Proof of Funds for Extending your Visa

You need to be awarded 10 points for your money to be able to apply as an adult student.

The money that you need depends on where you are studying and how long you are studying for.

You may have official financial sponsorship to cover some or all of the money you need.

There are three different elements of money you must show, which are the cost of your course fees, money already paid and money to be paid.

You can provide bank or building society statements, a building society passbook, a letter from your bank confirming money or a loan, a letter from a regulated financial institution or a letter of official financial sponsorship.

You must show that you have held the money for at least 28 days.

There are three different elements of money you can show - the cost of your course fees, money already paid and money to be paid.

The amount of living costs you will have to show depends on if you are studying in London or not.

Embassy will expect you to convert the amount of money you have in your local currency to pounds sterling, and write this on the document you are providing as your proof.

If your course starts or ends half way through a month, you must round the amount of money you need up to the next month.

Calculating Money Needed

If you are using overseas currency, the UKBA will expect you to show (write on the document) the closing balance in pounds sterling. They use the official exchange rate on the OANDA website, which can be found at www.oanda.com/convert/classic.

If your course starts or ends half way through a mont

If the length of your study includes a part of a month, the UKBA will round the time up to the next month. For example, if a course is seven months and two weeks, you must have enough money for eight months.

Any partners or children (also known as dependants) you want to bring with you will have to have their own money in place.

Personal bank or building society statements covering a 28-day period ending no more than one month before the date of your application

Your personal bank or building society statements should show:

* your name, or the name of the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if applicable in the case of a child student;

* the account number;

* the date of the statement;

* the financial institution's name and logo; and

* the amount of money available.

You can use bank statements that are for a specific purpose (also known as 'ad hoc') as evidence, as long as:

* they include all of the information above; and

* they are printed on paper with the letterhead of the bank.

You cannot use mini-statements from cash machines (ATMs) as evidence.

You can use electronic bank statements from an online account if they include all the

information above. Each electronic bank statement should be stamped by the official

stamp of the bank on every page of the statement.

If you want to use a joint account as proof of your money, you must be named on the account along with at least one other person.

Building society pass book covering a 28-day period ending no more than one month before the date of your application

Your building society pass book should show:

* your name, or the name of the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if applicable in the case of a child student;

* the account number;

* the financial institution's name and logo; and

* the amount of money available.

Letter from your bank confirming funds, covering a 28-day period ending no more than one month before the date of your application

Your letter from a bank or building society should show:

* your name, or the name of the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if applicable in the case of a child student;

* the account number;

* the date of the letter;

* the financial institution's name and logo;

* the money in your account; and

* that there is enough money in the account (to cover course fees and living costs).

Letter from a financial institution confirming funds, covering a 28-day period ending no more than one month before the date of your application

The financial institution must be regulated by either the Financial Services Authority or, in the case of overseas accounts, the home regulator (that is, the official regulator for the country that the institution is in and where the money is held).

Your letter from the financial institution should show:

* your name, or the name of the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if applicable in the case of a child student;

* the account number (if applicable);

* the date of the letter;

* the financial institution's name and logo; and

* the money in your account.

Letter from a financial institution confirming a loan

Your letter from the financial institution should show:

* your name, or the name of the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if applicable in the case of a child student;

* the date of the letter;

* the financial institution's name and logo; and

* the money (or funds) available as a loan.

Letter of official financial sponsorship or government sponsor

Financial sponsorship means you are given money to cover your course fees and living costs. If your financial sponsor is only covering some of your course fees or living costs, you must show that you have the rest of the money needed.

You should provide a letter of confirmation from your official financial sponsor. This may be Her Majesty's Government, your home government, the British Council or any international organisation, company or university.

The letter must be on official letter-headed paper or stationery of the organisation of the official financial sponsor and have the official stamp of that organisation on it.

The letter should show:

* your name;

* the name and contact details of your official financial sponsor;

* the date of the letter;

* the length of your sponsorship; and

* the amount of money you have or a statement that your official financial sponsor will cover all of your fees and living costs.

If you have official sponsorship that only covers part of your money needed, you must provide a letter which shows:

* your name;

* the name and contact details of your official financial sponsor;

* the date of the letter;

* the length of your sponsorship;

* the amount of the money they will give you; and

* proof that you have the rest of the money needed.

If you are receiving official financial sponsorship from your approved education provider (for example, a scholarship), the approved education provider may choose to include details of the financial sponsorship on the visa letter.

Conditions of your visa while in UK

The conditions of your stay mean you cannot claim state benefits and may have to register with the police.

You are not allowed to apply to stay in the United Kingdom permanently (also known as settlement) after being in a student immigration category.

Adult students are allowed to bring partners and children with them.

Conditions of your stay

Whilst in the United Kingdom as a student you must meet the following:

* not claim any state benefits (known as public funds) that you are not entitled to;

* register with the police, if this is needed by paragraph 326 of the immigration rules.

