We’re approaching the start of the student visa season. This is the time of year when students who plan to study abroad are waiting for offers of places from universities. The students – and their parents – are also thinking of all the arrangements they need to make once they get the acceptance from the University. If you’re heading for the UK, a visa is an essential part of this process.
Last year we had some delays and misunderstandings about student visas for the UK. I even heard it said that we were “deliberately making life difficult for students because we didn’t want Jordanians at British Universities.”
Nothing could be further from the truth. The UK’s education sector thrives on foreign students with over 430,000 coming to Britain each year to study. The quality and variety of universities in Britain is one of the best in the world. And Jordanian students are welcome because they are serious, clever and work hard. UK universities welcome the diversity they bring.
Making sure the visa process is straight requires the student to follow two key points: first make sure you have all the required documents; and second, fill in and send your application in good time. The simple fact is that our rules for issuing a student visa set down that certain documents are mandatory and you must get them right to make sure your application is successful.
The correct documents include a confirmed place on a course at a genuine place of higher education. You also have to show that you have all the necessary money to cover the cost of the course and the maintenance to support your living expenses. The precise details of all the documents that must be included with a student visa application are set out on our website http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/ It is worth checking this out now.
Getting a confirmed place at a college can be tricky, since it usually depends on exam results. But the sooner the application can be prepared and submitted, the easier the process will be. And we promise to do our best to turn it round in good time.
The issuing of student visas – like all visas for the UK – depends on rules and regulations laid down in law in Britain. These rules and regulations are firm and guide every visa decision. If the application meets the criteria, it will be granted. If the paperwork is wrong or insufficient – it won’t.
This means that wasta doesn’t work. Success depends on the two points I have mentioned on documents and timing, not on personal connections. In any case, our aim is to provide a first class service. To do so we need the help of the applicant. So if you’re thinking of studying in the UK, please familiarise yourself early on with the rules and regulations for getting a student visa. It is all very simple if you are prepared.