UK Immigration Law: Alternative Student Visa – Short-term Student Visa

There is an alternative option for students from Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland to enter the UK to study. The Short-term Study visa is designed specifically for students who wish to enter the UK for a short period of time to study a course, which does not last more than 11 months. The Short Term Student Visa is often selected by students who may not be eligible to apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa or may believe that the Tier 4 route is not their best available option. Whilst interest in the Short Term Student Visa is increasing, it is important to note that the rights under this visa significantly differ to the points-based system (PBS) visas.

Short-term Study Visa applications can be made by LEXVISA Solicitors in London

Your rights under the Short-term Study Visa

Under the Short-term Study visa category, students are allowed to enter the UK to study a short English/training course which does not exceed 11 months. This visa is also available to students who enter the UK for a short period to participate in research activities which are directly related to their degree which is taught in an overseas country.

Students often choose this route as an alternative to the Tier 4 (General) Student visa, in scenarios where a small part of their overseas course is taught in the UK. The benefits of this particular visa consist of students not having to provide a Certificate of Acceptance number (CAS number) and non-visa nationals are not required to apply for Entry Clearance before they travel, as they can apply to enter as a student under the Short-term Study Visa on arrival at the port of entry.  However, Visa nationals will be required to make an Entry Clearance Application.

Can you apply for a Short-term Study Visa

To make a successful application, students must demonstrate that they have received an offer to study a short course at a Home Office approved institution which holds a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence. In addition to this, students will be required to provide evidence that they have an adequate level of funding available to them. Where students are under 18, they must provide evidence that they have parental consent to come to study in the UK as well submit evidence in relation to their living arrangements and travel to and from the UK.

Students can make an application from any country outside the UK; it does not necessarily require you to be applying from your country of origin. Since the introduction of the Tuberculosis testing for Entry Clearance applications exceeding 6 months, students applying under the Short Term Study route will also be required to pass a Tuberculosis test before submitting their application.

Students under this route are not permitted to engage in the following activities

• Students must not enrol into a state school or college to study full-time course;
• Students must not be involved in any paid or unpaid employment, this visa does not allow work placements or worked experience if you need to work in the UK whilst studying you may want to consider applying under the Tier 4 (General) Student route. Students should also be aware that they are not entitled to public funds, therefore should have adequate funds before applying;
• Unlike the Tier 4 (General) Student visa the Short-term Study route does not allow students to have their family members join in the UK as dependants, family members will be required to make a separate visitor application; and
• Students will not be allowed to switch into another visa category in-country; where students wish to move onto another visa they will be required to make an entry clearance application from their country of origin.