Sunday 25 January 2009

UK Work Visa, Study Visa




Working or Studying in the UK - Visa requirements

What you will need to work in the UK

Each year more than 50,000 people from destinations like Australia, South Africa, Canada and New Zealand, India make the decision to spend some time living and working in the UK. Spending time in a totally different environment is an awesome way to experience new things, gain work experience, embrace new cultures and broaden your horizons.

How Do I Get There?
If you are one of the lucky few who already have a European Union passport this article is not for you. Travellers with EU passports can work not only in the UK but anywhere in the European Union. If you don’t have an EU passport keep reading.

A large selection of Immigration Visas, Residency and work permits are on offer in the UK to enable to make your dream of living and working in the UK a reality. Some of these options can even eventually lead to permanent residency, British Citizenship and a UK Passport.

Types of Visas: (PBS : Point Based System)
The Points Based System or PBS focuses the structure of UK immigration services into a five-tier immigration model. The tier visa system is designed to cover all non-EEA nationals immigrating to the UK except those entering through a family based visa application.

Tier 1
Categories: General (HSMP) , Entrepreneurs, Investors, Post-Study Work.

Tier 2 (replaces the previous system of Work Permits as part of the new UK visa structure)

Tier 4 Applies to Students, wishing to study in UK universities and other educational institutes.

Tier 5 is designed to allow temporary workers and 18-30 year olds in the Youth Mobility Scheme to undertake short-term, temp work to satisfy essentially non-financial objectives.


Tier 4 Student Visas:

From March 2009 adults wishing to study in the UK must apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa.

The tier 4 Student Visa replaces the current UK Study Visa and allows an adult student to study in the UK with a licensed sponsor on the Tier 4 register of sponsors and embark upon a course of study.

See the approved list of Tier 4 registered sponsors.

Benefits
The Tier 4 Student Visa service offers overseas students the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications from reputable and government approved universities and colleges in the UK.

Study Abroad at a UK educational institution and you will be embarking on a life-long journey, where the skills and experience you learn in the UK are recognised the world over in industries such as commerce, science, technology and government.

The tier 4 Student Visa does not constitute a route to settlement or indefinite leave to remain, however, a visa for student immigration may allow you to switch to another UK immigration service without leaving the country, upon successful completion of your course.

If your course of study lasts less than six months, you may be able to enter the country under a UK visit visa, often referred to as a travel visa or tourist visa.

However, the benefit of studying in the UK under a visa for students is that you will also be permitted to undertake limited employment and extend your visa if your course of study lasts longer than 4 years.

Duration
Tier 4 student visas are granted for the period of your course.

If you are studying at degree level or above, you can stay for the full duration of your course, up to four years.

If your course is longer than four years, you can apply for a UK Visa Extension to finish your course.

If you are studying below degree, your Student Visa will allow you to stay for up to three years.

One route for staying in the UK beyond a course of study, is through switching to a Tier 2 Work Permit. You will require a specific offer of employment from a British company.

Eligibility

The new student route under the points based system introduces five key changes to the current system. Adult students applying to study abroad in the UK must:
  • Have a proven track record in studying before coming to the UK.
  • Have recognised qualifications equivalent to National Qualification Framework (NQF) in the UK education system.
  • Produce evidence of sufficient funds to pass a maintenance test.
  • Produce documents used to obtain an offer from the university or college sponsoring, such as qualification certificates.

To be able to travel to the United Kingdom as a general student after the end of March 2009, adult students must pass a points-based assessment and score 40 points.

Visa letter from education provider = 30 points.

Maintenance fees to cover course fees and living expenses = 10 points.

What is a visa letter?

It is an offer letter from your education provider who is your immigration sponsor, including information about you, your sponsor, the course, and your finances.

What is a licensed sponsor?

The licensed sponsor is the university or college you have chosen to enrol with.

Global Visas have extensive partnerships with many schools, colleges and universities on the tier 4 register of sponsors. Find the tier 4 licensed sponsor list here.

Can I work?


Unlike a UK visit visa, or travel visa application, applicants for study permits may take part-time or holiday work but must not engage in the following:

  • Work for more than 20 hours a week during term time (except in vacation periods), unless it is a work placement and part of a study program and the educational institution agrees.
  • Conduct business, be self-employed, or provide services as a professional sports person or entertainer.
  • Work full-time in a permanent job.


Depending on what you have studied, if you want to stay on in the United Kingdom once you have successfully got your qualification, you may be eligible to switch to the Tier 1 - Post-Study Work visa.

Spouse and Dependent Immigration
Spouse immigration is only permitted for married partners and unlike a Fiance visa or UK De Facto visa, often known as an unmarried partner visa, your common-law or conjugal partner is not allowed to join you.

Married partners will be granted leave to remain for a period equal to that granted to the student. During this time, they must be able to support themselves either independently or with the help of the applicant.



Scholarships and Funding:


Studying in the UK might cost less than you think, especially when you think of the real value a UK qualification provides. Visit our Education UK website to search for scholarships and find information on fees for all types of courses and how much studying in the UK is likely to cost.

The scholarships cover funding for full-time study leading to a degree at undergraduate or Master’s level (or equivalent in further education) in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

They also give funding for accredited study periods of up to one year’s length at recognised higher education institutions for students whose college or university has an exchange agreement with a partner institution in the UK.

Scholarships – starting for the academic year 2007–08 – include funding for tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses to and from country of residence and living expenses in the United Kingdom.

Student loan or Study loan:

There are a host of loan options available for that coveted degree from a UK university. This depends on the university admission offer that you have, course you have selected, your work expereince if any and your financial status.

Sources of funding:

The British Council and UKCISA – the Council for International Education – have collaborated to produce a free booklet for international students on how to find sources of funding for UK study. Download or view this booklet here: Sources of Funding for International students

UK course fees vary depending on what you are going to study and for how long.

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