Visa information about United Kingdom

London Travel Guide

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Welcome to the

London Travel Guide

London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, a mix of history, architecture and culture has created an amazing and constantly evolving city.

London is today one of the world's most important business, financial and cultural centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the most major global cities in the world.

London has a population of 7.7 million and it is the most populous city in the European Union. Its population is very cosmopolitan, drawing from a wide range of peoples, cultures and religions, speaking over 300 different languages, mixing they culture, traditions, music, festivals and many others. London is an international transport hub, with five international airports and a large port. It serves as the largest aviation hub in the world, and its main airport, the multi terminal Heathrow, carries more international passengers than any other airport in the world.

London is a major tourist destination and one of the world’s most remarkable and exciting cities, with iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye amongst its many attractions, along with famous institutions such as the British Museum and the National Gallery. It has something to offer every type of traveller.

Despite a population more than 30% of London is made up of parks and green space, greater than any other city of its size in the world. This space provides the perfect opportunity for walks, relaxation or sporting activities.

London is a very accessible city; it has five international airports, an efficient road network and extensive Underground, train, bus, and taxi services. The city is famous for a wealth of history and culture. Home to Britain’s national art collections, the Royal family and a host of major attractions, London’s rich history, striking architecture and over 200 museums offer a unique cultural experience.

The city of london
The City of London is a geographically-small City within Greater London, is the historic core of London from which, along with Westminster ...

New Changes in UK Immigration Law

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The UK government announce changes to the student visa system (23 March 2011)

In December 2010, the UK Government launched a consultation on the improvement of the student immigration system.They announced on the 22 March,major changes to the student visa system based on the results of the consultation.The main changes are as follows:

From April 2012, any institution wanting to sponsor students will need to be classed as a Highly Trusted sponsor, and will need to become accredited by a statutory education inspection body by the end of 2012. The current system does not require this, and has allowed too many poor-quality colleges to become sponsors.
Students coming to study at degree level will need to speak English at an 'upper intermediate' (B2) level, rather than the current 'lower intermediate' (B1) requirement.
UK Border Agency staff will be able to refuse entry to students who cannot speak English without an interpreter, and who therefore clearly do not meet the minimum standard.
Students at universities and publicly funded further education colleges will retain their current work rights, but all other students will have no right to work. We will place restrictions on work placements in courses outside universities.
Only postgraduate students at universities and government-sponsored students will be able to bring their dependants. At the moment, all students on longer courses can bring their dependants.
We will limit the overall time that can be spent on a student visa to 3 years at lower levels (as it is now) and 5 years at higher levels. At present, there is no time limit for study at or above degree level.
We will close the Tier 1 (Post-study work) route, which allows students 2 years to seek employment after their course ends.
Only graduates who have an offer of a skilled job from a sponsoring employer under Tier 2 of the points-based system will be able to stay to work.

The government has committed to reforming all routes of entry to the UK in order to bring immigration levels under control. The student changes will work alongside the annual limit on economic migration, and reforms to family and settlement routes planned for later this year.

New visa rules for Entrepreneurs and Investors

The UK Government recently announced new visa rules for Entrepreneurs and Investors. Under the new rules, those who come to the UK and invest large sums of money will be given the right to settle permanently in the UK faster.

Entrepreneurs will also be able to settle in the UK more quickly if they create ten jobs or a financial turnover of £5 million (GBP) in a three year period.

It was also announced on the 16 March, that a new visit visa will be created for prospective entrepreneurs.Further details will be released when this visa is available.

The UK Government has also published a statement of intent outlining how the new ‘exceptional talent’ route under Tier 1 of the Points-based system will operate from April this year.

Foreign entrepreneurs and investors are being given an extra incentive to come to the UK today by new visa rules, which will reward those who contribute to economic growth.

Under changes to the Immigration Rules, which were laid in Parliament today, people who come to the UK under Tier 1 (Investor) of the points-based system will be able to settle here faster if they invest large sums of money.

Those who invest £5 million will be allowed to settle here after 3 years, and those investing £10 million or more will be allowed to settle after 2 years. This compares with the current minimum 5-year requirement.

The right to accelerated settlement will apply to those investors who are already in the UK and have invested large sums, as well as new arrivals.

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) migrants will also be able to settle in the UK more quickly if they create 10 jobs or turn over £5 million in a 3-year period.

Immigration Minister Damian Green said:

Today I have sent out a clear message - the UK remains open for business and we want those who have the most to offer to come and settle here.

'Entrepreneurs and investors can play a major part in our economic recovery, and I want to do everything I can to ensure that Britain remains an attractive destination for them.

