Microsoft Word - Fall 2022 UK Student Visa Instructions (Outside USA)

UK Student Visa Instructions

(Students applying OUTSIDE the United States)

BU Study Abroad London Programmes – Fall 2022

Visa Application Deadlines and Linked Page Index

1. Before June 8

: Upload Your Passport & Receive Your CAS Number ..................................... 1

2. Before June 10

: Determine Visa Mailing Method ................................................................. 2

3. Before June 17

: Apply Online for Your Visa .......................................................................... 2

4. Before June 17

: Schedule Biometrics Appointment through VFS Global ........................... 11

5. Before July 15

: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment ........................................................ 13

6. Before July 15

: Mail Your Visa Application Materials ......................................................... 14

7. Before August 25

: Upload Visa to London Personal Page .................................................. 14

1. Before June 8

: Upload Your Passport & Receive Your CAS

Number

Upload a signed, color copy of your passport to the London Personal Page “Passports & Visas”

tab, and input passport information in the fields provided on the right-side of the tab.

*If you are a dual-passport holder upload the passport image you will use to travel and NOT

your U.S. passport. You will not need to apply for a UK student visa if you have a UK or Irish

passport. You must apply for a visa if you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen with a valid member

country passport. Please let your Program Manager know if these cases apply to you.*

Once the upload is complete and verified by the London staff, you should receive

your “Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies” (CAS) number on your London Personal Page

within 5-7 business days.

2. Before June 10

: Determine Visa Mailing Method

Use the Visa Flow Chart created by Program Managers to select the best method of

application submission for your circumstances. Options include standard service with

independent mailing or VFS Student Special Appointment.

3. Before March 15

: Apply Online for Your Visa

Create an account for your visa application on the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) website.

Use the Sample Form below as a guide to completing your application accurately. If you ever

have to leave the application and come back later, we recommend you click “Return to this

application later” and send yourself an email with a link to continue the application so you

can quickly log back in.

UKVI APPLICATION QUESTIONNAIRE

Account Creation

Are you intending to live in one of the crown

dependencies of the United Kingdom?

Do you have a current EU, EEA or Swiss

passport?

Select as appropriate. The passport you apply

with MUST be the passport that you

submitted for your CAS number.

Confirm your visa type Student *DO NOT CHOOSE ‘SHORT TERM

STUDENT’*

Select a country to provide your biometrics

Enter the country from which you are

submitting if not the USA.

Check the available biometric enrolment

locations

All students should select “I have checked

available biometric enrolment locations and

can travel to a location in my selected

country. If no location is available in that

country, then I confirm that I can travel to a

location in the redirected country”.

Student Visa Select “Apply Now”.

strong password. Save the password or write

it down for later.

Shortly after registering, you will receive an

email confirming your application creation.

Save this email for later, as it contains the

link to revisit your application as needed.

Contacting you by email Select “You”.

Additional email

We suggest you check “No”.

Your telephone number Add a phone number where you can be

contacted. We suggest you check “For use

whilst out of the UK” and “Mobile telephone

number”.

Any other telephone numbers We suggest you check “No”.

Contacting you by telephone I can be contacted by telephone call and

text message (SMS)

Scholarships No

Personal Details

Do you have a Confirmation of Acceptance

of Studies Number?

*If you have not received your CAS number,

do not proceed with your visa application*

All students answer “Yes”. Enter the 14-digit

CAS number from your “Passports & Visas”

Tab of the London Personal Page starting

with the letter “E”.

Your name

Enter your Given Name(s) (First+Middle) and

Family Name (Last) exactly as they appear on

your passport.

Any other names Most students answer “No”.

What is your sex, as shown in your passport

or travel document?

Enter sex as appears on your passport.

What is your relationship status? Most students will answer “Single”.

*FYI, an “Unmarried partner” does not refer

to a boyfriend or girlfriend; it refers to an

unmarried partner with whom you have

cohabitated long enough to qualify for

spousal benefits.*

Your Address Enter your current address where you can

be contacted in your current country.

