UK Visa Guidelines
On 1 September 2007, the UK Border Agency introduced a new category of visa: Student Visitor. We advise everyone attending courses in the UK to apply for the Student Visitor visa. To enable you to obtain this visa, we are now accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) for Independent Further and Higher Education. From 2009, this official accreditation is needed for you to obtain the Student Visitor visa.
BAC accreditation is recognised around the world by students, agents and government officials as the clearest mark of educational quality. It guarantees that IMA is a genuine educational institution.
Entry Requirements for Student Visitors
If you need a UK visa to attend an IMA training course in the UK, the requirements are as follows:
Student visitors must meet the same entry clearance requirements as visitors. In addition, you must:
- genuinely be seeking entry as a student visitor for the limited period you tell us you require that does not exceed six months;
- have been accepted on a course of study that will be provided by an organisation included on the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills' register of education and training providers;
- leave the United Kingdom at the end of the visit you told us about;
- support and pay for accommodation for yourself and any dependants without help from public funds; or
- ensure that you and your dependants will be supported and accommodated by relatives or friends and not take employment; and
- be able to meet the cost of the return or onward journey.
You must not:
- take employment in the United Kingdom;
- engage in business, produce goods or provide services within the United Kingdom, including selling goods or services direct to members of the public;
- study at a government-funded school;
- be a child under the age of 18;
- undertake part-time (up to 20 hours), or full-time vacation employment;
- undertake a work placement or internship (paid or unpaid) as part of your course of study; or
- extend your stay in the United Kingdom.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure of the requirements.
Useful websites:
