while you are in the United Kingdom.
If you have been in the United Kingdom for five years as a representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation, you can apply to stay permanently.

PBS: Tier 1

This section explains Highly skilled workers, Investors and Entrepreneurs under Tier 1 Point Based System.
Highly skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs wanting to work in the United Kingdom should read the eligibility requirements for your category in full before making an application.
On 29 June 2008, several former immigration categories closed. If you currently have permission to stay in the United Kingdom under one of those categories and want to extend your stay you will need to apply under one of the categories below.

Highly skilled workers
This section explains the requirements for applying under the Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system. You do not need to have a specific job offer but will need to demonstrate you are highly skilled, have money to support yourself and are able to speak English.

Entrepreneurs
This section explains the requirements for applying under Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) of the points-based system. If you want to come to the United Kingdom as an entrepreneur there are specific arrangements for you.

Investors
This section explains the requirements for applying under Tier 1 (Investor) of the points-based system. If you want to invest in the United Kingdom you will need to demonstrate that you have the money to do so.

Post-study workers
This section explains how you can come to the United Kingdom or remain here as a post-study worker (Tier 1 Post-study work) under our points-based system to work in the United Kingdom. If you graduated from a university in the United Kingdom, you can apply to stay in the United Kingdom to work once you have completed your studies.

Schemes that closed on 29 June 2008
The schemes listed below closed on 29 June 2008. It is no longer possible to make an application under these categories. If you currently have permission to stay in the United Kingdom under one of these categories and want to extend your stay you will need to apply under one of the new categories shown above.
If you have been in the United Kingdom for five years or more under one of these categories you may be able to apply for permanent residence (settlement) in the United Kingdom. You should read the pages relating to your current immigration category for more information.

Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
Business persons
Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland
Innovators
International Graduates Scheme
Investors
Writers, composers and artists

Check out the related information on:

Point Based System
UK VISA : Complete procedure
UK VISA : Application fees
UK VISA : Application Forms
Sponsoring a Migrant

Working in the UK

This section provides details of most of the categories available to people who want to come to the United Kingdom to work.
You should make sure you read the eligibility requirements in full before you applying as each category has different requirements.

For highly skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs (PBS Tier 1)
Highly skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs and foreign students who have graduated from a United Kingdom university can apply under our new points-based system. You do not need to have a specific job offer, but you will need to pass a points-based assessment to be eligible to apply.

For sponsored skilled workers (PBS Tier 2)
If you have a job offer from a UK-based employer who is prepared to sponsor you, you can apply for permission to enter or stay in the United Kingdom.

For temporary workers (PBS Tier 5)
If you want to come to the United Kingdom to undertake short-term, temporary work there are specific arrangements for you.

For workers from the European Economic Area and Switzerland (Work Visa)
If you are a national of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are free to enter and stay in the United Kingdom. If you are a national of a state that recently joined the European Union, you may have to register with us or apply for our permission before you start to work.

Other categories (Work Visa)
This section contains information about other work-based categories. The categories within this section are domestic workers; sole representatives of overseas firms; and representatives of overseas newspapers, news agencies and broadcasting organisations.

If you are coming to the United Kingdom as a business, sports, entertainer or special visitor for a short time, see business and special visitors for information on how to apply.

Check out the related information on:
UK VISA : Complete procedure
UK VISA : Application fees
UK VISA : Application Forms
Sponsoring a Migrant

Point Based System: Tier

This section explains the different tiers and categories in which you can come to work or study in the United Kingdom under the points-based system.
Under the new system, migrants will need to pass a points-based assessment before they are given permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom. The system consists of five tiers. Each tier has different points requirements.
The number of points the migrant needs and the way the points are awarded will depend on the tier they are applying under. Points will be awarded to reflect the migrant's ability, experience, age and when appropriate the level of need within the sector the migrant will be working.

Categories of PBS migrant are mainly classified as:

Categories of highly skilled worker, investors and entrepreneurs - Tier 1
Categories of skilled worker - Tier 2
Categories of low skilled worker- Tier 3
Categories of students - Tier 4
Categories of youth mobility and temporary worker - Tier 5

NOTE: Tier 3 - low skilled workers filling specific temporary labour shortages, for example construction workers for a particular project is currently suspended

Categories of highly skilled worker, investors and entrepreneurs: Tier 1
Tier 1 categories:
Highly skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs and foreign students who have graduated from a United Kingdom university or UK recognized university can apply under new points-based system. for example scientists and entrepreneurs. You do not need to have a specific job offer, but you will need to pass a points-based assessment to be eligible to apply.

For complete information on highly skilled Tier 1 section check out PBS Tier 1

Categories of student: Tier 4
Tier 4 (Child ) student category:
Children between 4 and 15 years old will only qualify as child students if they are coming to the United Kingdom to be educated at independent fee-paying schools.Students aged 16 or 17 must apply as child students if they want to take a course below National Qualification Framework level 3

Tier 4 (General) student category:
Students aged 16 or 17 are advised to apply as general students if they want to take a course at or above National Qualification Framework level 3 (or equivalent) lasting more than two years. Students aged 16 or 17 must apply as general students if they want to study for an English language qualification at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level A2 or above
For complete information on student visa check out Studying in the UK section

Categories of youth mobility and temporary worker: Tier 5
youth mobility and temporary workers for example musicians coming to play in a concert. You must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor, a valid certificate of sponsorship and pass the points-based assessment to be eligible to apply.

Tier 5 - creative and sporting category:
migrants who want to come to the United Kingdom to work as sports people for up to 12 months, or to perform as entertainers or creative artists for up to 24 months

Tier 5 - charity worker category:
Migrants coming to work temporarily in the United Kingdom as charity workers should do only voluntary activites and not paid work. They should intend to carry out work directly related to the purpose of your organisation.
Migrants entering the United Kingdom under the charity workers category will be given a maximum of 12 months' permission to stay.

Tier 5 - religious worker category:
Religious workers can:

do preaching, pastoral work and non-pastoral work;
work in the United Kingdom in the same way that they are working in an overseas organisation (although their duties in the United Kingdom may be different). The job should be done in their holiday from their job overseas; or
work in a religious order with a community which involves a permanent commitment, such as a monastery or convent. The work in a religious order must be in the order itself or be outside work directed by the order.

A migrant can apply if he or she is a novice whose training means taking part in the daily community life of the order.

Migrants should apply under the student category (tier 4 when it launches) if they are a member of a religious order and studying for a qualification, a formal full-time course of study or training in an academic institution not looked after by the order.

Teachers working in schools not looked after by their order must apply as a teacher under the sponsored skilled worker category (tier 2).