Is this also your correspondence address? Yes

How long have you lived at this address? Enter length of time as appropriate.

What is the ownership status of your home? Most students answer either “I rent it” or “I

live with my family”.

Passport/Personal Information

Passport or travel document reference

number

Enter your passport number

Issuing Authority Enter the country or province your passport

was issued from

Issue Date Refer to passport for issue date.

Expiry Date Refer to passport for expiry date.

Do you have a national identity card? All US citizens and most international

students answer “No” unless given a

nationality identity card by their government.

Country of Nationality Enter your nationality

Country of Birth Enter country where you resided at birth.

Place of Birth Enter state/city where you were born.

Date of Birth Enter date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format.

Other Nationalities Answer as appropriate

Immigration Status (QUESTION FOR NON-LOCAL STUDENTS ONLY)

What permission do you have to be in

[Current Country]?

*You will not be asked this if you are a

citizen of the country where you are

applying.

Most students will answer “I have a

temporary visa” or “I am a permanent

resident” and enter appropriate information.

If you are asked about your English ability,

please check “Yes”.

Travel & Family Information

Spoken language preference? Enter “English” or other language as

necessary.

Does anyone rely on you for financial

support?

All students answer “No”.

Parent/Guardian Information Enter details for two parents, including:

Given Name, Family Name, Date of Birth,

Nationality, and Nationality of Birth.

Do you have any family in the UK? Most students answer “No”.

If yes, enter immediate family details as

appropriate. Do not indicate “Yes” for any

family other than the categories mentioned!

Will you be travelling to the UK as part of an

organised group?

ALL STUDENTS ANSWER “No”.

Will you be travelling to the UK with

someone who is not your partner, spouse or

dependant?

All students answer “No” regardless of whom

they are traveling with.

Do you know where you will be staying in

the UK?

All students answer “Yes”.

Enter a UK postcode “SW7 4JU”

Select the below address information from

the dropdown list.

Boston University

43 Harrington Gardens

Town/City: London

Will you be staying anywhere else in the

UK?

ALL STUDENTS ANSWER “No.”

Travel History

Have you been to the UK in the past 10

years?

Answer as appropriate, and give details of

your stay(s) to the best of your recollection.

Have you been issued with a UK visa in the

past 10 years?

Answer as appropriate.

Have you ever been given medical

treatment in the UK?

Most students answer “No”.

Have you applied for leave to remain in the

UK in the past 10 years?

Most students answer “No”.

Do you have a UK National Insurance

number?

Answer as appropriate.

Do you have a UK driving licence? Answer as appropriate.

Have you received any public funds (money)

in the UK?

Answer as appropriate.

How many times have you visited the

following places in the past 10 years?

Answer as appropriate and to the best of

your historical knowledge.

You do not need to include your country of

citizenship in your travel history.

Have you visited any other countries in the

past 10 years?

Answer as necessary; when international

travel history is complete answer “No” to

continue.

Date you plan to arrive in the UK London Internship: 04/09/2022

Wheelock Education: 04/09/2022

Immigration & Criminal History

For either the UK or any other country, have

you ever been: Refused a visa; Refused

entry at the border; Refused permission to

stay or remain; Refused asylum; Deported

Removed; Required to leave; Excluded or

banned from entry

Most students answer “No”. If you’ve

recently been refused entry for COVID-

related travel bans, please explain.

Have you ever: entered the UK illegally Most students answer “No”.

remained in the UK beyond the validity of

your visa or permission to stay

breached the conditions of your leave, for

example, worked without permission or

received public funds when you did not

have permission; given false information

when applying for a visa, leave to enter, or

leave to remain; breached UK immigration

law in any other way

At any time have you ever had any of the

following, in the UK or in another country: A

criminal conviction; A penalty for a driving

offence; An arrest or charge for which you

are currently on, or awaiting trial; A caution,

warning, reprimand or other penalty; A civil

court judgement against you, for example

for non-payment of debt, bankruptcy

proceedings or anti-social behaviour; A civil

penalty issued under UK immigration law;

No, I never had any of these

Most students answer “No, I never had any

of these”, but please do report any speeding

tickets or other offences you have received.

