Visa and Passport Information: Semester
Passports
All students must be in possession of a passport that will be valid for at least six months after the end date of the semester in the UK. Students without such a passport must apply for one as soon as they have been accepted to the Programme.
Visas
Since changes to the immigration rules introduced on March 31st 2009, student visas must now be obtained under the Tier 4 (General) Student and (Child) Student category of the Points Based System.
Who Needs to Apply?
The following students must apply for and obtain a Tier 4 (General) Student visa prior to arrival in the UK.
- Internship students
- Education students
- Students wishing to do paid, unpaid or volunteer work while in the UK
- Non-US citizens (unless an EU citizen)
- Students who will be studying in the UK for more than one semester and/or more than six months in any twelve month period (even if returning to the US between semesters or studying on more than one study abroad programme)
How to Apply
Visas should be obtained from the British Consulate. For full details of the application process and how to apply, please refer to the information under 'Visas for the UK', and to relevant information on the WorldBridge website. (WorldBridge works in partnership with The UK Border Agency and the British Consulates-General throughout the US.)
Before making an application, students should read the guidance notes on the Points Based System Tier 4: (General) Student and (Child) Student, which is for applicants who are resident outside the UK.
Non-US Citizens
If you are a non-US citizen (and a non-EU citizen) and you wish to travel outside the UK whilst studying in Bath, you will need to apply for a separate visa for each country you wish to visit.
Non-Visa Students ('Student Visitors')
This category is outside the Points Based System. Students who do not require a visa for entry to the UK will need to show the immigration officer the following upon arrival in the UK:
- A US passport that will be valid for at least six months after the end date of the semester in the UK.
- An immigration letter from ASE confirming acceptance on to the Programme
- Proof of funding for the period of study (this must be a recent bank statement of yours dated within one month of the semester start date, proof of scholarship or financial aid funding).
Please note: Student Visitors are not permitted to undertake any paid, unpaid or volunteer work, and cannot stay longer than six months (in any 12 month period) in the UK.
Summary of Useful Links:
Official British Government website for visa services
British Consulate website: Visas for the UK
Worldbridge website: procedures on how to apply
UK Visa Application Forms
Tier 4 (General) Student online application
Tier 4 (General) Student Self-Assessment
(This is in addition to the online application and must be submitted with the visa application documents)
Independent Visa Services
List of registered agencies in the New York City area
