Short-term study visa UK
I am from Brazil, and I am planning to do a short period of research in the UK for exactly six months (01 May – 31 October 2018).
According to the “Check if you need a UK visa” web page, I will not need a visa to go to the UK, only needing to show some documents at the border to get a short-term study visa.
However, according to the “Entry clearance visas by length” web page, six months is equal to 180 days, and my staying period would be of six calendar months (184 days). My question is: which one is correct, six calendar months (184 days, in my case), or 180 days? And in that case, I would have to change my staying period or apply for a UK visa. Thank you very much.
Best Answer
Based on what you’ve described, you would be applying under Paragraph A57C of the Immigration Rules. rather than Appendix V.
Requirements for entry clearance or leave to enter – Short-Term Student
A57C. All applicants for entry clearance or leave to enter the UK as a short-term student must meet the following requirements:
(a) the applicant does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal; and,
(b) meets all of the following requirements. The student:(i) is aged 18 or over.
(ii) does not intend to study at a state-maintained school or institution.
(iii) does not intend to study in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive periods as a short-term student.
(iv) does not intend to take employment, including paid or unpaid work, a work placement or work experience in the UK.
(v) does not intend to undertake self-employment or engage in business activities or any professional activity in the UK.
(vi) has enough funds to meet the cost of his return or onward journey from the UK.
(vii) will be maintained and accommodated adequately out of funds available to him.
(viii) will not have recourse to public funds
(ix) is genuinely seeking entry as a short-term student.
You ask a fair question:
[W]hich one is correct, six calendar months (184 days, in my case), or 180 days?
Indeed, numerous attempts have been made at normalizing the day counting methods and defining what 6 months is in terms of days. All of these have failed. The day counting issue is ambiguous by intent, and it could be unwise to appear at the border and have that debate with an Immigration Officer. The number of days are not relevant. When an Immigration Officer considers an application vis-a-vis the course description, they will know what to do next.
While visa-free nationals may apply for A57C at the border, you would want to double check with your school’s Authorising Officer before doing so.
Pictures about "Short-term study visa UK"
What is short-term study visa UK?
You can apply for a Short-term study visa to study English language in the UK. This visa is for English language courses lasting longer than 6 months and up to 11 months. If your course is different to this, check which visa you need.How long is a short-term visa UK?
A UK short-term visa is an entry authorization for visa nationals visiting the UK on a temporary basis. There is a range of reasons for visits up to 6 months or 12 months depending on the visa type, upon which you may get a visa in this category.Can I work in UK on short-term study visa?
Under the Short-term study route: You cannot work or engage in any business activities. You must study on the course your visa was granted for. You must leave the UK within 30 days of completing your study and before your visa expires.How long is a short-term study visa?
Short-term study visa: 6 - 11 months.UK Short Term Student Visa Requirements|| UK Student Visa Without Ielts \u0026 Low Bank Statement
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: George Milton, Ketut Subiyanto, Karolina Grabowska, Karolina Grabowska