How to apply for a visa in UK?

You don’t need a visa if you come from:

– European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or you are a Swiss Citizen, BUT this is only to study for six (6!!!) months or less.   If you fall under this category but are planning to study in the UK for longer than six months you will need a visa. Notice that during such period you will not be allowed to to work or take part in internships/work placements. 

– Still unsure? Do a fun do I need a visa quiz here: gov.uk/check-uk-visa

• Student Visa:
  

– Always double check this site: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa for the most up to date information (thanks, Brexit). You can apply up to six months prior to your course beginning.

– You must be sponsored by a licensed college or university and have a confirmed place

–  UK Student Visas fall under the point-based immigration system, so before applying, check: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa , the points are based on your student status, your ability to meet financial requirements, and your English language level                               

• You need to:
  

– Prove your English language knowledge proficiency                           

– Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your education (cover the tuition fee and living expenses on per year basis)

– If you are from a country that is not in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you may be required to meet additional eligibility requirements

• Timing:
  

– The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course 

– You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks

– You can check visa processing times for your country

• Documents required:
  

– Current passport 

– CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance), issued by your sponsoring University

– Proof of living funds (if you are from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you do not need to show this at the stage of application but the Home Office might request proof of financials at a later stage)

– Academic transcripts

– Recent passport sized photographs

– Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)

– Proof of accommodation in the UK

– Visa application form

– Proof of application fees paid (if you’ve done so already)

– Proof of parental consent (if under 18)

– Tuberculosis test results (if from country where test is required)

– You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (if required to go there)

– You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK. Certain concessions are in place during COVID 19 pandemic.

Keep in mind that all official documents, if not in English, must be translated by a certified translator.

• Who to talk to
  

 Use the following link: https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk

Other useful links:

https://www.gov.uk/study-uk-general-student-visa-tier-4

https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk

• You can:
  

– Study

– Switch to a different visa category inside the UK

– Work part time (up to 20 hours a week during term time and unlimited during vacations)

-Access NHS system

-Find an internship/work placement

• You cannot:
  

– Work certain jobs, for example professional sportsperson or sports coach

• Cost:
  

 – It costs £348 to apply for this visa from outside the UK
– Healthcare surcharge (as part of your application)
– Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply

• When to apply:
  

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course. You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

What now?

Do not procrastinate, get done as soon as you arrive in the country.

Brexit is inconvenient for many, many reasons, but it’s a special kind of irritation for both EU and non-EU students. You can get all this done (expect for the BRP pickup at the assigned post office) prior to arrival.

National Insurance Number (NINo): a must to create a bank account and obtain health insurance, exist, legally breathe, all that fun stuff. Go here to make sure you understand it and apply!   

Check the latest COVID updates and entry requirements here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP, pronounced like ‘burp’ probably): your ID card, tells you and the cute cop who lets you get out of trouble exactly what you can and can’t do in the UK. Upon receiving your visa, it’ll come with a letter inclusive of a section telling you when and where you can pick up your BRP at the post office where it lives. Do it ASAP.

How to open a bank account in the UK?

• Should you even open one?
  

Using a foreign card, the fee you have to pay at an ATM can start at around 5%, you also have to pay extra for credit card transactions.  We recommend you either change your contract with your current bank or open a new account in the UK.  You will have to provide paperwork proving that you are a student, then book an appointment at the bank.  You will then have to go back to the bank when it’s approved, bring your ID and paperwork with you to activate the account.

 You can also contact your bank in your home country, it is possible that they have opportunities for you to make a contract as a student so you don’t have to pay the foreign transaction fees. 

Documents required:

 – ID
– Student enrollment proof
– Address in the UK
– Income statement

• Which banks:
  

Barclays

(you need to be a student in the UK for at least 2 years as an undergraduate):
you can apply online, but then need to visit a branch in order to identify yourself.  Documents required:
Your address(es) for the past 3 years
Your current address in the UK
Your place of study and course details
Your income details (if you have any)
Your employment details, including your employer’s address (if you also work)
Proof of your Student or Higher Apprenticeship status for your branch visit

HSBC:

Your addresses for the last 3 years
Your employment details
Your income details
If applying from outside the UK but within the EU, you’ll need to provide certified proof of your identity and address, translated into English if necessary

https://www.hsbc.co.uk/current-accounts/products/student/

https://www.studying-in-uk.org/how-to-open-a-bank-account-in-uk/

Revolut

is an online bank where you register your card with a picture.  You send money, and you receive your card in 10 days.  If you have money of any currency, you can convert it into pounds directly.  You can withdraw money, pay by card, and send money on Paypal.  You can currency convert to the whichever you wish, it is free.

How to apply for an insurance in the UK?

 For what do I need an insurance in the UK?

• Required insurances:
  

Health:

 Health insurance is free, but not all care services are included at zero cost.  It depends on your situation, you might be charged afterwards

 GP has offers for students who study in the UK for 1 year or more

• Checklist:
  

–  Passport with visa or valid photo ID
– Proof of address (Police Registration, Utility Bills,
– Bank statements, Residence contract, etc…).

• How to proceed:
  

Register to the nearest GP (General Practitioner)  as soon as possible (not online!) 

Where should you go? 

Click on the following website, enter the postal code of your residence, and find the GP that fits you

https://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/LocationSearch/4

• Forms required: 
  

Personal information and medical condition

(some clinics might ask you to do a general test)

GPs are always busy especially at the beginning of a scholar year.

If the clinic that you choose requires the test, you may get an appointment in 2 weeks.

 – Always have your NHS number on you
–  Call or pass by the GP where you registered and ask them for your NHS number one week after your registration
 – They will also send you the registration proof by mail

If you are European

Stick with your current insurance plan 

• Renters: 
  

Tenants’ liability:  covers repair or replacement costs if you accidentally damage your rental property.

Most renters policies include this as standard and sometimes include TLI (Tenants Liability Insurance).

(if not it costs you between 40 and 100 pounds)

Some providers are: Urban Jungle, Intasure, LetAlliance, Rentguard, and HomeLet.

More info:

https://wp.myurbanjungle.com/blog/insurance/tenants-liability-insurance/

https://www.money.co.uk/home-insurance/contents-insurance-for-tenants.htm

How to apply for a phone subscription in the UK?

What are the phone operator in the UK?

Sim cards from your home country might have good plans, so if you are staying for a limited time you can keep them.

Otherwise local providers:

– EE : https://ee.co.uk/ee-and-me/welcome/get-started-new

-T-Mobile : https://www.t-mobile.com/

–  Vodafone: https://www.vodafone.co.uk/

Emergency services contacts

Ambulance: 999 or 112

Fire: 999 or 112

Police:  999 or 112

Gas emergency: 0800 111 999

NHS Direct (24 hour health helpline): 0845 4647