Tier 5 - government authorised exchange category:
people coming to the United Kingdom through approved schemes that aim to share knowledge, experience and best practice. This category must not be used to fill job vacancies or to bring unskilled labour to the United Kingdom.
Migrants entering the United Kingdom under the government authorised exchange category will be given a maximum of 24 months' permission to stay.

Tier 5 - international agreement category:
migrants who are coming to the United Kingdom under contract to provide a service that is covered under international law, including:
the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS);
similar agreements between the United Kingdom and another country;
employees of overseas governments and international organisations; and
private servants in diplomatic households.

Migrants in the GATS and similar agreements between the United Kingdom and another country can come for up to a maximum of 24 months.
Employees of overseas governments and international organisations can come for an initial maximum of 24 months. They then have the option to apply from inside the United Kingdom for an extension for periods of 12 months at a time, up to a total maximum of 72 months.

Tier 5 - youth mobility scheme category:
The youth mobility scheme is for young people from participating countries who would like to experience life in the United Kingdom. Sponsored young people from participating countries will be allowed to come to the United Kingdom for up to two years, while young United Kingdom nationals enjoy similar opportunities in participating countries.

These young people will be free to do whatever work they like during their stay in the United Kingdom, except for setting up their own business, playing professional sport or working as a doctor in training.

Categories of skilled worker: Tier 2

Skilled workers with a job offer, for example teachers and nurses; If you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you must:

have a job offer from a licensed sponsor and a valid certificate of sponsorship; and
pass the points-based assessment.

Tier 2 - skilled worker category:
people coming to the United Kingdom with a skilled job offer to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker.
The job must be at S/NVQ level 3 or above, and the migrant must earn the appropriate salary or other package of remuneration appropriate for the job in the United Kingdom.

Tier 2 - intra-company transfer category:
The intra-company transfer category is for employees of multi-national companies who are being transferred by an overseas employer to a skilled job in a United Kingdom branch of the organisation or a related United Kingdom entity. The transferring employee must have been working for for the overseas organisation, for at least six months directly before the transfer.

If you want to register to employ intra-company transferees, all of the branches (or entities) given in your application must be linked by common ownership or control and you will have to provide evidence to prove this.Because of the specific nature of these transfers, you do not have to meet the resident labour market test.

The job must be at S/NVQ level 3 or above, and the migrant must earn the appropriate salary or other package of remuneration appropriate for the job, including any specific allowances we deem appropriate, in the United Kingdom.

Tier 2 - sports people category:
category is for elite sports people and coaches:

who are internationally established at the highest level; and
whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the United Kingdom; and
who intend to base themselves in the United Kingdom.

Migrants under this category must be sponsored by a club (or equivalent) that is licensed by us to issue certificates of sponsorship under this category.

Tier 2 - ministers of religion category:
The minister of religion category is for people coming to the United Kingdom to work in a job as religious workers within a genuine (bona fide) religious organisation for up to three years.
The minister of religion category includes:

preaching or performing pastoral duties;

work as a missionary; or
work in a religious order within a community which involves a permanent commitment like a monastery or convent.

Pastoral duties include:

leading worship regularly and on special occasions;
giving religious education to children and adults by preaching or teaching;
officiating at marriages, funerals and other special services;
offering counselling and welfare support to members of the congregation;
recruiting, training and co-ordinating the work of any local volunteers and lay preachers.

Work as a missionary is not just preaching and teaching and can include:

the organisation of missionary activity, but should not be administrative or clerical, unless filling a senior post;
supervising staff;
co-ordinating the organisation of missionary work;
being in charge of a particular activity such as accounts/finance, personnel management or IT; or
translating religious texts is missionary work not clerical work.

Check out the related information on:

UK VISA : Complete procedure
UK VISA : Application fees
UK VISA : Application Forms
Sponsoring a Migrant

Dual Nationality

This page explains how to find out whether you can be a citizen of two countries and how this affects you when you travel abroad.

When becoming a British citizen:
You do not need to give up your present citizenship or nationality to become a British citizen.
Many countries will not let you have two nationalities (dual nationality).

If you become a British citizen and are a national of a country which does not allow dual nationality, the authorities of that country may either regard you as having lost that nationality or may refuse to recognise your new nationality. Before you apply for British citizenship you may wish to check what your position would be with the authorities of the country of which you are a citizen.

If you become a national of another country:
You will not normally lose your British nationality if you become a citizen or national of another country.

If you are a British subject otherwise than by connection with the Republic of Ireland you will lose that status on acquiring any other nationality or citizenship.
If you are a British protected person you will lose that status on acquiring any other nationality or citizenship.
If you are becoming a citizen or national of a country that does not allow dual nationality, you may be required by that country to give up your British nationality.
If you are married to a national of another country
Under the nationality laws of some countries, a married person automatically has his or her partner's nationality. Children may also have a parent's nationality even if they were born abroad.
If your wife, husband or child is visiting the country of your nationality, you should check with the country's consulate or high commission in the United Kingdom before you travel.
Travelling abroad

Under international law:

you cannot get diplomatic help if you are in a country of which you are a national. For example, if you hold both British and Chinese nationality we would be unable to give you diplomatic help when you are visiting China.

If you are planning to visit your former homeland, and you are not sure whether you have lost your old nationality, you should check with the country's consulate or high commission in the United Kingdom before you travel. If you have not lost the old nationality and want to give it up, they will be able to tell you what to do.
If you receive written confirmation that you have given up your old nationality, or no longer have it, you can get a letter from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirming that you will be given the same consular assistance which is provided to all British nationals when you are in your former country.

You will need to send the original written confirmation, your British passport and original naturalisation/registration document to:
Foreign and Commonwealth OfficeConsular Directorate - Nationality SectionOld Admiralty BuildingLondonSW1A 2PA

Other related information on:

Naturalisation

This page provides details of the requirements you need to meet for naturalise as a British citizen.

If you are married to or a civil partner of a British citizen, the requirements you need to meet are different; you should read the page spouse and civil partner requirements for more details.You should read the information on this page before you make an application for naturalisation.
You will need to pay a fee when you make your application. If you make an application for naturalisation and it is unsuccessful because you are not eligible for naturalisation, amount will not refund.

Other related information on:

Standard requirements for Naturalisation:
There are seven requirements you need to meet before you apply:

you are aged 18 or over; and
you are of sound mind; and
you intend to continue to live in the United Kingdom, or to continue in crown service, the service of an international organisation of which the United Kingdom is a member, or the service of a company or association established in the United Kingdom; and
you can communicate in English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic to an acceptable degree; and
you have sufficient knowledge of life in the United Kingdom; and
you are of good character; and
you meet the residential requirements (these are detailed in full below)

Residential requirements:
To demonstrate the residential requirements for naturalisation you need to:

have been resident in the United Kingdom for at least five years (this is known as the residential qualifying period); and
have been present in the United Kingdom five years before the date of your application;
have not spent more than 450 days outside the United Kingdom during the five year period; and
have not spend more than 90 days outside the United Kingdom in the last 12 months of the five-year period; and
have not been in breach of the immigration rules at any stage during the five-year period.

