ADMISSIONS

Visa Application

As Bishopstrow College is an accredited member of the Association of British Language Schools (ABLS) visa student applications should be straightforward.

Students from many countries outside the European Union require a visa to study in the UK . We do everything we can to help you or your guardian agency with the visa application process.

Study visas for the United Kingdom for students of certain nationalities can sometimes be difficult to obtain. These guidelines apply especially to nationals of People's Republic of China , the Russian Federation and countries of the former Soviet Union . These guidelines may however at times apply to nationals of other countries too.

When to Apply for Your Visa

The application process and the granting of a visa often takes considerable time. Application should be made, in person, at the British Embassy in the home country at least eight weeks before departure.

Before making the application at the British Embassy in the home country, applicants must be in possession of the following documents:

A full passport valid for at least six months from the proposed date of entry into the United Kingdom.
A visa support letter from Bishopstrow College and one copy of our original Acceptance form signed by us and by both parents.
Documentary evidence of the parents' ability to support the student financially during his or her studies in the United Kingdom.

Evidence of Financial Ability to Support the Student

The Entry Clearance Officer at the Embassy concerned will need to satisfy him or herself that the parent's income is sufficient to support the student's studies long term. It is highly recommended therefore that as well as bank statements showing deposits at present, parents should also submit evidence of regular income into such accounts. Typically this would include salary slips or bank statements going back at least six months showing regular deposits. Where both parents are working it is advisable to submit details for both.

Payment of Fees in Advance

In some cases payment of fees in advance may help a visa application. Parents wishing to pay fees for one or more terms in advance should contact the Bursar for further details. If fees are paid in advance, then parents should wait for our letter stating that fees have been received, along with a receipted invoice for presentation at the British Embassy, before they apply for the visa.

Bishopstrow College Intervention in the Visa Application Process

Bishopstrow will gladly support parents or guardian agencies with visa applications by telephone, fax and email, and will willingly submit information requested. However, we are unable to intervene or make further representations to the visa issuing authorities on behalf of students.