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Strike Action Update

We welcome applications from International Students

We welcome applications from International Students (Non- UK or ROI) to level three or above courses which lead to a level six qualification (Ofqual qualification)

You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

Knowledge of English

If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate that your written and spoken English is adequate for the programme that you want to study. Most International Students submit scores in either the British Council IELTS test.Full Details here

  • The North West Regional College (NWRC) is a public funded Further and Higher Education College in the Northern Ireland with approximately 800 staff and 10,000 student enrolments. The College has been awarded a number of quality awards including Investors in People, The Skills for Health Quality Mark, STEM Assured and Matrix for our Careers Academy and SAAI for our Students’ Union.

    Academically we offer a broad range of internationally recognised Ofqual qualifications e.g. Foundation Degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HND), Higher National Certificates (HNC’s), Higher Level Apprenticeships, Level 3, Professional Qualifications and Vocational courses. Our full time courses offer progression routes to many degree programmes at universities in Northern Ireland (Ulster University and Queens University, Belfast) and the United Kingdom.

    At NWRC International Students have the opportunity to enjoy academic progression in a modern academic environment with quality teaching and support services. Our UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) ‘Tier 4' is assurance of our high standard of education and the rigour we apply to the international applicant process. Compliance with UKVI requirements is essential. Find out more about student visas.

  • Fees

    It costs:

    • £348 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK
    • £475 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK

    You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.

    Money you need

    You must have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK.

    How much money you need depends on your circumstances and what you’re applying for.

    Course fee

    You need enough money to pay for your course for 1 academic year (up to 9 months). The amount you need to pay will be on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

    If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, you do not need to prove you have this money for your visa application.

    Money to support yourself (‘financial requirement’)

    You’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself - unless you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of your application.

    How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You’ll need:

    • £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months)

    If you’re boarding at a residential independent school, you’ll need to pay boarding fees instead. The amount you need to pay will be on your CAS.

    The good news is that living costs in the City of Derry ~ Londonderry are less than other cities in Ireland and the UK.

    You’ll need to prove you have extra money for each family member you bring with you.

    National Health Service Surcharge

    Current Charges

    Tuition Fees for NWRC

    Read the guidance on finances for student applications for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

    Please note that these fees are subject to change.

    • Further Education Courses approximately £6000
    • Higher Education Courses approximately £6,500

    Accommodation costs

    Student Pad is the preferred platform for you to access accommodation information although there may be slightly cheaper options available via our partnership with Foyle International and Property Pal.

    When you do not need to prove you have money to support yourself

    You do not need to prove the financial requirement if:

    • You’ve had a UK visa for 12 months prior to the date of your Student visa application - you must currently be in the UK
    • You’re applying as a student union sabbatical officer
    • You’re applying as a postgraduate doctor or dentist on a recognised foundation programme

    If you’re from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’

    You do not need to prove you have enough money to support yourself if you’re a British national overseas or from one of the following countries or territories.

    · Australia· Germany· New Zealand
    · Austria· Greece· Norway
    · Bahrain· Hong Kong· Oman
    · Barbados· Hungary· Poland
    · Belgium· Iceland· Portugal
    · Botswana· Indonesia· Qatar
    · Brazil· Ireland· Romania
    · Brunei· Italy· Serbia
    · Bulgaria· Japan· Singapore
    · Cambodia· Kazakhstan· Slovakia
    · Canada· Kuwait· Slovenia
    · Chile· Latvia· South Korea
    · China· Liechtenstein· Spain
    · Croatia· Lithuania· Sweden
    · Republic of Cyprus· Luxembourg· Switzerland
    · Czech Republic· Macao· Taiwan
    · Denmark· Malaysia· Thailand
    · The Dominican Republic· Malta· United Arab Emirates
    · Estonia· Mauritius· United States of America
    · Finland· Mexico
    · France· Netherlands



    However, you might be asked to provide this evidence before you get a decision on your application.

    If you do need to provide it, you’ll be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) after you’ve submitted your application.

    Read the guidance on finances for student applications for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

  • Apply

    • You must apply online for a Student visa.
    • Apply outside the UK

    As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

    You’ll either:

    • Give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a visa application centre
    • Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

    You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

    Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

    Start now

    How long it takes to get a decision?

