Lake School of English: Home > Before You Arrive > Visas
Visas
Many international students choose to study in Britain, some students are required to have a visa (get entry clearance) before they come.
You can find out if you need to get a visa and your nearest British Embassy or Consulate by visiting www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Getting a visa may take some time, so it is a good idea to be prepared and to have all the information you need to meet immigration requirements before you apply. You can apply online at www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk
Visa requirements
- The student must be accepted on a course of study at a bona fide English language school. The Lake School is accredited by the British Council and is registered as a provider of English language teaching: www.dfes.gov.co.uk/providersregister
- When you register for a course at the Lake School, we will provide you with confirmation of your acceptance on the course, the course title, including dates and tuition fees. We will also provide details of your accommodation in Oxford.
- We can send this confirmation directly to the British Embassy or Consulate if you want. We will do this after we receive your deposit and registration fee of £265. However, we strongly recommend that you pay the full course fees in advance.
- The Lake School is accredited by the British Council and keeps satisfactory records of attendance.
- The student must follow a daytime course of a minimum of 15 hours organised study per week in a single subject or directly related subjects
- The Lake School teaches a single subject: English as a foreign language. All courses include this. Semi-Intensive English courses are 15 hours per week. Intensive English courses are 21 hours per week.
- You must explain to the Visa Officer (Entry Clearance Officer) your study plans and give information about academic courses you have taken in your country. You should say why you chose the Lake School, how the course will help your future career.
- The student must intend to leave at the end of his/her studies.
- You must prove this to the Visa Officer (Entry Clearance Officer) by explaining what you plan to do when you return and your future career.
- If the course is less than 6 months students must be able to pay the full cost of the course, accommodation and living expenses in Britain.
- You must prove this to the Visa Officer (Entry Clearance Officer) by showing the full cost of the course (on your Lake School confirmation letter) and providing bank statements from you or your sponsor. You will need a minimum of £200 per week for accommodation and living expenses in Britain.
- You can apply for a STUDENT VISITOR VISA or a FULL STUDENT VISA.
- Only students who get a FULL STUDENT VISA are allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week. However, finding work is not certain, so students must be able to pay the full cost of the course, accommodation and living expenses in Britain without working.
- Students who get a STUDENT VISITOR VISA are not allowed to work.
Visa Refusal
If your visa is refused, you must send us a copy of the letter of refusal given to you by the Visa Officer (Entry Clearance Officer). We will refund the full deposit and full course fees (if you have paid them) less any bank charges incurred. In such a case, you must present the original document from the Visa Clearance Officer, giving reasons for the refusal and you must inform the school at least one week before the start of your course. The registration fee is non-refundable. However, if we have arranged accommodation for you and you cancel your registration less than one week before you start your course, we will charge a £120 (£125 in 2008) cancellation fee.
More information
You can find more comprehensive information about visas and entry clearance on the British Council website: www.educationuk.org
The Lake School of English, 14 Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1JQ
