Image Credit: britainonview/ Pawel Libera

visa and immigration requirements

Visa and immigration requirements vary depending on:

• How long you’ll be studying in the UK
• Whether or not you plan on volunteering, interning, or working in the UK

Use the following tables to find out which category you'll be classified in, then download the PDFs below for a complete step-by-step guide from the UK Border Agency.

1) Student Visitor
Age 18 years and older
How long you can stay in the UK Up to six months
Work status You will not work, volunteer,
or intern in the UK
Changes/extensions No changes or extensions permitted

2) Tier 4 General Student Visa
Age 17 years and older
How long you can stay in the UK From 1 week up to four years
Work status Part time work, including volunteer and internship programs, permitted
Changes/extensions Changes to length of stay permitted

Watch UK Border Agency’s Chief Executive Lin Homer answer frequently asked questions about student visas for Americans.

UK Border Agency PDF Guides:

UKBA STUDENT VISAS STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS, (this document is currently being updated)

VISA APPLICATION CHECKLIST (this document is currently being updated)

These two documents help you:

1) Decide if you need a Student Visa or explain how to enter the UK as a Student Visitor

2) Walk through all the steps of applying for and acquiring a Student Visa

3) Understand the lingo with a glossary of terms

4) Use the UK Border Agency's checklist of requirements to obtain a Student Visa

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