    You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

    If you need to give your biometric information at a visa application centre, you may be able to pay to get a faster decision. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

    Apply inside the UK

    You may be able to apply to:

    extend your Student visa

    switch to a Student visa from another type of visa

    After you apply

    You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

    • Your supporting documents need to be verified
    • You need to attend an interview
    • Of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

    If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

    You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

    After you get a decision

    If your application is successful, you’ll get either:

  • How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed in the UK.

    If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

    Read the guidance to find out exactly how long you can stay.

    Staying longer in the UK

    You may be able to:

    • Extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK

    When you can travel to the UK

    You can arrive in the UK before your course starts. This can be either:

    • Up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less
    • Up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months
  • You can:

    • Study
    • Work as a student union sabbatical officer

    You may be able to work - how much depends on what you’re studying and whether you’re working in or out of term-time.

    You cannot:

    • Work in certain jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
    • Be self-employed
    • Study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school)

    If your application is successful, you’ll be told what you can and cannot do on a Student visa.

  • You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor.

    To prove this, your education provider will send you a reference number (called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)) once they’ve offered you a place on the course. You need a CAS before you can apply for your visa.

    Courses you can study

    You can do one of the following courses:

    • A full-time course at degree level or above (RQF level 6,7 or 8) that’s equivalent to a UK higher education course and is being delivered as part of a longer course overseas
    • A part-time course leading to a qualification that’s above degree level (RQF level 7 or above)
    • A recognised foundation programme for postgraduate doctors or dentists

    You can also apply for this visa if you’re taking up a full-time elected position as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.

  • Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

    Once they’ve offered you a place on the course, your education provider will send you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.

    You must enter this reference number on your visa application.

    You must apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

  • You must prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.

    You can prove your knowledge of English by:

    • Having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18

    Level of English

    You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to a certain level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

    What you’re studying

    Level

    Degree level or above

    Equivalent to CEFR level B2

    Below degree level

    CEFR level B1

    If you’re studying with a Higher Education Provider

    If you’re studying at degree level or above, your Higher Education Provider (HEP) can assess your level of English themselves. This means they may ask you to do a different test.

    This must still be equivalent to a CEFR level B2.

    Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English

    You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’ve completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of the following countries, or are from one of the following countries:

    · Antigua and Barbuda· Grenada· St Kitts and Nevis
    · Australia· Guyana· St Lucia
    · the Bahamas· Ireland· St Vincent and the Grenadines
    · Barbados· Jamaica· Trinidad and Tobago
    · Belize· Malta· UK
    · Dominica· New Zealand· USA



    You also do not need to prove your knowledge of English if one of the following applies:

    • You’re a national of Canada
    • You’re applying to come to the UK for a study abroad programme as part of a university degree course in the USA
    • You proved your level of English in a previous visa application.
  • When you apply for your Student visa you must provide:

    • A current passport or other valid travel documentation
    • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider

    You may also need to provide:

    • Proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - this will vary depending on your circumstances
    • Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18
    • Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re under 18
    • Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months

    You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances. Read the guidance for the full list of documents you’ll need to provide.

    You need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you apply.

    If you’re under 18

    If you’re under 18 you’ll need written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility).

    This must include their consent for:

    • Your visa application
    • Your living and care arrangements in the UK
    • Your travel to the UK

    You’ll also need to provide a copy of your birth certificate (or another government issued document) that shows the names of your parents.

  • You may be able to switch to a Student visa if you already have permission to be in the UK.

    You cannot switch to this visa if you have one of the following visas:

    • A visit visa
    • A short-term student visa
    • A Parent of a Child Student visa
    • A seasonal worker visa
    • A domestic worker in a private household visa
    • Leave outside the immigration rules

    If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need to apply for a visa.

    Eligibility

    To switch to a Student visa you must:

    • Be in the UK

    If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself in the UK.

    Apply to switch your dependants’ visas at the same time as you switch your own visa. If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can switch their visas at a later date - this must be before their current visa expires.

    When to apply

    The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.

