Student Visas
Your nationality will decide whether you need a visa to study in the UK. The Home Office website provides the current rules for those of your nationality.
Visa Nationals
A Visa National must obtain a Visa from their local British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission before travelling to the UK. In order to get a Visa to come to West London College you will need:
- A Visa Application Document from the College showing tuition fees paid.
- Proof of access to sufficient funds for living expenses, i.e. without the need to work or recourse to public funds.
- To satisfy the Immigration Officer that you have every intention of returning home on completion of your studies.
As a Visa national you will probably be required to attend an interview with an Immigration Officer. If you are, as is often the case, then you should read the following:
Interview
The interview may last between 5 and 40 minutes. By the end, however, the ECO will usually have satisfied himself as to whether or not you should be given permission to travel to the UK. In our experience, ECOs often look for the following;
- That candidates are organised and well presented.
- That they are fully informed about their proposed studies (i.e. syllabus content) and clear about how these will improve their prospects in the future.
- Be clear about how much money will be needed and have strong documentation to prove that the money is available.
- As ECOs are sometimes concerned about an applicant's intent to come home, it may also be helpful to be prepared for questions that you may be asked in this regard.
If you do not need to apply for your visa in your home country you can obtain the visa at the UK port of entry and you will need:
- A Visa Application Document from the College
- Proof of access to sufficient funds for your tuition fees and living expenses, without the need to work*
*NB: Overseas students are entitled to work part-time whilst studying but may not use the earnings as evidence of financial viability.
Good luck and we look forward to seeing you in London.