Start of the residential qualifying period:
The residential qualifying period will be worked out from the day we receive your application. Most unsuccessful applications fail because the applicant was not present in the United Kingdom at the beginning of the residential qualifying period. You must make sure you meet this requirement before you make your application. For example, if we received your application on 25 November 2005, you would have to show that you were in the United Kingdom on 26 November 2000.

You cannot count time you have spent in the United Kingdom while exempt from immigration control as part of the residential qualifying period. If you are in the United Kingdom as a diplomat or as a member of visiting armed forces or if you are in any place of detention, you would be considered exempt from immigration control. This time would be treated as absence from the United Kingdom.

Immigration time restrictions:
You must be free from immigration time restrictions when you make your naturalisation application. Unless you are married to or the civil partner of a British citizen, you should have been free from immigration time restrictions during the last 12 months of the residential qualifying period.

If you are free from immigration time restrictions then there is usually a stamp or sticker in your passport saying that you have indefinite leave to enter or remain or no time limit on your stay. But you may have a letter from the Home Office saying that you are free from immigration conditions.

The documents we require for naturalisation applications:

You should send the original document, not a copy. Your documents will be returned to you by secure post, if you wish your documents to be returned to you by an alternative postal service or by courier you should include a pre-paid delivery envelope with your application.
You should provide translations of any documents not in English.
The documents you need to supply to us will depend on the basis of your application.

The list below has been split into five sections; you should make sure you read all the sections that relate to you. If you do not send all the documents needed they will write to you to request them; this will delay your application.

1. Documents required for all applications:
Evidence of your identity provide one of the following:

your passport; or your nationality identity card; or
your Home Office travel document; or
your Home Office entitlement card; or
your Home Office application registration card; or
your birth certificate; or
your photo driving licence; or
bank, building society or credit card statements issued to you in the last six months.

If you used one of these documents to prove your identity when you took the knowledge of life in UK test, you should supply the same document to support your naturalisation application.

Evidence of knowledge of English and of life in the United Kingdom:

If you are applying from within the United Kingdom, you should provide one of the following:

your certificate of progression from one English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) level to another, with a letter from the college confirming you completed an ESOL with citizenship course; or
your letter confirming you have passed the life in the UK test, stamped and signed by the test supervisor; or
your confirmation that you met this requirement in order to obtain settlement.

If you are applying from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you should contact the Lieutenant Governor for details of the evidence you should supply.

If you are applying from any other country, you should contact your nearest British diplomatic post for details of the evidence you should supply.

Exemption from knowledge of English and life in the United Kingdom requirement
You should provide evidence from your doctor that it is not a temporary condition.

2. Documents required for applications made on the basis of residence in the United Kingdom:

Evidence of lawful residence during the residential qualifying period:

You should provide your passport. If you are unable to provide your passport, you should explain why on page 13 of the application form.
If you do not provide your passport, you should provide letters from employers, educational establishments or other government departments indicating your presence in the United Kingdom during the qualifying period.
If your passport is not stamped when you come into the United Kingdom because you:

have the right of abode in the United Kingdom; or are a national of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus or a national of Taiwan.

You should send your passport and alternative evidence of residence in the form of letters from employers, educational establishments or other government departments to show your presence in the United Kingdom during the qualifying period.

Evidence that you are free from immigration time restrictions:

your passport showing permission to remain in the United Kingdom permanently; or
the Home Office letter by which you were given permission to remain in the United Kingdom permanently

If you came to the United Kingdom as an asylum seeker, you should provide:

evidence that you were not in the United Kingdom without permission between exhausting your appeal rights and being granted indefinite leave to remain.

3. Documents required for applications made on the basis of marriage or civil partnership to a British citizen:

your partner's passport or birth certificate; and
your marriage or civil partnership certificate.

4. Documents required for applications from self-employed people:
If you do not pay tax through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) arrangements.

The most recent HM Revenue and Customs self assessment statement of account.

Other related information on:

British citizenship: Procedure

This section explains the complete guidence to apply to become a British citizen or to register for another form of British nationality.
You should make sure you have read the relevant part of the eligibility section before you make your application. You will need to pay a fee when you make your application. If you make an application for registration and it is unsuccessful because you are not eligible, we will not refund your fee.

Applying:
Depending on your current citizenship or nationality you may be able to apply in several ways. You should read the requirements for each type of application that is relevant and decide which is best for you. for more information on Tpes of application, Forms and Eligibility check out the British citizenship section.

Cost of applying:
You must pay the full fee when you make your application. The fee you need to pay will depend on the type of application you are making. check fees leaflet (2.0M opens in a new window) contains information about the fees you will have to pay, and a payment slip that you should send with your application form and fee.

You may pay by cheque, credit card or debit card, or by using transcash. You should not send cash or postal orders.

If paying by transcash, you should complete a transcash form and take it with the correct form to the post office. You should send one counterfoil with your form and supporting documents, and retain the second counterfoil as proof of your payment.

You can obtain a transcash form from the post office. The credit account number to be used is 4601793.

Ways to apply for British citizenship or nationality:
There are three ways to apply if you are in the United Kingdom.

1. Applying through the Nationality Checking Service (NCS)
The nationality checking service is provided by local authorities (for example your county council or city council). A local authority can accept and forward your application to us. They will ensure that your form is correctly completed, and they will copy your documents and return them to you. They will ensure that your application is validly submitted and that the unwaivable requirements for citizenship are met.
There are a number of advantages:

last year only 2% of applications made this way were unsuccessful. This compares with 10% refusals for other applications;
you can keep hold of your documents (like your passport) - we can, however, request the originals if we need them.

2. Applying through an agents or representative:
A representative can act on your behalf. Many representatives will be able to give you nationality advice. You should ensure that any representative is registered with the Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner. You should submit original documents. More complex cases tend to be submitted through agents or representatives.

3. Individual applications:
You may apply directly without using the nationality checking service or a representative. You must submit either original documents, or a fully certified photocopy of your documents.
The application form and guide gives guidance on what documents need to be submitted and your application may be delayed if you do not submit the necessary documentation.

Where to send your application form:

The address to send your application form, fee and supporting documents depends on whether you are currently in or outside the United Kingdom.

If you are currently in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
Your application form, fee and supporting documents should be sent to:
UK Border AgencyDepartment 1, PO Box 306, Liverpool, L2 0QN

If you are currently in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
Your application form, fee and supporting documents should be sent to the Lieutenant Governor.