    You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

    For example, if your visa expires on 1 December, you must apply for a new visa before 1 December. Your new course must begin by 29 December.

    You must also apply within 6 months of getting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

    You can stay in the UK until you get your decision.

    If you applied for an administrative review because your application was refused, you can stay in the UK until you get your review decision.

    Fees

    For each person, you’ll need to pay:

    • £475 to extend this visa

    You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

    Apply

    You must apply online.

    As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.

    How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

    You’ll either:

    • Give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point
    • Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account)

    You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

    Start now

    You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

    How long it takes to get a decision

    A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks.

    You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

    After you apply

    You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

    • Your supporting documents need to be verified
    • You need to attend an interview
    • Of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

    If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

    You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

    If your application is successful

    If your application is successful, you’ll get either:

  • Your partner and children (‘dependants’) may be able to apply to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK.

    You must be one of the following:

    • A new government-sponsored student on a course that lasts longer than 6 months
    • A Doctorate Extension Scheme student

    Your relationship

    A dependant partner or child is one of the following:

    • Your husband, wife or civil partner
    • Your unmarried partner
    • Your child under 18 years old - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

    You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply, for example:

    • A marriage or civil partnership certificate for your partner
    • A birth certificate for your child

    Find out what other documents you can use to prove your relationship.

    If your child is 16 or 17

    If your child is 16 or 17 on the date you apply you’ll need to prove they are not living an independent life, for example they’re not married or in a civil partnership.

    You’ll need to prove:

    • Where they live - if they do not live with you, you’ll need to explain why
    • Any rent or upkeep they pay you each month
    • That you support them financially if they do not live with you

    If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide 2 of the following documents confirming their address:

    • A bank statement
    • Credit card bills
    • Driving licence
    • NHS registration document
    • An official letter from their university or college

    Money they need to support themselves

    Your partner and child must each have a certain amount of money available to them. This is in addition to the money you must have to support yourself.

    How much money they need depends on where you will be studying. They must have either:

    • £845 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
    • £680 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

    If you’re applying at the same time as your partner or child (you’re applying together as a family), you’ll need to prove you have both money to pay for your course and to support yourself and additional money for each of them.

    If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you (they’re applying separately) they only need to prove they have money to support themselves.

    You (or your partner or child) must have this money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date they apply for their visa.

    If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you’ll need to provide evidence of this from your loan or sponsorship company. If your loan does not cover your partner or child, you’ll need to prove you have money to support them instead.

    When they do not need to prove they have money to support themselves

    Your partner or child does not need to prove they have this money if they’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months.

    If you and your partner or child are from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’ and you’re applying at the same time, they do not need to prove they have money to support themselves.

    However, they might be asked to provide this evidence before they get a decision on their application.

    If they do need to provide it, they’ll be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) after they’ve submitted their application.

    Apply outside the UK

    Your partner and children must either:

    They’ll need your application number - you get it when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

    As part of their application, they’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit).

    They’ll have to collect their biometric residence permit within 10 days of when they said they’d arrive in the UK.

    They may be able to pay to get their visa faster or use other services depending on which country they’re in - check with the visa application centre.

    How long they can stay

    If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

    Apply inside the UK to extend or switch

    Apply for your partner or child’s visa at the same time as you extend or switch your own visa.

    If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend or switch their visas at a later date - this must be before their current visa expires.

    Your partner or child cannot apply to switch in the UK if they have one of the following visas:

    • A visit visa
    • A short-term student visa
    • A Parent of a Child Student visa
    • A seasonal worker visa
    • A domestic worker in a private household visa

    Fees

    Each person will need to pay:

    They may need to pay £19.20 to have their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

    How to apply

    Your partner and child must apply online. They must either:

    They’ll need your application number - you get it when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

    As part of their application, they’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).

    They’ll also need to submit their supporting documents. They can:

    • Upload them into the online service
    • Have them scanned at their UKVCAS appointment

    They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

    Getting a faster decision

    They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

    Children born in the UK

    Apply online for any children you have while in the UK.

    You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child.

  • You must apply online for a Student visa.

    Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

    Apply outside the UK

    As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

    You’ll either:

    • Give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a visa application centre
    • Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

    You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

    Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

    Start now

    How long it takes to get a decision?