Parking tickets do not need to be reported.

In either peace or war time have you ever

been involved in, or suspected of

involvement in, war crimes, crimes against

humanity, or genocide?

All students answer “No” and check the box.

Have you ever been involved in, supported

or encouraged terrorist activities in any

country?

All students answer “No”.

Have you ever been a member of, or given

support to, an organisation which has been

concerned in terrorism?

All students answer “No”.

Have you, by any means or medium,

expressed views that justify or glorify

terrorist violence or that may encourage

others to commit terrorist or other serious

criminal acts?

All students answer “No” and check the box.

Have you ever been a member of, or given

support to, an organisation which is or has

been concerned with extremism?

All students answer “No”.

Have you, by any means or medium,

expressed any extremist views?

All students answer “No” and check the box.

Have you, as a part of your employment or

otherwise, undertaken paid or unpaid

activity on behalf of a non-UK government

which you know to be dangerous to the

interests or national security of the UK or its

allies?

All students answer “No”.

Have you ever engaged in any other

activities which might indicate that you may

not be considered to be a person of good

character?

All students answer “No”.

Is there any other information about your

character or behaviour which you would like

to make us aware of?

All students answer “No”.

Previous employer information Most students indicate “I have not worked in

any of the jobs listed above”. If you have

served in the armed forces or have held an

internship in one of the areas listed, please

check the box and explain.

Visa Sponsor Information

What is your sponsor license number? 3UNW4WWE2 (same for all students!)

Sponsor’s address? Use the below address information exactly as

presented:

Boston University London Programmes

43 Harrington Gardens

Kensington

Town/City: London

Postal Code: SW74JU

What type of sponsor will you be studying

with?

All students answer “higher education

provider”.

Is this the site where the majority of your

study will take place?

All students answer “Yes”.

Did you apply through your course through

UCAS?

All students answer “No”.

Do you need to obtain permission from the

ATAS?

All students answer “No”.

Maintenance & Fees

Will you be receiving money from an official

financial sponsor for your continuing

studies?

ALL students answer “No”.

Name of sponsor institution Boston University London Programmes

Course Name London Wheelock Education Program OR

London Internship Program as appropriate.

Qualification you will get London Wheelock Education –

“RQF6/SCQF9/10” or

London Internship - “RQF6/SCQF9/10”

Are you going to be a student union

sabbatical officer?

All students answer “No”.

Course Start Date London Wheelock: 04/09/2022 or

London Internship Program: 04/09/2022

Course End Date London Wheelock: 16/12/2022 or

London Internship Program: 16/12/2022

Have you or your parent(s)/legal guardian(s)

already paid any money to your sponsor for

accommodation?

All students answer “Yes” even if your bill is

not yet paid to BU or your home institution.

How much has been paid? London Wheelock – 3,800 GBP

London Internship - 4,835 GBP

How can you prove this amount has been

paid?

All students answer “My sponsor has

confirmed this information on my CAS”.

What are your course fees for your first

year?

London Wheelock – 19,200 GBP

London Internship - 10,800 GBP

Have you or your parent(s) or legal

guardian(s) already paid any of your course

fees?

All students answer “Yes” even if your bill is

not yet paid to BU or your home institution.

How much has been paid? London Wheelock – 19,200 GBP

London Internship - 10,800 GBP

How can you prove this amount has been

paid?

All students answer “My sponsor has

confirmed this information on my CAS”.

Are any of the maintenance funds required

for this application in the form of a student

loan?

All students answer “No” even if they may

have a student loan for the program.

Are all of the maintenance funds required

for this application in a bank account with

your name on it?

