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Visa, Applications and Welfare FAQs - UK Schools

Do I need a visa to study in England?

Non-EU passport holders now need a visa to study in the UK. For short courses you need a Short Stay Visitors Visa. You must apply for this at the British Consulate in your country. With this visa, you cannot work in the UK and you cannot extend your visa in the UK. If you decide you want to continue your studies, you will need to return to your country to process a new visa.

For long courses, or if you want to work or extend your student visa in the UK, you need to apply for a Full Student Visa. We suggest that you seek advice from the British Consulate in your country before applying to study in the UK. See our visa information.

What do I need to apply for a visa?

To obtain either of these visas you will need:

Enrolment documents from the school. We will send these documents and invoices to you when you apply for a course and pay a deposit (if applicable – we will advise you if this is necessary or not).

Proof that you have accommodation in the UK. If we arrange accommodation for you, your enrolment letter will state “Accommodation booked. Accommodation details will follow once the student has confirmed receipt of student visa.” If you arrange private accommodation, you will need to provide contracts etc. If you are staying with a friend, they will need to write a letter of invitation (and possibly other documents. The British Consulate will advise you

Proof that you have enough money to pay for your course and to live for the whole time you plan to stay in the UK. They will ask you to present bank statements for YOUR personal bank account for the previous 3-6 months. Consulates no longer accept your parents’/guardian’s/sponsor’s bank statements as proof of funds.

Depending on your country of origin and demand for visas, it can take up to 3 months for a student visa to be processed so please be aware of this when you apply for your course. Be realistic about which date you will be able to start your course.

What happens if I do not get my visa in time to start my course?

Contact the school as soon as possible to arrange a new start date. We can amend our records and email/fax new enrolment letters. We will also send a letter to confirm that you have changed your course dates. The Consulate will accept these copies as long as you take your original enrolment letters also. We do not charge for one change of dates. Please note: if you change your course dates a second time, we will charge the Registration Fee for processing the amended documents.

Can I take holiday while I am studying at Shane Global?

Students on a Student Visa can take 1 week’s holiday for every 12 weeks’ of study. EU students have no legal restriction for holiday time. However, ALL STUDENTS must inform the school of any holidays they wish to take when they make their course application.

Can I work while I am studying?

Many of our students need to work while they study. There is plenty of part time work, available, especially in London.

If you are an EU student, you can work unlimited hours

If you have a Full Student Visa, you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. It is your responsibility to ensure that you do not work more hours. This is especially important if you want to extend your visa in the UK as the Home Office will ask for information from your employer.

Students on a Short Term Visitors Student Visa are not permitted to work. If you work illegally, you can get into serious trouble.

We understand that many students need to work during their stay, and it is an excellent way for students to practise their English. However, you should never miss class due to work.

If I have a student visa, do I need another visa to visit other EU countries?

If you are a non-EU passport holder, you will probably need a Schengen visa to visit many other EU countries (Some European countries - including the Republic of Ireland - require a separate entry visa to be obtained). You need to apply to consulate of the main or first country you intend to visit. For the visa interview you will need:

• Proof that you have enough money for your trip (bank statements for a UK bank account in your name)
• Proof that you have booked and paid for accommodation
• Plane/train/boat tickets (return) for each journey
• Proof that you are studying in the UK (your enrolment letter)
• You also need to pay a fee.

Please be aware, it can take up to 3 months to process a Schengen visa, especially from June to September. We recommend that you apply for your Schengen visa either in your home country, or with plenty of advance notice in the UK.

You will need to attend 2 interviews, one to present your documents and another to collect your visa. Usually you must wait 1 month between each interview. The consulate needs this time to check you have no criminal record in any other EU country.

For all EU consulates, you need to call a premium phone number to arrange the first interview. You will need to give you name, date of birth and passport number. The French consulate is the only one that permits you to book interview appointments online.

Some Non-EU passport holders do not need a Schengen visa. Please check before you arrive in the UK. The following countries currently do need a Schengen visa:

• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Russia
• Turkey
• Korea
• Ukraine
• Kazakhstan
• China

Can I get discounted travel if I am a student in the UK?

In London - If you are studying for more than 14 weeks, you can apply for a Student Oyster Card. This gives you a 30% discount on underground, train and bus fares. You will need:

To fill in an Oyster form (Student Services staff will give you this)

• 2 passport photos
• A postal order or credit card payment of approximately £5

Student Services staff at Reception will explain the procedure to you and will help you apply for you Oyster card.

Students at Hastings school can get a weekly bus pass which is cheaper than buying individual bus tickets.

I want to open a UK bank account. What do I do?

Speak to Student Services staff at Reception, who will advise you.

To open a UK bank account you will need the following

• To be studying for a minimum of 3 months
• Your enrolment letter from the school
• Your passport
• Sometimes you will also need proof of address

Does the school have disabled facilities?

No. Unfortunately, our UK school buildings are not adapted for disabled use. Both buildings have 4 floors with a lot of stairs. We do not have a lift.

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