If you are currently in a British overseas territory
Your application form, fee and supporting documents should be sent to the Governor.

If you are elsewhere
Your application form, fee and supporting documents should be sent to the nearest British diplomatic post. You may have to pay an additional fee to cover the cost of the post forwarding copies of your documents. You should contact the post for details of this fee. A British diplomatic post is a United Kingdom embassy, high commission or consulate.

If you have sent applications or documents to us by recorded or special delivery, you can confirm receipt by visiting the Royal Mail website

Waiting times:

Applications made since January 2009 may take up to six months to complete. However, this is only an average waiting time - some applications may be dealt with more quickly and some may take longer, depending on the nature of the enquiries to be carried out.

Processing your application:

What you can expect:

Acknowledge that they have received your application.
will write to you and ask additional documents for them and they will give you three weeks to respond. If you do not respond, we will decide your application on the information they already have.
May ask you to attend an interview, which could be conducted by the police or other representative. Depending on the circumstances, the interview may be held in your home, or you may be invited to attend an interview at our office in Liverpool. During the interview, you will be asked to give more details about your application. You will be expected to talk without an interpreter.
If your application is unsuccessful they will write to tell you the reason. You can ask us to review our decision if you think decision was not soundly based on current nationality law or policy.
If you ask to review our decision, they will write to you again after this has been done, giving details on how your application was decided.

What they expect:

Expect you to respond to their enquiries or requests for documents within a reasonable time.
While processing your application, you should tell them if any of the information you have sent to them changes. This would include changes of:
1. marital or civil partnership status; or
2. address; or
3. people acting on your behalf.
You also need to tell if you become involved in a police investigation or anything that may result in criminal charges.
If your application is successful and you are living in the United Kingdom, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony.
You will receive a letter of invitation confirming the local authority you should contact to arrange your ceremony.
You should arrange your ceremony within three months of receiving your invitation otherwise you will have to reapply for naturalisation and pay a further processing fee.

British citizenship

This section provides information about British citizenship and other forms of British nationality.

British citizenship is one of the six different forms of British nationality. Some of these were defined in the British Nationality Act 1981, which came into force on 1 January 1983. The laws that define how citizenship can be obtained changed on that date. For information on applying for British citizenship , Dual Nationality and Naturalisation check out the link.

The forms of nationality are:
British citizenship;
British overseas citizenship;
British overseas territories citizenship;
British national (overseas);
British protected person; and
British subject.

Of these, only British citizens have an automatic right to live and work in the United Kingdom and to apply for a British passport. Those with other forms of British nationality must obtain permission to live and work here. They may be entitled to register as British citizens in certain circumstances.

A person may be a British citizen:

by descent -citizenship gained from parents.
otherwise than by descent- citizen gained from your own right.

This is a legal difference that affects whether or not a person can pass on citizenship to his/her children.

A person is a British citizen otherwise than by descent if he/she was:

born in the United Kingdom after 1 January 1983 and one or both of his/her parents are British citizens, or were settled in the United Kingdom at the time of the birth; or

adopted in the United Kingdom and one or both parents are British citizens.

A citizen otherwise than by descent can pass on British citizenship automatically to his/her children born outside the United Kingdom. But any children born outside the United Kingdom will be British citizens by descent, and cannot normally pass their citizenship to their own children born abroad. However, they can register their children as British citizens in certain circumstances.

A British citizen by descent cannot become a British citizen otherwise than by descent.

Who has the right to live in the United Kingdom?
This is officially known as right of abode in the United Kingdom. It means you do not need an immigration officer's permission to enter the country and may live and work here without restriction.
All British citizens have the right of abode in the United Kingdom and Some Commonwealth citizens also have the right of abode.

If you wish to claim the right of abode, you must prove it by producing:

United Kingdom passport describing you as a British citizen or a British subject with the right of abode; or
United Kingdom identity card describing you as a British citizen or a British subject with the right of abode; or
Certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the United Kingdom that has been issued by the Government of the United Kingdom or on its behalf.

How do I apply for a British passport?
If your application for British nationality is successful you will be able to apply for a British passport.
British passports are issued by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS).
All adult customers (aged 16 and over) applying for a passport for the first time must attend an interview with IPS in person to confirm their identity. IPS recommends you allow six weeks for your passport application to be processed. You should not make any travel arrangement until you receive your passport.

How to apply for proof that you have not become a British citizen?
In order to obtain a passport in another country, you may need proof that you have not become a British citizen by registration or naturalisation in the United Kingdom. You can get this proof by applying to UK HOME OFFICE for confirmation that you have not acquired British citizenship.
Home Office, PO Box 306, Dept 101, Liverpool L2 0QN.

Who can apply for British citizenship and other forms of British nationality?
Depending on your current citizenship or nationality you may be able to apply in several ways:

Naturalisation:
If you are over 18 and have been living in the United Kingdom for the last five years (or three years if you are married to or a civil partner of a British citizen) you may be able to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. You may also be able to apply for naturalisation if you or your husband, wife or civil partner is in crown or designated service outside the United Kingdom. Applications for naturalisation are made using application form AN.

British citizen or British overseas territories citizen who has previously given up citizenship:
This section explains the requirements you need to meet to be able to register as a British citizen in one of several of the categories or as a British overseas territories citizen who has previously given up citizenship. aplplication form using BOS, BOTA, EM, UKM, G, T, RS1 and RS2.

Have some other form of British nationality a British overseas territories citizen; a British overseas citizen; a British protected person; a British subject; a British national (overseas) Applications in this category are made using application form BOTA.
Can register as a British citizen if you are British overseas citizen, British protected person or British subject with no other nationality.Applications in this category are made using application form BOS.
Can register as a British citizen if you are born in the United Kingdom on or after 1 January 1983 and lived there up to the age of 10 can register as a British citizen in this category are made using application form T.
Can register as a British citizen if you were born before 1983 to a British mother
Applications in this category are made using application form UKM.
Can register as a British citizen if you are a British overseas territories citizen with a connection with GibraltarApplications in this category are made using application form G.
Can register as a British citizen if you have previously given up of the United Kingdom and Colonies or British citizenship. Applications in this category are made using application form RS1.
Can register as a British overseas territories citizen if you have previously given up citizenship of the United Kingdom and Colonies, British dependent territories citizenship or British overseas territories citizenship. Applications in this category are made using application form RS2.

