What travel documents do I need to prepare?   

An Indian national or any other person seeking entry into the UK must produce to the Immigration Officer a valid passport, or another identity document, endorsed with a United Kingdom entry clearance issued to him/her for the purpose he/she seeks entry.   

Can I get tax relief?

Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on most goods bought in shops in the UK (not in the Channel Islands) and obtaining relief from VAT can result in quite a saving. The appropriate form for the scheme is completed in full at the time of purchase. You must present the form to Customs at the final point of departure and have your goods available for inspection.   

What are the contact details for the Indian Embassy in the UK?   

High Commissioner
Indian High Commission
India House
Aldwych London, WC2 4NA
Tel: 0044 207 836844/ 3796242
Fax: 0044 207 8364331   

Am I allowed to work in the UK?    

Yes, you can work in term-time and in holidays without having to get permission. You are limited to 20 hours per week in term-time, and 40 hours in vacations.    

How long is a visa valid for?   

That depends on the category of visa. Visit visas are valid for six months, and cannot be extended. If you are entering the UK for settlement, your visa will be valid for one year initially.

Student
A student visa is valid for as long as the course for which you have an unconditional offer of a place. If you are planning to follow a one-year foundation course and then plan to go on to take a three-year bachelor degree course, your visa will be valid for that first year only. However, if have an unconditional offer of a place on a three-year course, the Home Office can issue a visa that is valid for three years.    

If I am travelling to another country, do I need to get the other visa first?   

Not necessarily, but if you are applying for a transit visa, immigration authorities at UK airport will need to see a visa for the country of your final destination.   

When I am in the UK, will I be able to extend my student visa?   

It is possible to extend a student visa while you are in the UK. You will need to provide the Home Office with evidence of enrolment on a recognised course of study.   

How far in advance of my travel date can I apply for a visa?    

Three months. So if you are a student planning to depart in September, you cannot apply before June. We recommend that you apply eight weeks before your planned date of departure.   

How much money do I need to have to obtain a visa?   

There is no fixed answer. Your funds should cover all travel, accommodation and living costs, plus course fees if you are a student. Please bring as much evidence as possible of your finances, to help us to form a picture of your financial standing.

Please note that the visa regulations keep changing.

Visit the following for up-to-date information:

[Department for Education and Skills]
[UK in India]
[The Council for International Education]