ISSO - EC form guide

Applying from OUTSIDE the UK (Permission to Enter) Online Application Form Guide This guide provides step-by-step guidance for students aged 16 or over completing the Student visa online application form to apply for a visa from outside the UK.

Contents Contents ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Getting started .............................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Getting started- all students .................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Getting started – current EU/EEA/Swiss passport holders ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Confirm your identity ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Create a UK Visas and Immigration account ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 Getting started – all other passport holders ........................................................................................................................................................... 9 Confirm your visa type ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Select a country to provide your biometrics ....................................................................................................................................................... 9 Register your email & Additional email ................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Your telephone number ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Scholarships ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) .......................................................................................................................................... 11 Previous evidence of English language ability & English language assessment ................................................................................................ 12 People financially dependent on you ................................................................................................................................................................ 12 Where you will stay in the UK ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13 UK travel history ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 14 Travel to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Switzerland or the European Economic Area ....................................................................... 15 Your planned travel information ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Immigration history ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Breach of UK immigration law ........................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Convictions, war crimes, terrorism, extremism, person of good character and employment history ............................................................. 18

Page 2

Sponsor licence number, address & details ...................................................................................................................................................... 19 Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) ............................................................................................................................................... 20 Future official financial sponsor ........................................................................................................................................................................ 20 Course information ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Accommodation payments ................................................................................................................................................................................ 22 Course fees......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Student Loan ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Maintenance funds ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 24 Additional information about your application ................................................................................................................................................. 25

3. Documents .............................................................................................................................................................................. 26 4. Conditions and declaration ...................................................................................................................................................... 26 5. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) ......................................................................................................................................... 27 6. Biometric Residence Permit collection location ........................................................................................................................ 28 7. Download and print ................................................................................................................................................................. 29 Questions? .................................................................................................................................................................................. 29

Page 3

Getting started This form is for a Student visa application.

For adding dependants, see this guide.

How long it takes you to complete the application will depend on your particular situation. You will be able to save your application and come back to it at another time if you need to (click ‘Return to this application later’).

If you are inactive for 25 minutes you will be automatically logged out.

Answer each question fully and truthfully. Failure to declare something on your form will be seen by UKVI as deception, and will result in this application (and possibly future applications) being refused. Providing the correct information will not automatically lead to a refusal.

Not every question is covered in this guide. If you can’t find an answer, contact us on visaadvice@exeter.ac.uk

The online application form is accessed here: https://apply-to-visit-or-stay-in-theuk.homeoffice.gov.uk/sort/live-in-crown-dependency/student_out_uk?uid=dc4acd9e-0ebe-471d-809e06c254a448d3

Page 4

Getting started- all students •

Are you intending to live in one of the Crown Dependencies of the United Kingdom? o All students should answer ‘NO’

•

Do you have a current EU, EEA or Swiss passport? o EU/EEA/Swiss applicants should also read the information on the EU Settlement Scheme first. o Select the relevant answer. o Note: if you have an expired EU passport and plan to apply suing your National ID card, you must select ‘No’.

•

The form splits at this point. Click the correct link below to be taken to the correct next step:

EU/EEA/Swiss valid passport holders click here

All other students click here

Page 5

Getting started – current EU/EEA/Swiss passport holders Confirm your identity •

You will need a passport with a biometric chip to use the app, it will usually appear as the following symbol on your passport:

•

If you have a biometric passport: Download the app to continue. If your phone does no support this, try to use a friend or family member’s phone. No data is stored on the device, and it makes the application much easier!

•

If you do not have a biometric passport, you will need to attend an application centre.

Select ‘No’ to the following question, and follow the steps to apply for ‘all other passport holders’ here.

Page 6

Create a UK Visas and Immigration account • Click ‘Create an Account’ • Select ‘The applicant’ and click ‘continue’ • Enter your country of nationality • Enter your passport details • Enter your date of birth • Enter your name as it appears on your passport • Enter your email address. A security code will be sent here, so make sure you have access.

• Use the code sent to your email to verify your email address. It will be sent from uk.visas.and.immigration.home.office@notific ations.service.gov.uk. The code is only valid for 10 minutes, so be quick!

• Enter your mobile number, and again a code will be sent from ‘GOVUK’. Verify the code on the application form.

• Allow someone else access to your application if you wish. Again, you will need to verify their details.

Page 7

• Confirm your details, and lookout for the green ‘Account created’ box.

• Download the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to continue • Once you have verified your details on the app, you should be redirected to the application form to complete as per the next steps here.

Page 8

Getting started – all other passport holders • Select your preferred language. Note: the English version of the questions will be used to assess your application.

Confirm your visa type •

Select ‘Student’ from the list of options.

Select a country to provide your biometrics After you complete your application, you may be required to provide fingerprints and have your photograph taken at a visa application centre.

