01.01.2021 is approaching, and with it the new legislation for EU students studying in the United Kingdom. Here is a short guide to help explain*
1 Students studying in UK before 31.12.20 =
PRE-SETTLED STATUS
Students who have EU Status and who have joined a school before 31st December 2020 are required to fill in a settled/pre-settled status application, which needs to be completed by 30th June 2021. However, it is advisable to complete this form before Thursday 31st December 2020.
Information can be found here: Settled / Pre-Settled Status Information
The application form can be found here: Settled / Pre-Settled Status Link
2 Short-term students – studying at school for less than 6 months 1 =
VISITOR
No visa is necessary. A student can travel in the usual manner but must have the following documents:
- a valid passport for the duration of the student’s stay in the UK2
- a letter from the student’s UK school, confirming acceptance onto a course of study in the UK for no longer than 6 months;
- a letter from the student’s parents, giving consent to travel and details of the student’s stay – in English;
- a student’s departure ticket dated within 6 months of first date of entry;
- proof of private medical insurance.
3 Long-term students aged 4-17 years – studying for more than 6 months =
CHILD STUDENT VISA
A student will need the following documents to apply for a visa to study:
- CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the UK school – ie. formal confirmation of the student’s place at a UK school;
- a valid passport for the duration of the student’s stay in the UK;
- a letter from the student’s parents, giving consent to travel and details of the student’s stay – in English;
- the student’s birth certificate and English translation3
Further information and an application form can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/child-study-visa
Costs: Visa £348 + IHS4 £470
NOTES
1including any school holidays
2carte d’identité are no longer accepted
3birth certificate with a professional English translation
4Immigration Health Charge
FURTHER NOTES
- a visa can be applied for up to 6 months before the student’s stay;
- upon completion of GCSEs at the end of Year 11, a student will have to reapply for a student visa in order to study ‘A’ levels or the I.B;
- if a student needs to change from VISITOR status to CHILD STUDENT VISA, this needs to be done from outside the UK.
*DISCLAIMER: this information is purely a guide and not a legally binding document