A person under 18 as a British citizen or for another form of nationality:
This section explains how a person under 18 can register as a British citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British overseas citizen, or British subject.

people under 18 can register as British citizens if they are -a British national, using application form B(OS); or
a British national with no other nationality, using application form B(OTA); or
a person with a connection to Hong Kong, using application form EM; or
a British overseas territories citizen with a connection to Gibraltar, using application G.
Can register a child aged under 18 as a British citizen. Applications in this category are made using application form MN1
Can register a child aged under 18 as a British overseas territories citizen
Applications in this category are made using application form MN2
Can register a child aged under 18 as a British overseas citizen
Applications in this category are made using application form MN3.
Can register a child aged under 18 as a British subject
Applications in this category are made using application form MN4
Can register as a British citizen if you were born in the United Kingdom on or after 1 January 1983 and lived there up to the age of 10
Applications in this category are made using application form T.

British citizen or for another form of British nationality if you are stateless:
This section explains how you can register as a British citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British overseas citizen, or British subject if you are currently stateless

Can register as a British citizen, British overseas territories citizen or British overseas citizen if you are a stateless person born before 1 January 1983
Applications in this category are made using application form S1.
Can register as a British citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British overseas citizen or British subject if you are a stateless person born outside the United Kingdom or British overseas territories on or after 1 January 1983
Applications in this category are made using application form S2.
Can register as a British citizen or British overseas territories citizen ifyou are a stateless person born in the United Kingdom or British overseas territories on or after 1 January 1983
Applications in this category are made using application form S3.

Sound Mind requirement:
You will be considered to be of sound mind if you have the ability to make your own decisions. You should understand the step you are taking in applying for British nationality. The sound mind requirement is sometimes referred to as the full capacity requirement.

In some circumstances we can use discretion when deciding if an applicant must demonstrate that they are of sound mind. If you are applying for naturalisation on behalf of someone who is not of sound mind and for whom you are responsible, you should complete the form as fully as possible. You should highlight any areas that cannot be completed and should use page 13 to explain why it would be in the applicant's best interest to be naturalised. As part of the application you should provide us with evidence of the applicant's medical condition and the fact that they are in your care. This should include documentation proving the care arrangements.

Good character requirement :

This section provides details about the good character requirement that must be met by anyone applying for British nationality unless:they are under 10 years old when making the application; or are stateless and are applying on application form S1, S2 or S3; or they are a British overseas citizen, a British subject or a British protected person and are applying on application form B(OS)

Your financial background
We will check that you pay income tax and National Insurance contributions. We may ask HM Revenue & Customs for confirmation of this. If you do not pay income tax through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) you should send a Self Assessment Statement of Account with your application.
If you have been declared bankrupt at any time you should give details of the bankruptcy proceedings. Your application is unlikely to succeed if you are an undischarged bankrupt.
Your criminal record
We will carry out criminal record checks on all applications from people aged 10 and over.
You must also provide details of all civil proceedings which have resulted in a court order being made against you.
You must give details of all unspent criminal convictions. This includes road traffic offences but not fixed penalty notices (such as speeding or parking tickets) unless they were given in court. You must include all drink-driving offences. An explanation of unspent convictions is given below.
If you have an unspent conviction, your application for citizenship is unlikely to be successful. You should wait until the end of your rehabilitation period before applying.
Offences for which you may go to court or are awaiting a hearing in court
You must provide details of any offence for which you may go to court for or are awaiting a hearing in court. This includes any offences for which you have been arrested and are waiting to hear if you will be formally charged.
Other things we will consider
You must tell us if you have ever had any involvement in terrorism. If you do not regard something as an act of terrorism but others do or might, you must mention it when making your application.

For information on applying for British citizenship and Naturalisation check out the link.

UK VISA: Extension

This section explains how you can apply to extend your temporary permission to stay in the United Kingdom (we call this temporary leave to remain).

To apply for permanent residence (we call this indefinite leave to remain), you should see the section on settlement.

If you have temporary permission to stay in the United Kingdom, it may be possible for you to extend this and stay longer. However, if you came here as a visitor, you will be allowed to stay for a maximum of six months. You will not be allowed to extend your visa beyond six months or to apply for a new visitor visa. In some circumstances, you may be able to transfer to a different category of visa

After you have lived in the United Kingdom for five years, you may be able to apply to live here permanently, depending on the category of visa you have. The settlement section gives more information about this.

To apply for an extension to your visa, you will need to complete an application form. Before you do this, you should ensure you meet any requirements to be allowed to extend your stay. These will vary according to the category of visa you have.

Application types for extending your stay.
You can download application from UK VISA : Application Forms section of this blog.
If you applying extension under PBS or Tier 1 check out in Tier 1 General: Extension

Form FLR(BUS)
You should form FLR(BUS) if you are applying to extend your stay and obtain a biometric immigration document (identity card for foreign nationals) as:

a retired person of independent means; or
a sole representative.

Form FLR(BID)
You should use form FLR(BID) if you are applying to extend your stay and obtain a biometric immigration document (identity card for foreign nationals) under one of the following categories:
as an academic visitor;

as a domestic worker in a private household;
on grounds of your UK ancestry; or
as a visitor for private medical treatment.

Form FLR(M)
You should use form FLR(M) if you are applying to extend your stay and obtain a biometric immigration document (identity card for foreign nationals) as a husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried/same-sex partner

Form FLR(O)
Use form FLR(O) if you are applying to extend your stay under one of the following categories:

as a general visitor
as an overseas qualified nurse or midwife;
as a private servant in a diplomatic household
as a dependant of exempt HM forces personnel; or
for other purposes/reasons not covered by other application forms.

Form HPDL
Form HPDL is for extension applications by people who have been given humanitarian protection or discretionary leave to remain. You should complete form HPDL if you were refused asylum but given:

exceptional leave to remain for a period of less than four years, or for separate periods making four years in all;
discretionary leave to remain; or
humanitarian protection.

What documents you need to send us to support your application to extend your stay or stay permanently in the United Kingdom

You should send the original documents, not a copy. In exceptional circumstances, they may accept a photocopy that is certified as an accurate copy by the body or authority that issued the original or by a notary. You must include a letter explaining the reasons for providing a certified copy rather than the original document.

Photographs
You should send us four recent passport-size photographs of yourself and of each of your dependants applying on the same form. The photographs for each person must be provided in one strip, not cut into single photographs. On the back of each strip of photographs, you should print the name of that person, and his/her date of birth and the reference number given by the Home Office, UK Border Agency or port of entry to the United Kingdom.

Passport
You must send us your current national passport or travel document, if you have one. If we give you permission to stay longer in the United Kingdom, we will stamp this in your passport or travel document. You must also send the passport or travel document of each dependant who is applying on the same form.

Evidence of immigration status
To confirm your immigration status, you should send one of the following documents for yourself and for each dependant who is applying on the same form:

current national passport;
travel document;
Home Office or UK Border Agency status letter (this will have an official document number on it - ICD.0716, GEN 19, ICD.0358, or RON 58); or
immigration status document (this will have an official document number on it - ACD.2155 or ACD.2158.

