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Before You Leave Home
 
Around 26 million people a year come to Britain.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Immigration Documents

If you are a US citizen entering the UK to study, you DO NOT need a visa to enter. However as of November 2003, US citizens staying in the UK for six months or longer will need to have an Entry Clearance before their arrival in the UK. We suggest that you obtain your Entry Clearance at least two to three weeks before traveling. An online application form is available at www.britainusa.com/visas/ny.asp.  See the section on UK Entry Clearance for more detailed information.

For students who are staying in the UK for less than six months, here is a list of documents that immigration officers will ask to see upon your arrival in the UK:

§         A valid US passport that won't expire during your time in the UK

§         The letter of acceptance from your UK university

§         Proof of funding for at least the first year of study (this can be in the form of documentation proving scholarship funding, federal financial aid, private loans, parental bank account or whichever method you are using to fund your studies.)

UK Entry Clearance

US citizens entering the UK as students or work permit holders who wish to stay for six months or longer will be able to apply for an Entry Clearance. With an Entry Clearance, they will not need to apply for a UK Residence Permit.

1. What is an Entry Clearance?

This is a document issued to travelers who have been granted permission to enter the UK. It will be in the form of a vignette or sticker placed in a passport at a visa issuing post overseas. In the US, the visa issuing posts are located at the British Consulates General in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York - visit www.britainusa.com for contact details.

2. Who needs Entry Clearance?

All US citizens (and those from Canada, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Hong Kong) entering the UK as students or work permit holders and their dependants who wish to stay for six months or longer, need to apply for Entry Clearance.

3. I am going on a study abroad program for a semester. Do I need to apply for Entry Clearance?

No, as long as you will be in the UK fewer than six months. You will need to apply for an Entry Clearance if you will be traveling in the UK directly after your program so that your total time in the UK is greater than six months.

4. What will the Entry Clearance cost?

There is an application fee and handling charge per person.  Please check the website for the current fee before submitting your application at www.britainusa.com/visas/ny.asp.

5. Can I apply for an Entry Clearance before obtaining a work permit?

No. Once you have obtained a work permit (for further information visit www.workpermit.gov.uk) you may then apply for an Entry Clearance.

6. How do I apply for Entry Clearance?

Apply online at www.britainusa.com/visas/visas.asp. You may then either mail your application and supporting documents to the British Consulate or submit it in person. Applications usually take up to five days by mail (excluding mail time) and are dealt with the same day by person.

7. What information will I need to complete the online e-application?

The online e-application process requires you to provide personal details, including passport details, financial details and information about your course of study in the UK. Should you not have all your information on hand at the time you can save the online e-application and return to it later. Once you have completed your online e-application and sent it by email, you will need to mail/Fed Ex your passport and supporting documents to the British Consulate or bring these documents with you to the Consulate if you are making the application in person.

8. What are the benefits to this system?

By obtaining Entry Clearance prior to travel a student will find the procedure on arrival in the UK much simpler. The Entry Clearance will also ensure that students and work permit holders will not be required to apply for a Residence Permit after they have arrived in the UK.

Note: We should emphasize that the responsibility is on you to provide the recommended documentation.  An Entry Clearance Officer will base the decision to issue or refuse on the documents you provide. You should also note that the fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. It is advisable to apply at least two to three weeks before traveling.

For more information visit, www.studyintheuk.org, www.britainusa.com or www.ukvisas.gov.uk.