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- Sarah Lehmann, Switzerland
English and Exam Preparation

Before you arrive

Lake School of English: Home > Before You Arrive > Visas

Visas

Some international 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 the UK Border Agency Visa Services website. You may be able to apply for your visa online.

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. We advise you to begin your registration at least 2 months before you want to start your studies.

The Lake School has been awarded an A-rating on the UK Border Agency Register of Sponsors.

The Lake School of English Oxford has been licensed by the UK Border Agency to enrol international students under Tier 4 of the Points Based System.

This means that the school is able to issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies documentation to those students who are applying for a General Student Visa, Tier 4 PBS.

The Lake School will provide you with documentation confirming that you meet the course entry requirements and offering you an unconditional place. The document also gives details of your course and accommodation including a statement of fees paid and other living expenses.

The Lake School has prepared some general guidelines for students who need to apply for a UK visa. However you must check the latest information from the Border Agency before you continue with your registration or visa application.

There are two main types of student visas for adults.

STUDENT VISITOR VISA (SVV)

  • This is for students who want to study for a maximum of 6 months.
  • With this visa, students cannot do any part-time work, extend their visa or change their visa. Students cannot bring their family with them.
  • Students must be 18 to apply for this visa. Students of any level of English (including beginners) can apply for this visa.
  • When you make your registration at the Lake School, you must pay your fees in full by bank transfer. Then the Lake School will send you a Confirmation of Registration letter.
  • You will need to show this letter to the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) when you make your visa application.
SVV Requirements
  • 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. 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 and how the course will help your future career.

  • The student must intend to leave the UK at the end of his/her studies.

You must prove you will leave the UK to the Visa Officer (Entry Clearance Officer) by explaining what you plan to do when you return and your future career.

  • Students must be able to pay the full cost of the course, accommodation and living expenses in Britain.

You must show that you have paid the full cost of the course (on your Lake School Confirmation of Registration letter) and provide bank statements from you or your sponsor to the Entry Clearance Officer. You will need a minimum of £200 per week for accommodation and living expenses in Britain.

GENERAL STUDENT VISA (GSV)

  • This is for students who want to have a greater range of options regarding permission to stay in the UK.
  • With this visa, students can stay for more than 6 months, extend their visa or change their visa. They can bring their family (husband/wife and dependents) with them.

  • Students must be 16 to apply for this visa. Only students who are Elementary level or above, (CEFR Level A1) can apply for this visa.

  • When you make your registration at the Lake School, you must pay your fees in full by bank transfer. Then the Lake School will confirm your registration by sending you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
  • The Lake School is accredited by the British Council and is on the UKBA Register of Sponsors.
  • The Lake School keeps attendance records. Any visa national student who regularly misses classes will be sent a non-attendance warning letter and may be reported to the UK Border Agency.

Visa Acceptance

As soon as you receive your visa, you must tell the Lake School.

Visa Refusal

If your visa is refused or delayed, you must send a copy of the original letter of refusal given to you by the Visa Officer (Entry Clearance Officer).

If you tell the Lake School less than two weeks before the start of your course, we will refund your fees less any administration fees and less a cancellation fee of 350 GBP.

If your visa is refused or delayed, the administration fees for your registration are non-refundable. Your tuition fees will be refunded in full subject to the following conditions:

  • as soon as you receive your visa, you must tell the Lake School. If you do not arrive at the Lake School on your agreed course start date, the School must report you to the UK Border Agency and you will lose the course fees for any weeks that you do not attend. 
  • if your visa is refused or delayed, you must tell the Lake School at least two weeks before the start of your course and send a copy of the original letter of refusal given to you by the Entry Clearance Officer. In this case, we will refund your full course fees less any administration fees and bank charges.
  • if your visa is refused or delayed and you tell the Lake School less than two weeks before the start of your course, we will refund your fees less any administration fees and bank charges and less a cancellation fee of 350 GBP. If your visa is refused or delayed and you tell the Lake School after the start date of your course, you will lose the course fees for any weeks that you do not attend in addition to the cancellation fee.
  • in any case, you must apply for a refund of course fees within four weeks of your visa refusal date.

More information

You can find more comprehensive information about visas, studying and working in the UK, go to the British Council website: www.educationuk.org

The UKBA have produced an animation which shows a 'student' going through the application process for a General Student visa. It explains the points requirements, what evidence you need to provide with your application, biometrics and entering the UK through passport control. Watch it on You Tube!

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