Immigration - UK

Immigration to the United Kingdom

(England, Scotland, Northern Ireland & Wales)

In order to participate in a study abroad program in the United Kingdom, you must ensure you have the correct immigration status as specified by the UK Government. There are two primary immigration statuses for students studying in the UK. Your status will depend on your country of citizenship, program length, and internship/service learning/work options. ​Click here to check if you need a UK visa.
 
You can find an overview of information at UK Student Immigration: The Basics. Immigration policy changes rapidly. You are responsible for your own legal entry and stay in the UK. 
 
Your ultimate resource for immigration advice and information should be the consulate that has visa-issuing jurisdiction for residents in your home state or country. A complete list of UK embassies and consulates is available here. Additionally, you can find a visa application center here. 
 
Many UK universities offer visa support or information resources, so contact your program directly to see what resources they offer. Your program may send you detailed information about visas via email, so read all correspondence thoroughly. 
 
As a third-best resource, the OIE is available for immigration guidance. Keep in mind that information from our office on this topic is not official legal advice, but rather a resource for finding information.  

Non-US citizens need to work with DU’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to make sure that they remain in status in the US while studying abroad and will be able to return to the US without difficulty.

 
Read the information below carefully:

• Which visa do you need?
  • Standard Visitor Visa
  • Student Visa
• Cherrington Global Scholars (CGS) & Visa Fees
• Port of Entry
• At the Border (Immigration & Customs) 
• Prescription Medication

 

Which visa do you need? 

The UK Government has a quiz to determine what visa you need here. Do not apply for the Short-Term Student Visa, as this option is only available to students studying English as a foreign language. 
 

1. Standard Visitor Visa

(VISA NATIONALS APPLY IN ADVANCE & NON-VISA NATIONALS APPLY AT PORT OF ENTRY TO UK)
 

You should enter the UK via this route if...

• Your study abroad program is less than 6 months AND
• You do not plan to extend your studies AND
• You will not work part-time or take part in anything resembling work or professional training such as an unpaid internship, volunteer work, or service-learning course. The only exception may be volunteering with a registered charity in the UK. 

Important considerations...

• The vast majority of DU students studying abroad in the UK will enter using Standard Visitor Visa.
• The process for Visa Nationals is different than the process for Non-Visa Nationals.  
• The list of Visa Nationals is available here. If you're a citizen of a country not included in this list, you are considered a Non-Visa National. Note: U.S. citizens are Non-Visa Nationals. 

 

Supporting Documents

• The UK government provides guidance on the documents you will need for a Standard Visitor Visa here. You will also be informed of the documents you need when you apply online. For more details, review the Visiting the UK: Guide to Support Documents file. The Arrival Process for Visa Nationals & Non-Visa Nationals section in this document also describes some of the documents you may need. It is your responsibility to confirm what documents you will need. 
• ​Some of the documents you will likely need include:
  • Passport or travel document (note: passport needs to be valid during your entire stay and must contain a blank page)
  • Proof of study (generally an offer or acceptance letter from your UK institution) 
  • Evidence of sufficient funds to live in the UK (e.g. copy of a bank statement) 
• If you plan to leave the UK and re-enter using Visitor Permission, make sure to save any evidence from your first entry (e.g. a boarding pass). You also need to bring the same documents every time you re-enter (e.g. proof of study, evidence of sufficient funds, etc.) because you may be questioned about why you are entering the UK. 

 

Pre-Arrival Application Process for Visa Nationals 

This section only applies to Visa Nationals. For reference, the list of visa nationals is available here. Americans and other people with nationality not included in that list are considered Non-Visa Nationals. Non-Visa Nationals will apply at the port of entry and do not need to apply in advance  

• Visa Nationals need to apply online before traveling to the UK. 
• After you apply online, prove your identity, and provide your documents, you will usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks. Still, it is highly recommended to apply as early as you are eligible in case of unexpected delays. You will receive an email or letter containing the decision on your application and an explanation of what you need to do next. You will need to wait for your documents such as your passport with a visa sticker to be returned. 
• You may be able to use the priority service to get a decision faster. If you verify your identity at a visa application centre and the service is available in the country you're applying from, you can choose "priority service" when you apply. There is an additional cost for this service (not covered by Cherrington Global Scholars). More information about wait times available here. 
• After applying online, you will need to make an appointment at a local visa application centre. You will be able to see the options available to you after you have completed your application and continue to the UK Government's commercial partner's website. You can also find a list of centres here. At the appointment, you will enroll in biometrics and may have an interview. 

