PLEASE NOTE: The UK Government regularly introduce changes to the student visa rules. We try to update our information on the webpages listed below as and when it happens but would recommend you also check the UK government Student Visa rules. Another useful website we recommend you to refer to is the UKCISA Student Visa section.
Do I need a visa?
In order to study in the UK, students from most nationalities will need a Student Visa. Before travelling to the UK, 'visa nationals' must apply to the UK Visas and Immigration Service (UKVI) for a visa or 'entry clearance'. They will initially be given an entry visa for 90 days and then, once in the UK, will collect their BRP visa card which will be valid for the length of the course, plus some additional time.
To check if you need a visa, see: Do I need a visa? on the UKVI web pages.
Applying for a visa
- Information for EU students
EU Settlement Scheme
The Home Office has published a new guide for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens on viewing and proving their immigration status (eVisa). The guide explains how people can view and prove their immigration status and update their details, what they should expect when crossing the UK border, and how to get help accessing their immigration status. Details here.
For general information, please click here.
The Home Office has produced a useful guide on how to apply for a visa overseas, please see here.
For step-by-step tutorials please check the following video guides:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KxquWDt6yA
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGXwvq-fKyE&feature=emb_title
- While you are in the UK - How to extend your student visa
- While you are in the UK - Travel and Re-entry
- Family and Friends - Can I bring my family? Can my family and friends visit me?
- Visas for graduation
- Visas for visiting other European countries
- After you finish your course, *New - Graduate Visa information *
- Glossary - a dictionary of immigration-related words
- What happens if I lose my passport or visa?
Work and Visas
There are very strict rules associated with your visa and how many hours, and what kind, of work you can do as a student. It is very important that you don't break these rules as it will have serious consequences on you being able to remain in the UK with a Student visa.
Generally, students can work either 10 hours or 20 hours per week during term-time and this will be noted in your BRP visa card. During the holidays, and after the end of your course, you will be able to work full-time. But for Masters students, the summer period is classed as term-time, meaning you remain restricted to the 20 hours per week rule. These limits include both paid work and volunteering so, if you have multiple jobs/volunteer roles, it's important that you keep a record of the total weekly hours. You can see more on this here.
Please download below relevant letter explaining the above for your employer or contact us at the International Student Support office if you need more advice:
- Employer Request Letter – Undergraduate students September 2024
- Employer Request Letter – Postgraduate students January 2024
- Employer Request Letter – Postgraduate students September 2024
- Employer Request Letter – Postgraduate students January 2025
Further advice
The International Student Support Team staff are fully trained to provide information and advice about visas and immigration. Please read through the above pages carefully, and if you have any questions please contact us.
Email: internationalsupport@bangor.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1248 382882 / 388070