Frequently Asked Questions - UK Visas to study English

Answering all of your questions

The information published on this page about UK Visas is for guidance only. For the most recent information or if you are not sure about your visa status, you might want to contact your local UK embassy or visit the official government website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.

DO I NEED A UK VISA TO STUDY ENGLISH IN THE UK?

You can stay in the UK as a student in an accredited institution (like Nacel English School London) without needing a visa for up to 6 months.

You only need a valid passport, which has to be valid for the whole time I am in the UK.

If you are under 18 and travelling alone, you may need a letter from your parent or your guardian telling their contact details and consent for you to travel to the UK.

You will not be able to do paid or unpaid work (this includes work experience or work placements).

You have to apply for a Short-term study visa for English language courses lasting longer than 6 months and up to 11 months.

You can stay in the UK for the length of the course plus an extra 30 days if your stay is no longer than 11 months.

If you are under 18, you can apply for a Child Student visa.

You will have to prove that:

  • You will study in an accredited institution for up to 11 months;
  • You have enough money to support my trip;
  • You can pay for my return journey.

If you are under 18, you will need the consent of your parent or guardian to study in the UK.

Once in the UK, you will not be able to:

  • do paid or unpaid work (this includes work experience or work placements);
  • extend your visa ;
  • bring family members (dependents) with you on this visa.

You can apply online before coming to the UK. Find a visa application centre here.

You need a Student visa.

Once in the UK, you will not be able to:

  • Claim public benefits and pensions;
  • Work in certain jobs (for example as a professional sportsperson or sports coach);
  • Be self-employed.

Whether you need a visa or not depends on your country of origin.

You can quickly check if you need a visa here.

As of January 1st 2021, if you are a citizen of the below listed countries, you do not need a visa:

  • Any EEA country
  • Argentina
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Costa Rica
  • Dominica
  • East Timor
  • El Salvador
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Kiribati
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Monaco
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Palau
  • Panama
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • Seychelles
  • Singapore
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tuvalu
  • United States of America
  • Uruguay
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City

If you need a visa, the type of visa you need depends on the length of your course:

HOW DO I APPLY FOR MY UK VISA TO STUDY ENGLISH IN LONDON?

Yes.

If you need to apply for a visa, please follow the process below:

1) Complete the enrolment form making sure you read the conditions of enrolment carefully.

2) Please send us a copy of the following documents:

  • Passport (we need your passport to issue you an accurate visa letter): with a blank page for your visa
  • For Student visas: Proof of your English Level showing that you are currently at a B1 Level of English (on the Common European Framework of Reference) and that you can start a course at the B2 level. Consult official information about the recognized Secure English language Test and test centres 

3) Once we have received the above documents we will need to evaluate them and then arrange a Skype interview in order to ensure the course of your choice is suitable for your needs.

4) We will send you an invoice and then you will be required to pay your programme fees. You must pay all your fees in advance. We cannot issue any visa-supporting documentation until you have done this.

5) Depending on your required visa, we will issue you with a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies CAS Statement or a letter to support your visa application.

5) Once you have received your visa and booked your flights, please inform us of your arrival date and flight details.

We look forward to welcoming you to Nacel English School London.

Yes.

If the visa application is refused, providing we receive official documentation from the British Embassy or Consulate confirming this, we will refund the student in full except the £250 administration fee and the course registration fee (The CAS fee is non-refundable). All bank charges incurred are to be paid by the student. Refunds will only be considered if applied prior to the commencement of the course.

Please note that, for students who require a visa to the UK, once documentation has been issued to support their visa application, no refund will be given without official documentation confirming that the application has been unsuccessful.

You need to consider the cost of your visa application, which depends on the type of visa you apply for.

  • For a Standard Visitor Visa, the cost should be £95.
  • For a Short-term Study visa, the cost will be £186.
  • For a student visa, the cost will be £348.

You might be able to pay an extra £220 for a decision within 5 working days or £956 for a decision within 24 hours. Make sure you apply with enough time to spare before you wish to commence your course.

You should receive the decision about your Short-term Study visa, Standard Visitor Visa or a Student visa within 3 weeks after your appointment. Please apply early enough to start your course on time.

It depends on the visa you apply for. Consult the links listed above per visa to receive complete information per visa.

  • There is usually financial evidence to provide: you will need to prove that you have enough financial resources to support yourself while in the UK. You may also have to prove that you already paid your course fees in full.
  • You may also need to prove your student accommodation while in England.
  • Depending on your country of origin, you may also have to take a Tuberculosis test.
  • If you are under 18, your parents will need to prove that they agree with your trip.

Depending on your situation, there can be a variety of documentation required. Inquire early to have the time to collect them and translate them into English.

It is recommended that you start the process at least 3 months before your intended course start date.

Didn’t find the answer?

Contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Nacel English School London - FAQs UK visas