 

Arrival Process for Visa Nationals & Non-Visa Nationals  

The information below is for the Standard Visitor Visa route, NOT the Student Visa route. Official information about what to do at border control is available here. 

1. You will go through immigration once you land in the UK. It is advised that students DO NOT fly through the Republic of Ireland before entering the UK. Doing so will mean you will not have the correct immigration permission upon entering the UK due to the lack of immigration control within the Common Travel Area (CTA).
2. When you arrive at immigration, you will need to stand in line until your turn to speak with an immigration officer. When it is your turn, you will need to show documentation and may be asked questions as to why you are entering the UK.
3. With this route, you do not have work permission, so do not mention “work” or anything of similar meaning when passing through immigration. Mention only your academic study abroad program lasting less than 6 months and that you will return to DU to complete your degree.
4. Be sure to confirm which entry point you can use (e.g. speaking with an immigration officer or using the ePassport gates) here. As students, it is NOT recommended to use the ePassport gates the first time you enter the UK because you will NOT be able to receive a stamp in your passport. You may need the stamp, especially to certify when you first entered the UK if you plan to travel internationally and re-enter the UK. Instead, students are highly recommended to speak with an immigration officer, which is the only way to receive a stamp in your passport. 
   1. If you're from the US, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, or South Korea: You should be able to use the UK/EEA immigration lanes and the automatic ePassport gates. If you choose to use the eGates, you will need to scan your biometric passport, and you will not get a stamp in your passport. In that case, it is recommended to keep evidence of when you entered the UK (e.g. boarding pass). Please note: if it is your first time entering the UK, we strongly encourage that you see an immigration officer instead so that you are able to receive a stamp in your passport. 
   2. If you're from an EEA Country (includes EU countries, Iceland, Lichtenstein, & Norway) or Switzerland: You should be able to use the UK/EEA channel. You should also be able to use automatic ePassport gates at some airports if your passport has a 'chip" in it. These gates use facial recognition technology to check your identity against the photo in your passport. 
   3. If you're from a non-EEA Country: You must have your passport (and visa if you have one) checked at border control with an immigration officer.  

 
Show the immigration officer the following documentation:

1. Your valid passport (valid for a year after your date of entry).
2. Acceptance Letter/Immigration Letter from your host university in the UK: must be on their letterhead (even if an email) stating your acceptance to their Study Abroad Program. This document is very important. 
3. An Immigration Letter of Support from the OIE: this states that you’re a study abroad student, you’re in good standing with DU financially, you have a place to stay during your studies, and that you will return to the US after your program is complete to finish your bachelor’s degree. 

 
Be prepared to show the immigration officer the following items if requested:

1. Return flight itinerary: showing you will leave the UK once your program is complete before the 6 months have expired.
2. Proof of funding: proof that you can cover all expenses without working illegally.
   • Recent bank statement under your name (not your parents’) showing enough funds for the duration of the program.
   • General guidelines:
     • Immigration rules do not stipulate an exact amount needed for Standard Visa Permission. Based on the guidance for Student Visa minimums, it is recommended to have at least £1334 for every month you plan stay in the UK.
     • If you do not have this much in your bank account and you are questioned, point out that DU has pre-paid your tuition and housing(as stated in your letter of support, item #3 above) and that you only need to pay for food and living expenses. You should still be able to show that you have enough funds in your account to support yourself for your entire stay.
3. Your address in the UK: preferably on letterhead or a printed e-mail from the housing provider or host university.
4. Your DU student ID: to verify that you are indeed a student at DU.
5. Proof of health insurance: your health insurance membership card (remember: you need to obtain medical insurance from your home country before travelling to the UK).
6. Your prescription if you are carrying drugs with you: See the “Health and Safety” section of the DU Study Abroad Handbook for more information.

You may need to go through this process each time that you re-enter the UK. This means that if you leave the UK to visit another country, you will need to have all the same items with you to show the immigration officer upon re-entry. It is also recommended to keep evidence of your first time entering the UK (e.g. boarding pass). If you met with an immigration officer the first time you entered the UK, you should have received a stamp in your passport, which can serve as evidence. Remember, these documents (and the stamp you may get in your passport) serve as your legal permission to enter the UK. Be sure to make photocopies of all documents in case the originals get destroyed.

 

2. Student Visa (formerly called Tier 4) 

(APPLY BEFORE DEPARTURE)
 

You should apply for this route if...

