What do you need to know about Visas!

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Do I require a visa to study at inlingua Cheltenham?


EU/EAA Citizens: If you are a citizen of an EU/EAA country, you do not require a visa to study in the UK.

Visa Nationals: If you are a citizen of a 'visa country' or a 'Visa National' you will require a visa to study in the UK. To check details, please refer to the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website "Persons who require a visa for the United Kingdom" on this link http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/appendix1/

Non-Visa Nationals: A 'non-visa national' is a citizen of any country that is not detailed by the UK on the above website. A non-visa national may not require a visa to visit the UK for a period of less than 6months; however your eligibility should be checked with your local Bristich embassy or consulate. Usually a 'non visa national' who wishes to study for longer than 6 months is required to apply for an Extended Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK.

To gain entry clearance at boarder for a period of up to 6 months you need to provide a letter confirming that you are undertaking an English course and for how long (provided by inlingua Cheltenham).

What type of Visa will I require?

Tier 4: Adult Student Visa (General): You will require a Tier 4 Visa if;
- you are 16 years of age and over.
- Plan to study in the UK for a period of up to 6months and may wish to extend your Visa whilst in the UK
- Plan to study in the UK for longer than 6months

If you intend to apply for a Tier 4 Visa you must prove that your current level of English is within the Council of Europe Framework Reference (CEFR) B1 Level or above. You will be required to provide proof of your current English level via one of the UK Border Agency approved tests. You must supply original documents with your Visa application and copies must be supplied to inlingua Cheltenham when enrolling. The UKBA approved language tests are; IELTS, Cambridge PET, BEC, FCE,  CAE, CPE, ICFE, ILEC, BULATS, TOEIC and TOEFL along with the Pearson Test of English (PTE). Please see the following for further details of acceptable tests "UKBA Tier 4 approved English Language Tests".  A Tier 4 Visa will enable you to travel to the UK up to one month before your course starts.

Please see the following link for more information on this type of Visa: one http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/

Student Visitor Visa (SVV): If you are a Visa national and 18 years of age or over and plan to study in the UK for a period of 6 months, you will require the SVV. With this you will not be permitted to extend your visa whilst in the UK. You will also not be able to work part-time during your course or to bring dependants with you (e.g husband/wife or children).
If you intend to study a purely English language course (e.g the inlingua Cheltenham General English or Academic English with IELTS course) for between 6-11months, for can apply for an Extended Student Visitor Visa (ESVV). A SVV will allow you to travel to the UK up to one week before your course starts.

Please see the following link for more information on this type of Visa:http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/student/

Child Visitor Visa (CVV): If you are under 18 years of age and plan to study in the UK for a period of up to 6 months, you will be required to submit a letter from your parents with your application stating that they agree to your travelling to the UK and living independently. This letter must be written in your own language, you must also provide proof of the relationship between you and your parents or legal guardian.
A CVV will allow you to travel up to one week before your course starts. 

Please see the following link for more information on this type of visa: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/child/


How do I apply for a Visa?

You can download official Visa application forms from the UKBA website as follows:

Tier 4 Visa (General) Application form

Student Visitor Visa (SVV) or Extended Student Visitor Visa (ESVV) Application Form (section VAF1D)

Child Visitor Visa Application form (Section VAF1A)


What will I need to support my Visa application?

To apply for Student Visitor Visas, Extended Student Visitor Visas and Child Visitor visas you will need the following

  • inlingua Cheltenham Confirmation of Enrolment (original document)
  • Passport
  • Visa fee
  • Your biometric details, i.e finger scans and full face digital photo (the British Embassy/Consulate will arrange this process)
  •  A recent passport sized photograph (45mm x 35mm) in colour on a back and white background, not framed, on normal photographic paper,full face without hat or sunglasses. Please see the following website for further guidelines: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/12160810/Photoguide
  • Proof from your bank that you are able to afford your tuition fees, accommodation fees and expenses whilst in the UK. If your parents or a financial sponsor are funding your studies you must provide proof of this, along with proof of your relationship with them.

To apply for a Tier 4 Visa (general) you will require:

  • CAS reference number. On enrolment inlingua Cheltenham will provide you with a document (CAS Statement) confirming the details of your course and CAS reference number. Please note that the CAS is not an actual document but a number that exists on the UKBA database. This CAS reference number must be quoted on your visa application.
  • Passport
  • Visa Fee
  • Your biometric details, i.e finger scans and full face digital photo (the British Embassy/Consulate will arrange this process)
  • A recent passport sized photograph (45mm x 35mm) in colour on a back and white background, not framed, on normal photographic paper, full face without hat or sunglasses. Please see the following website for further guidelines: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/12160810/Photoguide
  • Proof from your bank that you are able to afford your tuition fees, accommodation fees and expenses whilst in the UK. If your parents or a financial sponsor are funding your studies you must provide proof of this, along with proof of your relationship with them.
  • Proof of your current English level, which must be Council of Europe Framework Reference (CEFR) Level B1 or above. You must provide a UKBA approved test certificate.

Further information:

UK Sponsor: inlingua Cheltenham will be your sponsor. We are licensed by the UKBA to enrol international students, we feature on the Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) list. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/pointsbasedsystem/registerofsponsorseducation

Financial Details: Visa applicants will need to prove to the UK Border Agency on application that they possess sufficient money to cover their costs while in the UK: tuition, accommodation, living expenses and travel costs.
Should you plan to apply for a General Student Visa, you will need to demonstrate that you have access to at least GBP 800.00 per month in accommodation and spending money.  These funds must be in your bank account for a minimum of 28 days prior to the date of your application and the funds must be genuinely available for the purpose of funding your study and upkeep in the.

Documentation: Should you not have the correct documents, it is unlikely that your visa application will be successful.

How much will my Visa Cost?

Tier 4 Visa (general): This currently costs GBP 289, per person

Student Visitor Visa: This currently costs GPB 78

Extended Student Visitor Visa and Child Visitor Visa: This currently costs GBP 140, per person

For more information and assistance regarding visas for studying in the UK , please visit the UKBA website at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/


Please see the following Visa guide http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/out-of-country/visitors.pdf

Please note that the above information is for general assistance; it is not legal advice. inlingua Cheltenham cannot take responsibility for any inaccuracies.