Visa Guidelines

Your Pathway to Studying in the UK with London Homestays
Welcome to London Homestays, where we are dedicated to providing quality accommodation for international students in the UK. While our focus is on finding your perfect home away from home, we understand that navigating the UK visa process can be overwhelming. Thus, we’ve prepared this general guide to assist you. Please note that we are not visa experts, and the information provided here is for general guidance. Always refer to the official UK government website for the most up-to-date visa information.

Changes in UK regulations have affected visa requirements for students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. Here’s a quick overview:

• Short-Term Stays: Depending on your nationality, a Visitor Visa, Short-Term Study Visa, or even visa-free entry might be available for short courses, research, or tourism.
• Long-Term Studies: For degree programmes (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD), a student visa may be required. Language proficiency might also be necessary.
• Settlement and Residency: Special schemes or long-term visas may apply if you began your studies before certain key dates.
• Biometric Passports: Some applications can be completed online with a biometric passport.
• Financial Requirements: Evidence of sufficient finances for tuition and living costs may be required.

If you’re an international student eyeing a short academic stint in the UK, you’ll want to be acquainted with the following visa options and requirements:

• Short-Term Study Visa: Designed for students engaging in brief academic endeavours, such as language courses, summer schools, or short research projects. Available in two durations – 6 or 11 months. Key requirements include an acceptance letter from an accredited UK educational provider and evidence of financial sustenance for the duration of your stay. The application cost varies, so refer to the official UK government website for precise details.
• Visitor Visa: For those attending academic conferences, seminars, interviews at universities, or even exploring various educational opportunities in the UK, the Standard Visitor Visa might be suitable. It’s generally valid for up to six months, and applicants must provide an invitation from the UK organization if applicable. While not intended for long-term studies, it facilitates short educational explorations.
• Visa-Free Entry: Some nationalities may enter the UK without a visa for short stays, including brief educational visits like attending a conference or touring universities. The rules vary by country, so it’s vital to verify your eligibility based on your specific nationality and purpose of the visit.
• Healthcare and Other Considerations: Depending on your stay’s length and the type of visa, you might also need to consider healthcare provisions. Short-term visitors may need health insurance, as free NHS services may not apply.
• Application Process and Timing: Visa applications can take several weeks to process, so apply well in advance of your planned travel. For Short-Term Study Visas, the application can be made online from within or outside the UK. For Visitor Visas, applications typically open three months before the intended travel date.

Planning an extended academic adventure in the UK? Pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree? Here’s a comprehensive guide to acquiring the appropriate student visa:

• Tier 4 (General) Student Visa: This is the primary visa for international students enrolling in an academic degree. There’s no fixed period of availability; the length of your studies determines the visa’s length.
• Age: Must be over 16 years old.
• Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English, usually through a secure English language test (SELT) at CEFR level B2 or higher.
  Financial Support: Proof of sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and other expenses. The amount required may vary based on your location in the UK (London or elsewhere) and your course’s duration.
• Offer from a Licensed University: An unconditional offer from a licensed UK university, along with a certificate of acceptance for studies (CAS), is essential.
• Visa Length: Determined by your course’s duration and includes some additional time before and after the course.
• Application Fee: Around 348 GBP, but can vary. An Immigration Health Surcharge of 150 GBP per year of study may also apply.
• Health Requirements: Depending on your country of origin, you may need tuberculosis test results.
• Passport and Photographs: A valid travel document and passport-sized photographs are essential.
• Parental Consent: If under 18, parental consent might be needed
• When to Apply: Usually, it’s advisable to start the visa application process three months in advance. Processing takes about three weeks on average.
• Where to Apply: Applications can be made at the UK embassy in your country or online through the official UK Government website.

Disclaimer: We’re Not Visa Experts
At London Homestays, we offer this information as a general guideline. Please remember that we are not experts in UK visa regulations, and the information here may change. Always consult the official UK government website or speak to a qualified immigration adviser for precise, current information.

Start Your UK Adventure with London Homestays!
Explore the exciting culture, prestigious universities, and beautiful landscapes of the UK with London Homestays. Whether you’re here for a short visit or long-term academic pursuit, we’re here to find your ideal accommodation. Contact us today to learn more about our homestay options.