UK Short Term Study Visa Application Instructions

Visa Information:

If you hold a passport from a country other than the US or European Union then you may need to apply for a pre-entry UK Short Term Study Visa. You can check to see if you need a visa on the UK Visa and Immigration website (check the “study” option for reason for visit, and that you’ll be in the UK for 6 months or under).

If you DO require a Short Term Study Visa, you’ll need to start the application immediately. It will take you 1-2 weeks to prepare your full application, but about 3-4 weeks to process once it’s received by the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Scanning Hub in New York. During the processing time, the consulate will hold your passport, and you will not have access to it for travel.

Please apply as early as possible to avoid complications.

Note: The below information has been prepared by Boston University Study Abroad based on the most recent information provided by the relevant immigration agency. It is each student’s responsibility to compile and apply for their visa based on their specific citizenship. Visas are granted by foreign governments only, Boston University does not play a role in visa issuance, nor can we influence immigration policy. While we do our best to keep instructions as up-to-date as possible, visa requirements are subject to change without our knowledge. Ultimately obtaining a visa in a timely manner, and related costs incurred, are a student’s responsibility. Failure to acquire a visa will preclude participation in the program.

Before you apply:

You will need to have your actual, signed passport in hand. Make sure it is valid for 6 months after the program end date.

Application Instructions:

Step One:

Upload a copy of your passport signature and picture pages to the London Personal Page Visa and Passport tab, and input passport information in the fields provided.

Step Two:

Visa applications must be received by the UKVI Scanning Hub in New York no later than December 6, 2019  in order to be processed on time. If you are applying after this date you MUST expedite your application and contact your Program Manager. The typical processing time is between 14 – 21 business days from receipt at consulate, but the whole process takes about 6 weeks to complete.

Please use the following set of visa instructions:

Short Term Study Visa Instructions – Spring 2020

AFTER COMPLETING & SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION:

  • Update your London Personal Page with your visa progress: Your biometrics date, the date your visa was mailed to the consulate, and the date you receive your passport back from the consulate.
  • Watch your email! The British Consulate will likely email you when your application has been opened, and when your visa has been issued. They may also email you if they find a problem with your application, as well as time sensitive instructions for resolving the problem. Follow any instructions they send exactly to ensure your visa is issued. Contact your Program Manager with any questions or problems!!
  • Check that all the information is correct when you receive your visa. Issued visas will be mailed back to you, and will appear as a sticker in one of the back pages of your passport.  If something is wrong, alert your Program Manager right away.
  • Plan your round-trip travel to and from the UK.

Schengen Visa Information:

Some citizenships require a Schengen Visa for travel on the European continent. If you are unsure if you need one, reference this list, and check with the consulate of the country in which you plan on spending the majority of your time, or are entering first within the Schengen zone. You should only apply for a Schengen Visa after you receive your UK Short Term Study visa. Every country in the Schengen zone processes visas slightly differently, and processing times will vary. Please follow the instructions carefully when applying. You will likely be asked to provide a basic travel itinerary for the application, so please plan your continental travels accordingly. You may not miss class or your internship for travel. Your Short Term Study visa will allow you unlimited travel within the UK during your stay.