Visa Requirements
What Visa do I need, to study at the Beshara School, and how do I get the right one?
At present, people who are nationals of countries outside of the EU or Switzerland should apply for a STUDENT VISITOR entry permit. Please note, and this is very important: you DON'T want a Student visa, but a STUDENT VISITOR entry permit, or visa.
This gives entry to the UK for a maximum of 6 months and is similar to a 6 month's Visitor Visa but is specifically for students studying on courses less than 6 months in duration.
Can I extend my stay?
You will not be able to extend your stay in the United Kingdom as a student visitor and must leave before the six month period expires.
How do I get a Student Visitor Visa?
This depends on what nationality you have. To find out if your nationality requires a visa, click here to visit the home office web site.
Visa Nationals
If your nationality is one of those listed on the Visa Nationals list you need to apply in your own country at a British diplomatic post, consulate, or embassy BEFORE traveling. Please ensure you apply as early as possible – see below for details of documentation provided by the school.
Non Visa Nationals
If the country of your nationality does not appear on the list above, you can apply when you arrive at the airport/port in Britain by presenting your documentation to an immigration officer - see below for details of documentation provided by the school.
It is recommended, however, that even if you are a Non-Visa National, you still apply for a STUDENT VISITOR VISA in your home country before traveling, provided there is enough time to do so.
What documents will I need to apply for a Student Visitor Visa?
Please get in touch with the secretary as soon as you know that you want to study at the Beshara School. The secretary will contact you and help you process your application, and can also help you with any questions you might have regarding your visa. The process sounds complicated but in most cases it is straightforward providing you have the right documentation.
You will need a letter from the school stating that:
- The school is accredited by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education
- You have been accepted for a course of study the duration of which is under 6 months.
- You have paid for your course and the fee includes all accommodation and board and lodging for the whole period.
You will also need to show that you have a return ticket or sufficient funds to travel home plus sufficient money for incidental expenses whilst in the UK (traveling to and from the school, emergencies etc.)
Please state the full name of the school: The Beshara School at the Chisholme Institute, in any correspondence with any UK Immigration bodies.
Other helpful documentation if available:
If you are employed it is helpful to have a letter from your employer stating the length of your period of absence, saying how long you have been employed and in what job. If you have a property or lease on a house or flat to which you are returning it is also helpful to have evidence of this, together with a number of bank statements and any evidence of savings that you have.
Further Details from the UK Border Agency are given below:
Click on the option: I want to study in the UK under the section: Information for visa applicants. This will take you to the next page: Studying in the United Kingdom. Click on the option: Student visitors which will explain the rules and details for student visitors. Student Visitors also need to fulfill the requirements for General Visitors.
Helpful Sites:
UK Border Agency Information on Student Visitors:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/student-visitors
The British Government website for Visa Services:
www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/
Visa Nationals site:
This site lists all those countries whose citizens are classed as Visa Nationals.
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/appendix1/