Choose the country in which you would like to do this. You will not be able to change the country after you have submitted your application.

On the next page, confirm you have checked available biometric enrolment locations. Read the information on the next page and click ‘Apply now’.

Page 9

Register your email & Additional email • Enter a valid email address and create a secure but memorable password.

•

Confirm this email address belongs to you.

You can add an additional email address if you wish.

Your telephone number • Enter your contact phone number and confirm if you use this number in and outside of the UK. You will be asked if you are able to be contacted by telephone.

Scholarships •

Confirm whether you are the recipient of a Marshall, Chevening or commonwealth scholarship.

Page 10

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) • Enter your CAS number

• Answer the next questions about your home address, contact details, gender, nationality and so on in full.

You can add details for multiple nationalities and passports that you hold.

National ID card: Enter details of your national identity card which you should be able to present if requested. If you don’t have one, click ‘No’.

Page 11

Previous evidence of English language ability & English language assessment • Only choose ‘yes’ if you are extending your visa for your current programme.

Everyone else should choose ‘no’.

• Indicate which is your preferred spoken language.

• Answer the question about English language qualifications from a UK school.

• All students: select ‘YES’ to the question ‘Are you coming to the UK to study at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance?’

• All students: select ‘YES’ to the subsequent question ‘Does your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) statement indicate that your English language ability was assessed by your institution or that you are a ‘gifted’ student?’

People financially dependent on you •

Answer the questions about those who rely on you financially for support. Include those who will not be travelling to the UK. Remember any dependants joining you in the UK must apply for their visa separately.

• Answer any questions about your parents and any family in the UK, and your travel plans

Page 12

Where you will stay in the UK Do you know where you will stay in the UK? No It’s ok if you don’t know exactly where you will be staying, but you will still need to give an indication of where you plan to stay in the free text box (e.g. university halls of residence, private accommodation etc).

Yes If you do know where you will be staying, answer the questions giving the address you plan to stay at. You can add multiple places.

Page 13

UK travel history If you indicate you have been to the UK before, you will be asked further questions including: Purpose & duration of your visit - why you came, for how long and when (month and years).

Medical treatment in the UK – If you answer ‘Yes’ to receiving medical treatment, you will be asked to provide further details.

UK leave to remain – Answer the questions regarding any previous visa extension applications you have made from inside the UK, whether they were successful or not.

National Insurance number – If you worked in the UK previously, provide your National Insurance number, and the reason why you got this number.

Driving licence – If you hold a UK driving licence, you will be asked to provide details.

Public funds – If you have received public funds, you will be asked to provide details.

Page 14

Travel to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Switzerland or the European Economic Area If you indicate you have been to the listed countries before, you will be asked further questions including: Which country visited – you can only select one country at a time. If you have visited multiple countries, select ‘2 to 5 times’ or ‘6 or more times’.

Purpose & duration of your visit - why you came, for how long and when (month and years).

There appears to be an error with the form here, as you can only list two countries you have visited. You can add further detail of other international travel in the ‘Additional information about your application’ section at the end of the form.

• World travel history – You will then be asked a further question about travel to other countries in the past 10 years.

Selecting ‘yes’ brings up further questions including: • Which country you visited • Reason for visit • Date of visit You can add multiple visits to this section.

Page 15

Your planned travel information Enter the date you plan to arrive in the UK. This will help determine the dates on your entry clearance vignette (visa sticker in your passport).

For courses longer than 6 months, your visa will be valid from 7 days before your intended travel date, up to a maximum of 1 month before your course start date.

Immigration history Answer the questions in this section truthfully.

Selecting ‘Yes’ will allow you to explain more details of what happened, including a freetext box.

You can add multiple immigration problems.

Listing details of an immigration problem will not automatically mean your application is refused. However, failing to list a refusal will likely mean you are refused.

Be truthful.

Page 16

Breach of UK immigration law Answer the questions in this section truthfully.

Selecting ‘Yes’ will allow you to explain more details of what happened, including a freetext box.

You can add multiple breaches of UK immigration law.

Listing details of an immigration problem will not automatically mean your application is refused. However, failing to list a refusal will likely mean you are refused.

Be truthful.

Page 17

Convictions, war crimes, terrorism, extremism, person of good character and employment history • Answer the questions truthfully, including information for ANY country (not just those from within the UK).

Selecting an option from the list directs you to another page or free text box where you can add further details.

Again, always be truthful here and read the definitions and statements very carefully before you answer.

Page 18

Sponsor licence number, address & details • Tier 4 Sponsor licence number: 3FMMCWWY2 • Address of sponsor (use the same address for all campuses): University of Exeter Northcote House Queens Drive Exeter EX4 4QJ • Place of Study: Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance • Primary site of study: Streatham campus: select ‘Yes’ St Lukes, Penryn or Truro campus: check the details on your CAS Statement and edit if necessary.