• Your study abroad program is longer than 6 months. 
  • You can also apply if your program is less than 6 months, but it may make more sense to enter the UK with Visitor Permission instead - see Standard Visitor Visa section. How long you can stay with a Student Visa depends on the length of your program and what study you've already completed.
• You will work part-time or take part in anything resembling work or professional training such as an unpaid internship, volunteer work, or service learning course. 

Supporting Documents

• You can learn about the documents you may need when you apply here. Further guidance about documents can be found here. 
• You must provide the following documents:
  • Current passport or valid travel documentation
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your program.
    • CAS Number: This is your online file created by your host university in the UK which can be viewed by the UK Border Agency to confirm your status. If your host university does not offer to supply you with a CAS number, you need to request one from them. Your Student Visa application will be denied if it does not have a CAS number. Your acceptance letter is a very important document. 
• You may need to provide the following document:
  • Proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your program - this will vary depending on your circumstances. The UK Border Agency reserves the right to request this information, so you should be prepared to submit it if asked.
    • If asked you will need to show a bank account in your name with sufficient “maintenance fees” (i.e. living costs) for the entire length of the program. This fee is £1,334 per month for a maximum of 9 months in London and £1,023 per month for a maximum of 9 months outside of London. Maintenance fees do include rent, even if rent is paid for by the University of Denver.
    • The OIE will provide a letter of support (typically in Spring Quarter) stating that DU has paid in advance for your tuition and housing (if applicable, check with the OIE to confirm the specifics for your program).
    • More detail will be provided in the confirmation you receive after submitting the online application.
    • Any money you use for maintenance must be in your account for a consecutive period of 28 days. Your bank statement must be no more than 31 days old on the date of your application.
    • The University of Westminster has a helpful document on Financial Requirements & the 28-day Rule. Goldsmiths, University of London, also has a helpful document on Financial Requirements. 

 

Application Process 

Review the Student Visa Guidance IN DETAIL to understand the application process. This is a lengthy process that should be done in a timely manner and can be changed at any time. The earliest you can apply outside of the UK is 6 months before the start of your program. You will usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks, but it may take longer. As such, it is strongly recommended to apply as soon as you become eligible. Note: the application process is different if you are applying for the Student Visa inside the UK.

1. Complete the online application
   • You will enter your personal and program information. 
   • You must pay the application fees using a debit or credit card. The cost to apply for a Student Visa from outside the UK is £348. You will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you'll have to pay here before you apply. 
2. Make a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre. 
   • This will be prompted in the online application. There are biometric facilities across the US where you will have your picture taken and fingerprints scanned.
   • You will receive a confirmation email listing all items to include with your visa application.
     • All of these items must be included or your application will be denied.
3. Mail your passport and complete visa application (with supporting documents).
   • Use a trackable mailing service and send your actual passport (not a copy), the visa application, and all supporting documents as instructed. 
4. Next Steps: If there are questions about your application, you will be notified by an official and instructed on what to do next.
   • See the British Embassy site or UK Visas and Immigration, which handles all visa applications.

 

When You Can Travel to the UK

• You can arrive in the UK up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less. 
• You can arrive up to 1 month before, if your courses lasts more than 6 months. 

 

Cherrington Global Scholars (CGS) & Visa Fees

The OIE will only reimburse Cherrington Global Scholars students who must pay a fee to enter the UK legally. Currently, this includes only the following students if they are CGS eligible:

• University of Westminster students (internship required)
• Year-long exchange at the University of York and University of Glasgow (over 6 months required)
• Depending on what they need, non-US, visa national students may need to apply for the Student Visa or Standard Visitor Permission

 
To be reimbursed, please follow the instructions in the Study Abroad Handbook. 
 
US students who choose to do an internship/service learning course not required by their program or who want the right to work in the UK while abroad are not eligible for reimbursement for the visa application fee since work/internships are optional endeavors.
 
US students planning to extend their program to be abroad for a full year MUST apply for a Student Visa BEFORE going to the UK, regardless of whether or not an extension has been approved. Student Visas for these students are not eligible for reimbursement as the choice to extend is entirely optional.
   

Port of Entry

At the Border (Immigration & Customs)

• See the UK Border Patrol's Top 10 Tips for First-time Student Arrivals 
• Remember to be polite and to have all required documents easily on hand
  • You won't be able to use your phone, so make sure you have PRINTED versions of your documents
• When talking to an immigration officer...
  • Only answer questions you have been asked
  • Keep the conversation as short as possible while still remaining courteous
  • Be respectful 
• Remember, immigration officers can refuse you entry for any reason so take the process seriously.

Prescription Medication