Study in the UK on a Long-Term Visitor Visa

In a rare display of flexibility, UKVI has changed the rules for people on long-term visitor visas to allow them to study short-term in the UK. Previously, people on long-term visitor visas would have had to cancel their leave in order to study.

Apply to the UK Home Office for Long-term Visit Visa with LEXVISA Solicitors.

Concessions from the Home Office are rare occurrences, so it is noteworthy that they have introduced a new rule that allows people with a long-term visitor visa to study short-term in the UK for up to 30 days.

Usually, people who hold leave to enter the UK as a visitor are not able to study, even short-term. To do so, they would have to cancel their visitor visa and re-apply for a student visa. However, with the introduction of this new rule, people who hold long-term visitor visa will ‘occasionally be permitted to enter for the main purpose of study’.

What are the Rules for Studying on a Long-Term Visitor Visa?

This means that, should you hold a Long-Term Visitor Visa, you will have the opportunity to enter the UK for the sole purpose of studying occasionally. This is good news for people who would like to enrol on an English language course or another short-term study course. There are, however, a number of provisions to the new rule:

  • You may be permitted to enter on a long-term visitor visa, as long as the course or period of study does not exceed 30 days at any one time and, unless it is a recreational course, takes place at an accredited institution;
  • The maximum period of study is 30 days, provided study is not the main purpose for holding the long-term visitor visa;
  • Time spent studying in the UK does not exceed the time spent carrying out other permitted activities under the long-term visitor visa.

It is important to remember that the new rule would like people with long-term visitor visas to enter the UK to study only occasionally: if you have a long-term visitor visa and want to frequently visit the UK to study short-term, then this might result in you being refused entry. It will also be important for accredited institutions that accept international students to ensure that students with long-term visitor visas do not enroll in a course that is longer than the 30 days permitted.

Can Anyone Enter the UK on a Short-Term Study Visa?

People who hold long-term visitor visas and enter the UK to study short-term, will still need to show documents and other evidence to that effect at border control. If you have a single-entry visitor visa, please note that the new rule does not apply to you – it is only for those who hold long-term visitor visas.

If you are planning on visiting the UK to study short-term, or indeed long-term, it is important to remember that you are not able to enter the UK to study on a standard visitor visa if your course is more than 30 days.

Using Legal Representation to Apply for a Long-Term Visitor Visa and Short-Term Study Visa

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct a legal representative to submit a Long-Term Visitor Visa or Short-Term Study Visa application.

Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.

This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful Long-Term Visitor Visa and Short-Term Study Visa applications

Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your applications before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration or visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.

We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients.  We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.

 

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