All students answer “Yes” even if your fees

are being paid by your parents or by financial

aid.

If you needed to add more information but

were not able to, you can write it here

“None.”

REVIEW AND CHECK YOUR ANSWERS!!!

Mandatory Documents Tick the box to confirm your understanding

of the mandatory documents to send to the

visa processing centre. Refer to the UK Visa

Application Document Checklist to double

check that you have the correct documents.

Documents showing the required

maintenance funds

Most students will select “Statements from a

bank or building society account” or “Letter

from a bank, building society or other

recognised financial institution”. Insert the

name of your financial institution.

Conditions & Declaration

Review and accept the conditions by the UKVI to advance in your application.

Review and accept the declaration by the UKVI to advance in your application.

IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE

Immigration Health Surcharge

Students studying less than 6 months in the

UK are not charged an Immigration Health

Surcharge, but must register regardless.

Scroll to the bottom and click “Go to IHS

Website”.

Pay towards your healthcare in the UK… Scroll to the bottom and click “Continue”.

IHS - Your Details (Enter only the missing information)

Are you applying from within the UK? No

Are you applying to stay in the Isle of Man,

Jersey or Guernsey?

Course Start Date London Wheelock: 04/09/2022 or

London Internship: 04/09/2022

Course End Date London Wheelock: 16/12/2022 or

London Internship Program: 16/12/2022

Are you applying to continue on the same

course for which you were last given

Student Leave to Enter or Remain?

All students answer “No” (even if you have

been granted a student visa before).

Is your course at NQF7? All students answer “No”.

Is your course a Master’s degree? All students answer “No”.

Is your course for 13 months or less? Yes

Please select the location of your course All students select “Other”.

Summary Scroll to the bottom and click “These details

are correct”.

Declaration Scroll to the bottom and click “I agree”.

Total Charge Total charge should be USD 0.00

Complete Record your IHS reference number and click

“return to my visa application”.

BIOMETRICS RESIDENCE PERMIT

Biometrics Residence Permit

Students studying less than 6 months in the

UK do not need to collect a Biometrics

Residence Permit, but must indicate a post

office regardless in order to continue their

application.

Scroll to the bottom and click “Collect from a

UK Post Office” then “SW7 4JU” as the Postal

Code. If done correctly, the location will

show as:

Post Office - Kensington

208 - 212 Kensington High Street

London

W8 7RG

Click “Save and Continue”.

VISA PROCESSING SERVICES

Choose a service

Please use the document linked below to

help you select the most appropriate service

and cost for your unique visa application:

How Should I Submit My UK Visa

Application?

Most students will select either “Standard

Service” (no additional fees). Priority is listed

but this option is suspended.

If you wish to purchase a student

discounted package, select the VFS Global

Premium application centre option.

PAYMENT PROVIDER

Choose your card provider

It is best practice to contact your

bank/credit card company BEFORE

submitting the payment, as the charge

comes from the UK and may be flagged by

your bank as fraudulent if not cleared in

advance.

Select card type, then “Continue to

WorldPay” to be redirected to the payment

portal.

DOWNLOAD & PRINT

Print Application & Document Checklist

At this stage, you can no longer go back and

make changes to your application. Contact

Download and print your:

your Program Manager if you notice an

error.

PLEASE NOTE – YOU ARE NOT FINISHED

WITH THE VISA APPLICATION AFTER

SUBMITTING THE ONLINE APPLICATION.

PLEASE PROCEED TO COMPLETE THE

PROCESS.

 Student Visa Application (found at

bottom of this page)

o Make note of your GWF

number, found at the top of

the first page. You will need

this to identify your

application in future.