'Last year we issued far too few visas to those who wish to set up a business or invest in the UK - I intend to change that.'

The standard investment threshold for an entrepreneur to qualify for a Tier 1 visa will remain at £200,000, but the government will allow high-potential businesses to come to the UK with £50,000 in funding from a reputable organisation.And entrepreneurs will be allowed to enter the UK with their business partners as long as they have access to joint funds.

Major investors will also enjoy more flexibility: they will be allowed to spend up to 180 days per year, rather than 90, outside the UK without affecting their right to settle here. This addresses a major concern cited by investors, as they need to be constantly mobile.

Additionally, a new type of visitor visa will be created for prospective entrepreneurs. They will be allowed to enter the UK so that they can secure funding and make arrangements for starting their business before they transfer to a full Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa while they are here.

UK Working Holiday Visas

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If you are a Commonwealth Citizen between ages of 17 and 30, you can do anytype of work in UK!

Requirements / Conditions

You can come to the UK for an extended holiday for up to two years and can take up any form of work.
You will be expected to be on holiday for at least part of your time in the UK over two years.
You should have planned your employment so that it is an integral part of your working holiday in uk. For example, you may have decided that you wish to spend some time in London and so also wish to find work in London.
You should be single, or are married to someone who also qualifies as a working holidaymaker and wish to both be working holidaymakers.
You do not have any dependent children who are aged five years or over, or who will be five before the end of the two years as working holidaymaker.
You should have enough funds to support yourself until you find work without requiring public funds. You should probably have enough money to support yourself for the first month.
You are able to pay for a return ticket or have at least enough money to go onto another destination.
You intend to leave the UK at the end of your working holidaymaker status.

If you decide to stay longer while you are in UK, you can take up employment on a Work Permit if you are eligible under the uk immigration rules at that point in time.

Applying to UK Instutions

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Why not check the links below to find out more about applying to UK institutions for your chosen course or level of study:

Applying for an English language course:

To apply for an English language course, first select the courses and schools or colleges that interest you. Make sure you choose an accredited school.

Contact any schools or colleges that interest you for a prospectus and application form, or visit their website. Remember to find out information such as number of teaching hours each week, course dates (some English language courses can be started at any time of the year and others have precise start dates), class size, course fees (what is included and what extra costs there might be), the type of accommodation offered and any associated costs and if you can gain a qualification if you want to. In some countries an education agent or the British Council may be able to help you with this part of the process.

Once you chosen a course send the completed application form to the school or college. You can expect to receive a reply within about two weeks. If you are offered a place, you will receive a letter of acceptance that will confirm your accommodation requirements and request a deposit. Once the school have received your deposit they will send you a letter confirming your place. You will be able to use this letter to help support your visa application.

Applying to an independent school
Guests are invited to try their hand at archery at the Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest © britainonview (Grant Pritchard)

Some independent schools have formal application procedures and prefer pupils to apply up to a year before they wish to start. Other schools are more informal and welcome applications at any time.

When applying to the school, you should include your age, nationality, religion and preferred starting date.

Schools usually prefer new pupils to start at the beginning of the academic year in September, although most will agree to admit pupils at the start of a new term in either January or April.

Applications can also be made via the British Council or through the Independent Schools Council International office (ISC International). ISC International offers placement, consultancy and advisory services to families overseas who are seeking to place their child/children in a UK boarding school.

Applying for career-based and pre university study
Charity Ceilidh at Edinburgh Assembly Rooms © britainonview (Natalie Pecht)

For Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), you should apply through UCAS but for all other career-based programmes, you should apply directly to the institution which offers the course. Contact the institution and ask for a prospectus and an application form. Alternatively, our British Council office has standard application forms that you can use.

There is no standard closing date for applications to career-based courses but you will need to leave yourself enough time to apply for a visa, make travel arrangements and arrange accommodation.

In making a decision, the college will consider your background, interests and abilities and will treat your application on its individual merits. Once you have accepted a place, the college will send you a letter confirming this.

Applying for undergraduate study
Looking down on a smartly dressed man wearing a Top Hat and suit marking the form guide at Royal Ascot, held at York Racecourse in 2005 © britainonview (Grant Pritchard)

To apply for full-time undergraduate degree courses and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), you simply make a single approach through the centralised application process. This service is provided by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) and can be accessed online via our website.

To apply online all you need to do is follow these simple steps:

1. Search for and click on the course you're interested in

2. Under interactive options (right hand box), click 'Apply online for this course'

3. You will be asked to click through to the UCAS Apply website.

The UCAS system allows you to apply for a maximum of six courses and you can only submit one application form. If you wish to apply for your maximum number of courses you will need to make sure you have the details for all six courses. However, if you do not know which other courses you wish to apply for don't panic, the UCAS system allows you to save your progress so you can come back at a later date to complete the form.