    You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

    If you need to give your biometric information at a visa application centre, you may be able to pay to get a faster decision. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

  • You may be able to apply to:

    After you apply

    You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

    • Your supporting documents need to be verified
    • You need to attend an interview
    • Of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

    If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

    You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

    After you get a decision

    If your application is successful, you’ll get either:

    Find out what happens after you get your decision.

  • When you apply for your Student visa you must provide:

    • A current passport or other valid travel documentation
    • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider

    You may also need to provide:

    • Proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - this will vary depending on your circumstances
    • A valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it
    • Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18
    • Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re under 18
    • Your tuberculosis test results
    • Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months

    You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances. Read the guidance for the full list of documents you’ll need to provide.

    You need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you apply.

    If you’re under 18

    If you’re under 18 you’ll need written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility).

    This must include their consent for:

    • Your visa application
    • Your living and care arrangements in the UK
    • Your travel to the UK

    You’ll also need to provide a copy of your birth certificate (or another government issued document) that shows the names of your parents.

    Step 1

    Apply: Download application form from our College website. Your completed form and supporting documents can be scanned and emailed to us at

    Danny.lyttle@nwrc.ac.uk

    You must send the following (translated into English), with your Application Form:

    • Original Certificate(s) of any qualification(s) and exam transcripts you have, and their English translation with notarisation of documents.
    • Your academic record, e.g. if you are still studying, ask your School for a letter letting us know when you will complete your current course.
    • A copy of your English language test result, if English is not your first language, e.g. IELTS, TOFEL or any other equivalent test.
    • Your Passport (the page on which your photo and passport number appears). An original relevant VISA. It is important you provide the above documents, otherwise the processing of your application will be delayed.
  • You must prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.

    You can prove your knowledge of English by:

    • Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
    • Having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18

    Level of English

    You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to a certain level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

    What you’re studying

    Level

    Degree level or above

    • Equivalent to CEFR level B2

    Below degree level

    • CEFR level B1

    If you’re studying with a Higher Education Provider

    If you’re studying at degree level or above, your Higher Education Provider (HEP) can assess your level of English themselves. This means they may ask you to do a different test.

    This must still be equivalent to a CEFR level B2.

    Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English?

    You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’ve completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of the following countries, or are from one of the following countries:

    · Antigua and Barbuda

    · Grenada

    · St Kitts and Nevis

    · Australia

    · Guyana

    · St Lucia

    · the Bahamas

    · Ireland

    · St Vincent and the Grenadines

    · Barbados· Jamaica

    · Trinidad and Tobago

    · Belize

    · Malta

    · UK

    · Dominica

    · New Zealand

    · USA

    You also do not need to prove your knowledge of English if one of the following applies:

    · You’re a national of Canada

    · You’re applying to come to the UK for a study abroad programme as part of a university degree course in the USA

    · You proved your level of English in a previous visa application

  • At border control

    You must wear a face covering at the airport, port or station you’re arriving into and follow social distancing rules.

    You’ll need to show:

    You must:

    • Have your passport or identity card ready - remove it from a holder or wallet if you use one
    • Remove your face covering or sunglasses, if you’re wearing them
    • Move through passport control together if you’re in a family

    You will have to wait longer than usual at border control because of COVID-19.

    Showing your passenger locator form

    You need to show proof that you’ve completed a passenger locator form when you arrive at the UK border. The government will use the form to contact you if someone you’ve travelled with develops COVID-19 symptoms.

    When you submit the form you’ll receive a confirmation email with a document attached. At border control you must show either a:

    • Printed copy of the document
    • Downloaded copy of document on your phone

    Border Force officers will scan the QR code at the top of this document to check you have completed the form successfully.

    It is a criminal offence to provide false or deliberately misleading information when filling out your passenger locator form. You could be fined up to £10,000, imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both, if you do not provide accurate details about the countries you have visited in the 10 full days (11 nights) before you arrived in the UK.

    You may also need to show proof of a negative coronavirus test at the border. You could be fined up to £500 if you cannot show proof when asked.