Supporting documents depending on your current visa.

Check the information of complete documentation in UK VISA: Complete procedure section

If you wish to apply to extend your visa, you must do so before your existing visa expires.

What is my immigration status while my application is being decided
If you make an application before your authorised stay ends, your existing immigration status will continue until your application is decided, even if the decision is not made until after the end of your permitted stay. If your existing visa or other permission to stay here allows you to work, you can continue to do so until your case is decided.

Sponsored students
If you are in the United Kingdom as a postgraduate doctor or dentist or as a student and are being sponsored, or if your sponsorship ended in the last 12 months, we must receive consent from your sponsor to give you permission to stay. If your sponsor does not give this permission, we will refuse your application. If you received private sponsorship during your studies, we do not need your sponsor's consent. You should send an original letter from your sponsor giving us their consent for us to allow to you stay in the United Kingdom.

Check out:
General Visitor : Extension
Student Visa Tier 4-Adult: Extension
Tier 1 General: Extension

UK Residency: Settlement

This section explains how you can apply for permanent residence in the United Kingdom (we call this 'indefinite leave to remain').

After you have lived legally in the United Kingdom for a certain length of time (usually between two and five years), you may be able to apply to live here permanently, depending on the category of visa you have. You should see the appropriate category for more information on whether you can apply for permanent residence and the qualifying period for it.

If your visa category is not listed in Application types, you may not be able to apply for permanent residence. If you are here on a working visa, the appropriate section of Working in the UK will tell you if it is possible to apply for permanent residence

In order to apply for permanent residence, you will normally first need to show that you have enough knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom.

You must not send us your application more than 28 days before the end of your qualifying period. If you do, we may refuse your application with no refund of the fee. However, you must make your application before your current permission to stay in the United Kingdom expires.

How many years you must be in the United Kingdom before applying for settlement
You must complete a continuous period of five years in the United Kingdom in an eligible immigration category before you can apply for settlement, and you must meet all the requirements of the immigration rules before you are eligible to apply.You should apply using the SET(O) form.

What immigration category you must be in to apply for settlement
Under the rules, to satisfy the five-year qualifying period for settlement under this category, you may include any periods of leave (permission to stay) under any of the following immigration categories that immediately precede your time here under the highly skilled worker category:

highly skilled worker (Tier 1 General);
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme;
work permit holder;
innovator;
self-employed lawyer; or
writer, composer or artist.

The immigration rules are subject to change and you must meet the rules that are in place at the time that you apply for settlement.

How your dependants can apply for settlement.
Partners of highly skilled workers are eligible to apply for settlement at the same time as the highly skilled worker, provided they have lived with their partners in the United Kingdom for a minimum of two years before applying for settlement.
Children of highly skilled workers are eligible to apply for settlement at the same time as the highly skilled worker, provided the child meets the requirements of the immigration rules.

What is my immigration status while my application is being decided?

If you make an application before your authorised stay ends, your existing immigration status will continue until your application is decided, even if the decision is not made until after the end of your permitted stay. If your existing visa or other permission to stay here allows you to work, you can continue to do so until your case is decided.

UK Residency: Relatives

This page explains which relatives can apply to join you in the United Kingdom if you are a permanent resident.

the following relatives can apply to join you here:

widowed mothers and widowed fathers aged 65 or over; and
parents or grandparents who are travelling together, if one of them is aged 65 or over.

In certain circumstances, the following relatives may be allowed to join you here:

sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, uncles and aunts over the age of 18; and
parents and grandparents under the age of 65.

To qualify to have your relatives join you in the United Kingdom, you must currently live in the United Kingdom and be settled here with no time limit on your stay. Your relative must show that:

he/she is completely, or mainly, financially dependent on you;
he/she does not have any other close relatives in his/her own country who can support him/her financially; and
you have enough money to support and accommodate him/her without help from public funds

UK Residency:Partners and children

This page explains how your husband, wife or civil partner can join you in the United Kingdom if you are permanent resident in this country or you have been given permission to come to the United Kingdom to live here permanently (we call this 'indefinite leave to remain').

Your husband, wife or civil partner and child may come with you to the United Kingdom, or join you here, if you are aged 21 or over and you:

currently live in the United Kingdom and are settled here legally; or
have permission to come here to settle, with no time limit on your stay
are returning to the United Kingdom with your partner/child live here permanently.
you have adequate accommodation where you can all live without help from public funds
you are the child's parent - this includes the stepfather or stepmother of a child whose father or mother is dead, both the father and mother of an illegitimate child, and an adoptive parent in certain defined circumstances.

Partner/Child must show that:

you are legally married to each other or have registered a civil partnership;
you are going to live together permanently as man and wife, or as civil partners;
you have met each other;
you can support yourselves and any dependants without help from public funds;
you have adequate accommodation where you and your dependants can live without help from public funds; and
parner is aged 21or over.
child is not leading an independent life;
child is not married or in a civil partnership;
child has not formed an independent family unit; and
child is aged under 18.

Partner:

If you have more than one husband or wife, only one of them will be allowed to join you here as your husband or wife.

When your husband, wife or civil partner arrives in the United Kingdom, he/she will be given permission to live and work here for two years. Near the end of the two years, if you are still married or in a civil partnership and plan to live together, your husband, wife or civil partner may apply to live here permanently.

In some cases, we can give your husband, wife or civil partner permission to live permanently in the United Kingdom as soon as he/she arrives. To qualify for this, you must:

have married or formed a civil partnership four years or more ago;
have spent those four years living together outside the United Kingdom;
now be returning to the United Kingdom to settle here together; and
your spouse/partner must (unless aged 65 or over) have sufficient knowledge of the English language and about life in the United Kingdom.

Children:

Children cannot normally come to live in the United Kingdom if one parent is living in another country, unless the parent living in the United Kingdom has sole responsibility for the child or there are serious reasons why the child must be allowed to come here.

The child will normally be allowed to stay in the United Kingdom permanently from the date he/she arrives if:

both you and the child's other parent are settled here; or
both you and the child's other parent have permission to settle here permanently and you are entering the country together with the child; or
you have permission to settle here permanently and you are entering the country together with the child, and the other parent is already settled here; or
you have sole responsibility for the child.

UK Residency

This section explains who has the right to live in the United Kingdom (we call this residency) or can apply for permission to do so, either temporarily or permanently:

Check out related information on:

Eligibility:
If you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country, you may already have the right to settle permanently in the United Kingdom. You may also be able to apply to live and work here if you can show you have United Kingdom ancestry. If you have previously lived in the United Kingdom and wish to return.