Applications for part-time degree study are not made through UCAS and you should contact the institution in which you are interested. Increasingly, universities and colleges are making their application forms for part-time study available on their website, either to complete online or to download.

Applying for postgraduate or MBA study
Jousting display at Arley Country Fair and Horse Trials held in the grounds of Arley Hall © britainonview / Visit Chester (Cheshire / NWDA / Grant Pritchard)

At postgraduate level you can apply directly to the university or college which runs the course you are interested in. There is no restriction on the number of different courses you can apply to in any one year, but student advisers recommend that you draw up a shortlist of six to eight institutions.

Some courses fill up their places very quickly, so you must prepare well in advance of the starting date. This might be as early as the October or November of the previous year; ideally, it shouldn't be any later than April, although some courses accept students as late as August.

Your should also consider the time it takes to gather information, the time referees need to supply references in support of your application, and the fact that it may take a number of weeks for a university to make a decision.

Additionally, we offer an exclusive service to registered users that allows you to apply to an institution online via our website. To apply online all you need to do is follow these simple steps:

1.Search for and click on the course you're interested in

2.Under interactive options (right hand box), click 'Apply online for this course'. This feature will only be visible if the institution supports online applications

3.Fill in the required fields on the form. As you finish each page, click 'Continue application' to go to the next page. When you reach the end of the form, you will be given three options:

1. Click 'Amend' if you want to make further changes

2. Click 'Save and submit later' if you would like to check your details before you submit them

3. Click 'Submit' when you are happy that your form has been completed correctly.

There are certain mandatory fields on the form, which are indicated by an asterisk (*). If you fail to add your details to any of these you will not be given the option to 'Submit' your form. So check your form very carefully.

UK Business Migration

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Business Migration: This visa category is for people wishing to come to the UK to start a business. You may start any type of business, but you must work full time in the management of the business.

Qualification Criteria
If you are a national of a country that is not covered by the EEA association agreement, you will need to show that you will:

Invest £200,000 in a new UK business.
Create full time employment for at least 2 EEA citizens
Work solely in the busines
Have sufficient funds to accommodate and maintain yourself until the business is profitable.
Have a controlling interest in the business.
Take a share of the business’s liabilities
Be implementing a business plan that looks to be thorough and viable
The money to be invested in the UK should be your own and not from any other source (e.g. bank loans). It can be held in the form of cash and share capital and the investment should give you an equal or controlling interest in the business.

Visa Extension
You will initially get a visa valid for a period of 12 months. During this time you must usually make the full investment and create the required 2 jobs. At the end of this first year, the visa can be extended by applying to the Home Office. The extension application will need to be accompanied by documentation showing the progress that your business has made; as long as the business looks viable, the investment has been made, and the jobs have been created, then the Home Office will normally grant a three-year extension to your visa. After a total of 4 years in the UK you may apply for indefinite leave to remain (Permanent Residence). A year after being granted indefinite leave to remain you may apply for naturalisation as a British citizen.

Visa Information

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Citizens of Canada, the USA, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and certain Commonwealth countries, do not require a visa to holiday in the UK. However, you will need to fill in forms to apply for entry clearance on arrival, and may not stay for longer than six months. Citizens of these countries must apply for a visa to work in the UK.

Citizens of the European Economic Area and Swiss nationals do not require visas to enter, live and work in the UK. The European Economic Area covers the countries of the EU, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. However, nationals of the new EU member states Romania and Bulgaria currently need to apply for permission to work in the UK.

Visa regulations are frequently revised. See the UK Visa website or check with your local British Embassy or other diplomatic representative before you travel.

Visa Extensions

Under exceptional circumstances, tourist visas may be extended: you will need to consult the Immigration and Nationality Enquiry Bureau on +44 (0)870 606 7766. To extend student visas, apply to the Public Enquiry Office in Croydon.

Longer stays

Leave to enter the country as a visitor is normally only granted for a six month period. Subject to certain restrictions on age, nationality, and marital status, visas may be granted to young people to work in the UK as an au pair or working holiday-maker for up to two years. Special arrangements are also in place for the entry and residence of seasonal agricultural workers, language teachers on exchange placements, and those seeking training or work experience.

Student Visa

Description
A UK student visa allows a person to come to the UK for the purpose of studying.

Duration
There is no set duration for a UK student visa, however visas for students in the UK are usually granted for a period of one year and are usually determined by the length of course to be studied.