• UCAS details: Click ‘Yes’ for undergraduate courses and provide your UCAS number, otherwise click ‘No’.

Page 19

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) • Check to see if your course requires an ATAS certificate (it will say so on your offer letter).

You will already have applied to get you CAS if so. Enter your ATAS reference number in the box.

Future official financial sponsor • If you are sponsored by your government, an international company or university, you can tick ‘Yes’, and select how this will be shown.

• You will need to select ‘Letter of official financial sponsorship’ unless you are sponsored by the University of Exeter and this is detailed on your CAS. • Your parents do not count as official financial sponsors.

Page 20

Course information Use your CAS to help you answer the following questions: • Name of sponsor institution: University of Exeter • Course name: Enter your course name as it appears on your CAS • Qualification you will get: This is the RQF level listed on your CAS. • Sabbatical officer: Answer ‘no’ unless you are an elected Guild, or Students’ Union, President • Enter your course start and end dates as they appear on your CAS

Page 21

Accommodation payments Only payments to the University of Exeter can be included here. Private accommodation cannot be included.

• Choosing ‘Yes’ brings up further options to say how much you have paid, and if this is confirmed on your CAS, or if you will show receipts.

Remember to ensure your CAS is upto-date if you have recently paid money towards your accommodation.

You can deduct a maximum of £1,334 of any money you have paid for University accommodation from the total living expenses money you need to show. If you have paid more than this amount, still enter the full amount you have paid into this box.

Page 22

Course fees The course fees must match the amount written on your CAS. • If you have made a tuition fee payment, choose ‘Yes’. This brings up more options to confirm how much has been paid, and if this is confirmed on your CAS, or by receipt.

Remember to ensure your CAS is up-to-date if you have recently paid money towards your tuition fees.

Student Loan

• Confirm if your funds are in the form of a student loan.

If you choose ‘Yes’ you will be asked if you have already received this loan.

Page 23

Maintenance funds • You can find out about the maintenance requirement here.

Sponsored students should answer ‘Yes’ to the funds being help in your name.

• If the funds are not held in your name, these must be held under your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) name.

The form will then prompt you to confirm that you have permission and proof of your relationship.

Page 24

Additional information about your application •

Use this free text box to add anything additional you would like to be considered as part of your application.

Click ‘Save and continue’ and review your answers.

Page 25

3. Documents You may be asked to clarify which financial documents you plan to use to show the required maintenance funds. You can add multiple financial institutions and types of document.

Gather your documents as listed. Tick each box to confirm you have this document.

Don’t forget that not every document you will need to present at your visa appointment is listed here. See our checklist here to ensure you have everything.

4. Conditions and declaration Carefully read and confirm you accept conditions of the visa and the declaration.

This is the last point at which you can edit your answers.

Please carefully review your responses before you move on to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Page 26

5. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Much of this form will be pre-populated, but some sections will require you to edit the information.

• Add where you are planning to stay – answer ‘No’ to staying on the Isle of Man, Jersey or Guernsey • Add your title • Enter your course start and end date as it appears on your CAS • Answer the additional questions about the course: o Check your course level on your CAS (RQF level) o Check your course length on your CAS to see if this is less than 13 months Read and agree to the declaration.

The payment summary screen should present the amount due in your local currency. Pay this to complete your application.

Page 27

6. Biometric Residence Permit collection location There will be a section asking where you would like to have your Biometric Residence Permit delivered in the UK.

This ensures we can safely store your card ready for collection. You can do this by entering the correct address and checking the generated ‘Alternative collection location’ (ACL) code for your campus: Exeter based courses (Streatham and St Luke’s campuses) enter: University of Exeter Streatham campus Immigration Compliance Unit Innovation Centre Reception Rennes Drive Exeter EX4 4RN Alternative Collection Location code: 2HE342 Cornwall based courses (Penryn and Truro campuses): Penryn Campus University of Exeter Admissions Peter Lanyon Building Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE Alternative Collection Location code: 2HE347

Page 28

7. Download and print Once you have paid the IHS, and you have selected your appointment time, date and location, your application form is complete, and you will be returned to the ‘Download and print’ screen.

You should download and print the ‘Supporting Documents’ list and the application form to take with you to your appointment. We would also recommend that you save PDF copies for future reference as you not be able to access these at a later date.

Questions?

If after following the advice in this document you still have questions, first try our Student visa guide on our website. We also have guides for applying for visas for your dependants.

If you still do not know the answer, please contact the International Student Support Office on visaadvice@exeter.ac.uk.

Carefully prepare all your documents. The most common reason for a visa refusal is due to the finance evidence submitted.

Check our website carefully to ensure your documents meet ALL the requirements.

If in doubt, ask for help. Do NOT risk submitting an incorrect application.

Page 29