If you are a permanent resident of the United Kingdom - or have a husband, wife, partner or proposed partner who is a permanent resident - you can find out how you or your partner can apply to live here at Partners and children.

f you are a permanent resident of the United Kingdom or have a relative who is a permanent resident, you can find out which relatives are able to come to live here.

If you already have permission to stay in the United Kingdom temporarily (we call this 'limited leave to remain') and wish to stay longer, see the section on extending.

If you wish to apply for permission to settle in the United Kingdom permanently (we call this 'indefinite leave to remain'), you will need to show that you have enough knowledge of language and life here. See the settlement section for more information on this.

Cost of applying:
This page provides details of the fee that you need to pay when applying to extend your temporary permission to stay in the United Kingdom (we call this 'leave to remain') or for permanent residence (we call this 'indefinite leave to remain').

The fee you need to pay depends on the type of application you are making and the number of dependants applying at the same time as you.

In some cases you can include children under 18 or other dependants on your application form, or they can apply at the same time on a separate form. You may need to pay an additional fee of £50 for each dependant. To find out more about this, you should read the information on the application form.

If you are posting your application(s), you can send more than one application form in the same envelope, but you must make a separate payment for each form where applicable.

Application to extend your visa:
Husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried or same sex partner - form FLR (M):
Postal application: £465
Application in person at public enquiry office: £665

Other categories (see Extend your visa for details) - form FLR (O) or FLR (BID):
Postal application: £465
Application in person at public enquiry office: £665

Application for permanent residence:
Husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried or same sex partner - form SET (M):
Postal application: £820
Application in person at public enquiry office: £1,020

Other categories - (see Settling in the United Kingdom for details)- form SET (O):
Postal application: £820
Application in person at public enquiry office: £1,020

Visa letter: Child student

The visa letter is an official offer letter which the education provider gives a child. A child must provide the visa letter with the application form as part of their documents and proof. It shows that they are studying a course (at an acceptable level) with an approved education provider and are able to get 30 points.

The visa letter should contain the following information:

This should say 'child student'
Name (as shown on the child's passport if applicable)
Nationality
Contact details for the child's parent(s) or legal guardian
Your passport or travel document number (optional)
The approved education provider's also known as sponosor's sponsor licence number
The education provider's address (if different from the letterhead)
Contact details for the education provider (if different from the letterhead)
The name and address of any partner institution where you will be studying as part of the course
confirmation that the child's approved education provider is providing any accommodation (if applicable)
Title of course or curriculum to be studied or confirmation that the course or curriculum meets the independent school education inspection standards (if applicable)
Start date (the date the child starts their main studies, or the date they start an induction or a course to prepare them for study if they have an unconditional offer to do their main course)
Latest date the child can join the course (optional)
Expected end date
Address of the child's main place of study if different to the approved education provider's main address
Non-boarding and day students:
course fees for the first year or the length of the course
course fees paid so far (if applicable)
accommodation fees paid so far (if applicable)
Boarding students:
boarding fees (which are course fees and board or lodging fees) for the first year
boarding fees already paid (if applicable)

Documents used to get the visa letter (this is only necessary for those who are 16 or 17 years old):

List of evidence the approved education provider used to make sure the child will be able to finish the course, which must include:

level or type of qualification (if applicable)
qualification awarding body or institution (if applicable)

Visa letter:Adult student

The visa letter is an official offer letter which the education provider gives you. You must provide the visa letter with your application form as part of your documents and proof. It shows that you are studying a course (at an acceptable level) with an approved education provider and are able to get 30 points.

The visa letter should contain the following information:

This should say 'general student' or 'adult student'
Your name (as shown on your passport if applicable)
Your nationality
Your passport or travel document number (optional)
The approved education provider's also known as sponsor's sponsor licence number
The education provider's address (if different from the letterhead)
Contact details for the education provider (if different from the letterhead)
The name and address of any partner institution where you will be studying as part of the course
The name and address of the overseas higher education institution, if the time you spend in the United Kingdom studying is part of an overseas higher education course
The course titleThe academic level of course or qualification you will get when you complete the course
The start date (the date you start your main studies, or the date you start an induction or course to prepare you for study if you have an unconditional offer to do your main course)
The expected end date
The latest date you can join the course (optional)
The number of hours per week (optional if studying a full-time degree course that leads to a United Kingdom recognised bachelor or postgraduate degree)
The address of your main place of study, if different to the approved education provider's main address
The address of any organisation offering you a work placement, if known and applicable
Course fees for the first year, or the length of the course
Course fees that you have paid so far (if applicable)
Accommodation fees that you have paid so far (if applicable)

Documents used to get the visa letter :

A list of evidence that your approved education provider used to assess your academic ability to finish the course, which may include:

The level or type of your existing qualification (if applicable)
The qualification awarding body and/or institution (if applicable)
Confirmation that an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate is needed (if applicable)

Sponsoring a Student

This section explains how to sponsor migrants who want to study in the United Kingdom under tier 4 of the points-based system.

What education providers must show to be a tier 4 sponsor?

If you are an education provider and you want a licence to be a tier 4 sponsor, you must show that:

you have been inspected, audited or reviewed by an appropriate body (if you are subject to public review);
you hold valid accreditation from an appropriate body (if you are not subject to public review); or
you directly offer short-term 'study abroad' programmes in your own premises in the United Kingdom (if you are an overseas higher education provider).

All sponsors have a number of duties that they must fulfil. These include keeping records and telling us about any changes.

For complete information on sponsoring and documents check out Sponsoring a migrant

Overseas higher education providers:
If you are an overseas higher education provider, you do not need United Kingdom accreditation as long as the courses you offer in the United Kingdom are short-term 'study abroad' programmes provided directly by you in your own premises. Students for these courses must be enrolled in their home country and be coming to the United Kingdom for one or two semesters before returning home to finish their degree course (which must be equivalent to a United Kingdom degree).

You will still need to apply for a tier 4 licence, and will need to provide proof that:

you hold overseas accreditation, which can be confirmed by the national agency UK NARIC, as a provider of degree programmes that are equivalent to United Kingdom degree-level qualifications; and
you only teach part of your higher education programmes in the United Kingdom (so that, for example, students are enrolled at the overseas university and study only part of their degree in the United Kingdom before returning overseas to finish their studies); and
you have full legal control of the premises you use.

Sponsoring general students :

To qualify as a general student under the points-based system, a migrant must score 40 points
Migrants will need a visa letter from their tier 4 sponsor to support their application for permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom.

The process of sponsoring a general student is made up of four stages.