Biometrics and UK identity cards

Whether you make your application from inside or outside the United Kingdom, you must have your photograph taken and give your fingerprints as part of your application. These are known as your biometric information.

If you are applying from inside the United Kingdom to extend your stay, you must apply for an identity card for foreign nationals. Your biometric information will be stored on your identity card.

Your identity card is proof of your permission to stay in the United Kingdom and shows any conditions you must meet while you are here. It helps your approved education provider see what you are entitled to. The card enables you to confirm your identity and the rights you have to study or work here, and to access public services.

What is biometric information?

Close Biometric information (or biometrics) is the set of unique physical characteristics that can be used to identify you, such as facial images and fingerprints. When you apply for a visa to come to or stay in the United Kingdom, we will record your 10 digit finger scans and a digital photograph of you. There are a few exceptions (for example, heads of state).

What will the UKBA do with my biometric information?

Your biometric information will be stored on a central government database in the United Kingdom and checked against United Kingdom government records. It will be handled in line with the United Kingdom's strict data protection laws.

How do I apply for an identity card?

When you apply to extend your stay in the United Kingdom, you must make an appointment to go to one of our biometric enrolment centres to have your photograph taken and your fingerprints scanned and recorded. (This is a quick and clean process.) Your fingerprints and photograph are known as your biometric information.

If you apply by post, after you have submitted your application you will get a letter from us telling you how to book an appointment to give your biometric information. If you make your application by appointment at one of our public enquiry offices, you will be able to give your biometric information at the same time.

What happens when I give my biometric information?

You simply have a digital photograph taken and put your fingers on a glass screen, so there is no ink or mess. It will take less than five minutes (although the appointment will be for approximately half an hour), and will not delay the decision on your application.

There will be special arrangements for female applicants where needed.

When will I get my identity card?

If you apply by post, the card will be posted to you by secure delivery, separately from the decision about your application and return of your documents. If you apply at a public enquiry office, the card will be sent to you by secure delivery after your appointment. Identity cards cannot be issued on the same day as your appointment.

If you have not got your card within 10 working days of the date of your decision cover letter, you should contact the UKBA on 0300 123 2412. You cannot ask about undelivered cards in person at UKBA public enquiry offices or biometric enrolment centres.

You must check the card carefully when you get it, to make sure that all the details on it are correct. If you find a mistake, please telephone 0300 123 2412 within 10 working days of getting the card, or you may be charged for a replacement and have to apply again.

How do I use my identity card?

Your identity card is proof of your permission to stay in the United Kingdom and shows any conditions of stay you must meet while you are here. It helps official agencies, employers and education providers (such as universities and colleges) to see what you are entitled to. The card enables you to confirm your identity and the rights you have to study or work here, and to access public services.

You must show the card to your employer or approved education provider to prove that you are allowed to work or study.

If you travel outside the United Kingdom during your time here, you may need to show the card to an immigration officer at the border when you leave the United Kingdom. You will need to show it as well as your valid national passport or travel document before starting a journey back, and again when you re-enter the United Kingdom. The identity card proves you are allowed to return to the United Kingdom, but it cannot be used instead of a passport or travel document.

What if my identity card is lost or stolen?

If your card is lost or stolen, you must report the loss or theft to the UK Border Agency on 0300 123 2412 as soon as possible so that the card can be cancelled.

If your card is lost or stolen, you must apply for another card within three months of reporting the theft or loss using replacement card form ICFN (RC). You can download the form, guide and photo guidance from the right side of this page. If you do not apply, you may face a financial penalty of up to £1,000, or have your permission to stay limited (also known as curtailed).

How do I change my personal details on my identity card?

You need to tell us as soon as you can if:

* you change your name (for example, because of marriage or deed poll);

* you change your gender, legally or permanently;

* you change your nationality; or

* your facial appearance changes significantly.

If you change any personal details listed above or any details shown on your identity card, you will need to apply for a new card within three months. You must fill in and submit a replacement card form ICFN (RC). You can download the form, guide and photo guidance from the right side of this page. If you do not apply, you may face a financial penalty of up to £1,000, or have your permission to stay limited (also known as curtailed).

What should I do if I change my address, circumstances or approved education provider?

If you change your address before your identity card is delivered, you should tell us immediately by calling 0870 606 7766.

If you change your address at any time after you have received your identity card, and you think you are likely to be at the new address for six months or more, you should tell us by writing to:

UK Border Agency

Change of Address Team

11th Floor Lunar House

Wellesley Road

Croydon

CR9 2BY

Alternatively, you can fax the request to 020 8196 5454.

You should tell the UKBA immediately by calling 0870 606 7766 if:

* you change your circumstances so you no longer qualify to stay under the immigration rules that were in place at the time we gave you permission to stay in the United Kingdom; or

* you are a student and you change your course and/or approved education provider.