US student participating in science research in the UK. What visa do I need?
I am a US student planning to spend 8 weeks working in a university research lab in London during May and June 2017. I am not traveling through any study-abroad program. The primary investigator just agreed to let me spend 8 weeks gaining research experience. It is unpaid. I am confused as to whether I need a Tier 5 visa because I will be doing "unpaid work" or whether I do not because the gov.uk website says that people participating in academic research do not need a visa?? I don't think I qualify for a student visa because I am not enrolling in the university .
Best Answer
You want to spend some time (8 weeks) in a UK research lab, but not as part of any formal programme, to gain some research experience. You will not be paid.
What visa do I need?
You will need either a Tier 5 or Tier 2 visa. The activity you described is not covered in the permitted activities for the Standard Visitor Visa. The fact that you will not be paid is irrelevant and may even get the research lab in trouble for offering unpaid employment to an individual who is not an EU national. It's a hefty fine for them to take you on without having permission from the government to do so. So be careful not to let them get caught!
Having said all of that, our sister site, Expats, will be able to answer further questions about specifically what kind of T2 or T5 you need.
The primary investigator just agreed to let me spend 8 weeks gaining research experience
Print out this answer and show it to the PI :)
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Do US students need a visa to study in the UK?
If you're a student from United States, you'll need the Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in United Kingdom. This visa is made specifically for students like you who are ready to begin their study abroad adventure in United Kingdom.What kind of visa is required for an international student to study in the United Kingdom?
All international students who want to study in the UK are required to get a student visa (Tier 4). This type of visa is only available to full-time university students pursuing a degree in the UK, and not short-term or language courses.Can US citizens study in UK?
UK Student Visa for U.S CitizensIf you want to study in the UK as an American for a period longer than six months, you must obtain a UK Student Visa. In order to be eligible, you must have received an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor.What is the difference between F-1 and J 1 visa?
The F-1 visa is the most common visa used by international students at Princeton. Most students are eligible for an F-1 visa as long as they have been admitted to Princeton. The J-1 status is often used for students who are in a specific educational exchange program such as Fulbright.Required Documents for UK Student Visa Application and The Dependents Visa
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