Make sure that the course the migrant wants to do is acceptable for a Tier 4 general student, and that any work placements meet the Tier 4 requirements.
If the migrant is going to do a pre-sessional course to prepare them for their main course of study, make sure that the pre-sessional course meets the Tier 4 requirements.
You do not have to check that the migrant has enough money (maintenance) to cover their course fees and monthly living costs, but you may wish to do so.
Issue a visa letter offering the migrant an unconditional place at your institution. This will enable the migrant to apply for permission to enter or stay in the United Kingdom as a general student under Tier 4.

If the migrant accepts your offer and we give them permission to study in the United Kingdom based on your visa letter, you will become their sponsor. You must then make sure that you manage your record-keeping and reporting duties for the student.

Sponsoring child students:

To qualify as a child student under the points-based system, a migrant must score 40 points.
Migrants will need a visa letter from their tier 4 sponsor to support their application for permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom.

The process of sponsoring a child student is made up of five stages.

Make sure that the course the child wants to do is acceptable for a Tier 4 child student.
If the child needs to do a pre-sessional course to prepare them for their main course of study, make sure that the pre-sessional course meets the Tier 4 requirements.
You do not have to check that the child has enough money (maintenance) to cover their course fees and monthly living costs, but you may wish to do so.
If the child will be staying in a private foster care arrangement while in the United Kingdom, you must give the foster carer's name and the address where they and the child will be living to the local authority in that area.
Issue a visa letter offering the child an unconditional place at your institution. This will enable them to apply for permission to enter or stay in the United Kingdom as a child student.

If your offer is accepted and the child is granted permission to study in the United Kingdom based on your visa letter, you will become their sponsor. You must then make sure that you manage your record-keeping and reporting duties for them

Student Visa: Tier 4- Child

This section explains how an child student can apply for a student visa under tier 4 of the points-based system:
You can apply as an child student if you are coming to the United Kingdom to study a course at National Qualification Framework level 3 or above, Here you will find information on visa cost, application form, study visa extension and eligibilty for Tier 4 student visa.

check out related information on:

Child student:
If a child is 16 or 17 years old and wants to study a course at National Qualification Framework level 3 or above, they can agree with their approved education provider that they will apply either as an adult or as a child student. A 16 or 17 year old wanting to study for an English language qualification at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level A2 or above must apply as an adult student. See Applying for an adult student visa for more information on how to apply as an adult student.

Who can apply?

The child student visa is for children between four and 17 years old who are coming to the United Kingdom. Children between four and 15 years old can only apply if they are going to study at an independent fee-paying school.

How much does a student visa cost?

The student visa application fee depends on where you apply from:
Inside the United Kingdom by post - £357
Inside the United Kingdom at a public enquiry office (PEO) - £565
Outside the United Kingdom - £145

What application form should I use?

If you are applying from inside the United Kingdom, you should use the Tier 4 (general) application form, If you are applying from outside the United Kingdom, go to our Application form page

How long can the child come for?

The length of time a child will be allowed to come for depends on how much time they are asking for and the length of their course. The length of time needed should be agreed with the child's approved education provider and stated in their visa letter.

The maximum time we allow is as follows:
Age of child at the time of application --Maximum time a child can come for
Under 16 years old -------------------------- The full length of the course, upto 6 yrs+4 months
16 or 17 years old --------------------------- The full length of the course, upto 2 yrs+4 months

What does the child need to apply?

Points for Visa letter and Maintanace fund:

A child needs 40 points to be able to apply for a child student visa, and must provide the proof needed with their application form.

Points --- 30
What you gets points for --- Doing a course (at an acceptable level) with an approved education provider (also known as sponsorship)
Proof and documents needed --- Visa letter from your approved education provider, and if the child is aged 16 or 17, the documents they used to get the visa letter (if applicable)

Points ---10
What you gets points for --- Having enough money to cover child course fees and monthly living costs (also known as maintenance)
Proof and documents needed --- Bank statement or letter confirming that there is enough money available to cover child's course fees and monthly living costs for up to one year, at the time you submit your application.

The child's parent or legal guardian must be able to prove that the money needed has been in their account, or in the child's account, for 28 days before the application is sent to embassy.
The child's parent or legal guardian must also make suitable care arrangements for where the child will stay while they are in the United Kingdom, and must be able to send documents and proof to show this. A child can:

stay at a residential boarding school;
stay with a private foster carer or close relative;
stay with a parent, if the parent is coming with a child under 12 years old; or
live independently if they are 16 or 17 years old.

Visa letter for child students:

The visa letter for child student is an official offer letter which the education provider (sponosor) gives you. You must provide the visa letter with your application form as part of your documents and proof. It shows that you are studying a course (at an acceptable level) with an approved education provider and are able to get 30 points.

How much money does the child need?

The money that the child will need includes course fees and monthly living costs. The amount of money needed will depend on the length of the course and the child's living arrangements while they are in the United Kingdom.

1. Care arrengement: Studying and boarding at a residential independent school

Money needed: Boarding and course fees for 1st yr

2. Care arrengement: Private foster care arrangement or staying with a close relative

Money needed: School fees for one year and confirmation from the intended carer that they have £500 a month for up to nine months to look after and accommodate the child

3. Care arrengement:One child coming with a parent or legal guardian

Money needed: Course fees for the first year and £1,333 a month for upto 9 months to cover gardian cost and child living cost

4. Care arrengement: Two children coming with a parent or legal guardian.

Money needed:All course fees for the first year and and £800 a month for upto 9 months to cover the guardian's living costs and £533 a month for each child, for up to nine months, to cover the children's living cost

5. Care arrengement: A 16 or 17 year old studying in London:

Money needed: Course fees for the first year (or for the length of the course, if it will last nine months or less) and £800 a month for up to nine months to cover living costs.

6. Care arrengement: A 16 or 17 year old studying outside London

Money needed: Course fees for the first year (or for the length of the course, if it will last nine months or less) and £600 a month for up to nine months to cover living costs

ID cards and biometrics:

Your identity card is proof of your permission to stay in the United Kingdom and shows any conditions you must meet while you are here. It helps your approved education provider see what you are entitled to.

The card enables you to confirm your identity, what rights you have to study or work here and to access public services.

If you are applying from inside the United Kingdom, you will have to apply for an identity card for foreign nationals.You must have your photograph taken and give your fingerprints, which are known as your biometric information.

If you are applying from outside the United Kingdom, you will have to check with local visa application centre to see what biometrics you need to give.

Acceptable course the child can do courses that:

are taught in line with the National Curriculum; or
are taught in line with the National Qualification Framework (NQF); or
follow a curriculum that is recognised by Ofsted (England), the Education and Training
Inspectorate (Northern Ireland), Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (Scotland) or Estyn (Wales); or
are taught in line with current (prevailing) independent school education inspection standards.

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