    Arriving by bus or coach

    You have to leave the bus when you arrive at border control.

    Make sure you:

    • Are ready to get off the bus when you arrive
    • Have your travel documents ready

    Read the guidance for school parties and groups coming to the UK by coach.

    If you’re from an EEA country or Switzerland

    The EEA includes the EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

    You can use the UK/EEA channel to get your passport or identity card checked - this is usually faster than the other channels.

    Your passport or identity card should be registered on your UK Visas and Immigration account if any of the following are true:

    • You have settled or pre-settled status
    • You used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document when applying for a visa

    You may be delayed at the border if your passport or identity card is not registered on your UK Visas and Immigration account.

    You can use automatic ePassport gates at some airports if your passport has a ‘chip’ on it and you’re 12 or over. If you’re between 12 and 17, you must be accompanied by an adult.

    These gates use facial recognition technology to check your identity against the photo in your passport.

    You must tell a Border Force officer if you haven’t applied to the EU Settlement Scheme but are planning to apply.

    If you’re from a non-EEA country

    Your passport (and visa if you have one) will be checked at border control. You’ll usually be asked why you’re coming to the UK.

    You can use the UK/EEA immigration lanes and the automatic ePassport gates if you’re from:

    · Australia· New Zealand· Singapore
    · Canada· Japan· South Korea
    · United States


    When you cannot use an ePassport gate?

    You must see a border control officer and get a stamp in your passport if you are entering the UK:

    • With a Tier 5 Creative or Sporting certificate of sponsorship for up to 3 months (and you want to enter without a visa)
    • On a permitted paid engagement

    You cannot get a stamp if you use the ePassport gates. Without a stamp you will not be allowed to carry out the activities you came to the UK to do.

    Registered Travellers

    You can use the UK/EEA immigration lanes and the automatic ePassport gates.

    Travelling with a UK biometric residence permit

    You’ll have a biometric residence permit if your fingerprints were taken when you applied.

    Your fingerprints will be checked at border control - they’ll be checked against the ones stored on your visa document.

    If you’re refused entry

    You’ll be told in writing:

    • Why you’ve been refused entry to the UK
    • If you can appeal against the decision
    • When you will be removed from the UK

    You’ll usually have to leave the UK immediately.

    You may be allowed into the UK temporarily (usually for up to a week) but your passport will be taken from you and you must report to immigration officers at set times.

    Layovers and transiting through a UK airport

    Passing through a UK airport while on the way to another country is called ‘transiting’. Some travellers call it a ‘layover’.

    There are 2 types of transiting:

    • ‘Airside’ - you do not pass through UK border control before you leave on your connecting journey
    • ‘Landside’ - you do pass through UK border control, but come back through it and leave the UK within a short amount of time (usually 24 hours)

    Find out if you need a UK visa for your layover.

    Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and quarantine

    Before you travel you need to:

    • Provide your contact details by completing the online passenger locator form
    • Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test

    Check the rules for transiting.

    Quarantining when you arrive in the UK

    If you’re travelling to England, what you need to do depends on where you have been in the 10 days before you arrive. If you have been in a country or territory on the:

    • Green list - you do not need to quarantine but you must take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2
    • Amber list - you must quarantine in the place you’re staying and take 2 COVID-19 tests
    • Red list - you must quarantine in a hotel and take 2 COVID-19 tests

    You must follow the red list rules if you arrive in England either:

    • Directly from a red list country
    • From a red list country via a green or amber list country, if you’ve spent less than 10 full days outside the red list country

    The day you arrive in the green or amber list country and the day you arrive in England do not count towards the 10 full days.

    You must follow these rules even if you have been vaccinated.

    Find out which list the country you’ve been in is on and what you need to do.

    You may be fined if you do not quarantine in the place you’re staying or in a managed quarantine hotel when you need to. You can be prosecuted if you do not pay on time.

    Some people are exempt from some or all COVID-19 travel and entry requirements because of their jobs. Check if your job means you’re exempt.

    Quarantine rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

    Find out what to do and whether you’re exempt if you’re:

  • For full and detailed information click here to visit the UKVI website.

    Good luck with your application and we look forward to you becoming a NWRC student.

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