 Download and print “Document

Checklist”

** Once you have paid the visa fee (approximately $450 - $500) you will reach

the “Further Actions” page that has an option for you to schedule your

biometrics appointment. Please click the “provide documents and biometrics”

box that will redirect you to the VFS Global website **

4. Before March 25

: Schedule Biometrics Appointment through VFS

Global or Equivalent Local Partner

Once you are redirected to the VFS Global website, or the website of the local

UKVI partner, you will be asked to register with VFS Global. Your VFS Global

registered and signed in, you will complete these steps:

Location Details (choose location to have

biometrics taken)

a. Select the location nearest you

*Please note that location cannot be

changed in this system once a date/time

is selected. If you want to have your

appointment while home on break or

outside of Boston, select that location

instead.

Customer Details Auto populates information from UKVI

application

Choose Services

a. Choose “Round-Trip Courier Service” if

you are mailing your visa independently

Document Upload

a. If prompted, upload scanned PDF versions

of your “Mandatory Documents” you

were asked to include from your

“Document Checklist”. This is most

commonly:

i. A copy of your passport photo and

passport information page

ii. A copy of your U.S. immigration

documents (I-20 copy, or

permanent resident [Green Card]

copy)

b. Click “I have previewed the attachments

and confirm that it meets the

specifications given above”

c. Click “Upload Documents”

Choose an appointment

5. Before July 15

: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

It is necessary to go in person to a biometric appointment to complete the visa application.

During this appointment, no evaluation of your visa application will take place. Electronic

fingerprints and a photo will be taken at the dedicated facility in the country you indicated

when you made an appointment. The exact location, processes, and price may vary by

country. Be sure to read all of your materials thoroughly so you know and understand the

expectations at the biometric appointment, and what materials to provide.

 If you chose a “Standard Services” Appointment

To attend this appointment, you will need to bring:

 Your actual passport, signed

 Registration Details Page (printed from VFS website. An email will NOT

substitute)

 Printed student visa application (from your UKVI account)

 If you chose a “Premium Services (Student)” Appointment

To attend this appointment, you will need to bring:

 Your actual passport, signed

 Photocopy of your passport

Date & Time

Choose carefully – you must be prepared to

mail/submit your application materials

within 5 business days after your biometrics

appointment if you selected a “Standard

Service” appointment, or in person if you

selected a “Premium” service package.

If the soonest possible appointment is

AFTER July 15

, DO NOT SELECT THE TIME

and return to the beginning of the booking

sequence. Look for alternative USCIS

locations nearby, such as Lawrence,

Providence, and Manchester. Repeat the

sequence until you can select an appropriate

time at one of the USCIS locations.

Choose a date and time to attend your

biometrics appointment in person.

 Once scheduled, print Registration

Details document which has biometric

appointment details and address (this

has been emailed to you as well)

 Biometrics Appointment Details (printed from your UKVI account. An email

will NOT substitute)

 Printed student visa application (from your UKVI account)

 Additional, mandatory documents indicated on your application (will be listed

on last page of application, if applicable)

 Receipt of your “Premium Service” payment

 Printed return shipping label

** Students who book a Premium Appointment will be required to submit their visa

application materials in person at the Premium Application Centre, and are finished after this

step. They do not need to mail their materials. Additional services such as priority processing

and shipping can be purchased at the VFS Global location. **

_____________________________________________________________________________

6. Before July 15

: Mail Your Visa Application Materials

Submit your full visa application via mail to the UKVI Scanning Hub in your country.

Applications are typically processed in 5-6 weeks upon arrival at the processing center.

Mail your visa application independently to the UKVI Scanning Hub in your country, according

to their instructions.

You may request a time to meet with your program manager, either in person, over email or

by phone/email, to go over your full application prior to mailing.

1) You will need to have purchased “Round-Trip Courier Service” from the VFS Global

website

2) Use the UK Visa Application Document Checklist to ensure you have all items you

need to submit

3) Submit your application directly to the UKVI Scanning Hub in your country

Use the Fall 2022 UK Visa Submission Flow Chart to help you decide which method is best for

you

7. Before August 20

: Upload Visa to London Personal Page

An image of your visa needs to be uploaded to the London Personal Page. Staff will review

your visa to ensure there are no errors.