Process For Student Immigration

If you are a student planning on staying in the U.K. for less than six months, and you do not plan on working during that time, you do not need a visa to enter the United Kingdom.  You will need to provide support documentation to enter as a vistor.

If your studies will take longer than 6 months, you must hold a Student Visa (VAF 3) to enter the U.K.

Student Visa (VAF 3)

This visa applies to you if you meet the following criteria:

• You have secured your course of study at an institution in the U.K.

• You are enrolled on a full-time basis.

  • You must spend at least 15 hours/week in study.

  • You must be able to meet the cost of (without working):

    • Course

    • Maintenance

    • Accommodation

Prospective Student Visa (VAF 3)

This visa applies to you if you meet the following criteria:

• You have not secured a course of study.

• You are entering the U.K. to decide on an institution.
  

• You are entering the U.K. to take an examination at your institution.

This visa allows you to switch to student status after your decision or examination has been finalized.

For help in filling out your VAF 3 visa, see the VAF 3 Application Guide.

Step by Step Procedures

• Complete the Student Visa (VAF 3) application.
  

• Pay application fees either online or by mail:
  

  • Student Visa (less than 6 month visit) - $104.00 (USD)
    

  • Student Visa (long term) - $158.00 (USD)
    

    •  Student nurse

    •  Exchange student

    •  Writing a thesis

    •  Resitting exams

    •  Sabbatical officer

    •  Student dependent

    •  Postgraduate dentist or doctor

  • Submit your payment online here.  
    

  •  You can also use the free shipping center or send them by an authorized courier/travel agent. 
    

• Please enclose all fees necessary
  

  • Student Visa (less than 6 month visit) - $104 USD
    

  • Student Visa (long term) - $158 USD
    

    • Student nurse

    • Exchange student

    • Writing a thesis

    • Re-sitting exams

    • Sabbatical officer

    • Student dependent

    • Postgraduate dentist or doctor
      

• You can use the free shipping center located at the British Embassy in Mexico City at this address:
  

British Embassy
Rio Lerma 71, Col. Cuauhtémoc
06500 Mexico, D.F

Or you can go to Visa Information Services for the Embassy.

• After you submit your application, you will receive a notification with a reference number and a notice of your appointment date and time.
  

• Attend your appointment and be sure to bring the following information:
  

  • Your payment confirmation from your online application.
    

  • Your printout of your appointment confirmation.
    

  • Your printed online application.
    

  • Originals of all of your supporting documents.
    

  • 45mm x 35mm color passport photo (taken against a white background, un-mounted, clear, printed on photo paper and with no facial coverings, i.e. sunglasses, hats, unless for religious reasons).

•  It can take as little as 24 hours or as long as 12 weeks to get your visa (download the new guidelines on time expected) after you’ve applied. You must complete this interview before attempting to leave Mexico.

• Candidates wishing to enter the U.K. on a student visa should make it clear to any immigration or visa officers that they intend to return 'home' at the end of their studies. Student visas are normally granted for an initial period of one year, usually determined by the length of the course to be studied. Medical and dental graduates seeking post-graduate training or further studies can normally gain entry to the U.K. on a student visa. Those training within the medical profession may also visit the U.K. to undertake exams as a visitor and having passed these exams can switch to a training visa in country.

• After you get your visa, please be aware that you may still be asked for certain documents, such as verification of your reasons for coming to the U.K., upon arrival. You should also carry all supporting documents that you included with your visa application or that you were asked to provide during your interview with the entry clearance officer.