Trinity Laban

Immigration & Student Visas

Britain has strict immigration rules, but once you have formally accepted aplace at Trinity Laban and can prove that you have the funds to support yourself during your course, you should be able to obtain entry clearance.

European Union and EEA nationals (see list below) can enter the UK without entry clearance, but may still be asked to show evidence of funding.

Visa Nationals must obtain entry clearance at least one month (but not more than six months) before travelling to the UK. Entry clearance is a visa or other entry certificate issued by an entry clearance officer in an embassy or high commission outside the UK. There is a charge of £289 for this service. You cannot obtain a visa after you have arrived in the UK.

Non-EEA/Swiss nationals or Phase 1 nationals must obtain entry clearance before arriving in the UK, whatever the duration of their course.

For a list of countries affected and an indication of the nearest British diplomatic post, visit the UK Border Agency Visa Services website.

'Leave to Enter' is permission to stay in the UK. The immigration officer at the port of entry will stamp the passport with a date and you have permission to stay in the UK until that date, as long as you are a student. If you cease your studies for any reason, your student visa is no longer valid.

(For nationals of Phase 1 countries [see below], different residency rules may apply - if you are in doubt of your status, please contact us.)

Immigration Officers may ask to see any of the following documents:

• proof of acceptance on a course at Trinity Laban (Study Abroad students will be sent a certifying letter)
• evidence of previous educational qualifications, with transcripts if these are in a language other than English. For information about translations and comparability of qualifications visit
• proof of funding for the duration of the course that has been accepted (e.g. a bank draft for the amount needed, recent bank statements, sponsor's letter)
• proof of intention to leave e.g. employer's letter, personal reasons
• current passport
• certificate of medical fitness, including report of recent chest x-ray (in English), vaccination reports

If you do not have prior entry clearance, entry may be refused. Alternatively, you may be given a maximum of 6 months Leave to Remain and have to pay either £394 (postal application) or £716 (personal application) to the Home Office for an extension.

Postgraduate non-EU students - please note that visa regulations do not permit you to change from full-time to part-time status during your course, without changing your visa.

Make sure that you keep the above documents in your hand luggage.

If you are required to register with the police, this will be stamped in your passport at Immigration. You must then register within seven days of arriving in the UK. The current cost is £34. (EEA nationals and commonwealth citizens do not have to register.)

To register, you will need:

• passport
• two passport sized photographs of yourself

These should be taken to:

The Overseas Visitors Record Office
Ground Floor, Brandon House
180 Borough High Street
London SE1 1LH

Recorded information line: 020 7320 1208 (Mon - Fri 0900-1630)

Each time you change your address, status or extend your permission to stay in the UK, you must renew your police registration.

http://www.met.police.uk/overseas_visitors_records_office

Further guidance about visas can be obtained by writing to:

Visa Correspondence Section
UK Visas
London
SW1A 2AH
United Kingdom

General enquiries: +44 (0)20 7008 8438

Please note that if you come from a Visa National country (non EEA), when you register at Trinity Laban, we will need proof that you have leave to enter the UK.

Countries are categorised as follows:

European Economic Area Countries:

• Austria
• Hungary
• Portugal
• Belgium
• Ireland
• Slovak Republic
• Cyprus (South)
• Italy
• Slovenia
• Czech Republic
• Latvia
• Spain
• Denmark
• Lithuania
• Sweden
• Estonia
• Luxembourg
• United Kingdom
• Finland
• Malta
• Iceland
• France
• Netherlands
• Liechtenstein
• Germany
• Norway #
• Greece
• Poland
• Switzerland ##

# These countries are in the EEA, but are not members of the European Union.

## Switzerland is not in the EEA, but from 1 June 2002 Swiss nationals have a similar right to live in the UK as EEA nationals.

If you are a native or citizen of one of the following countries, you are a 'Specified National':

• Australia
• Malaysia
• South Korea
• Canada
• New Zealand
• United States of America
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• Japan
• South Africa

Please note that immigration regulations are subject to change. All information in this section should be checked with the British Embassy/High Commission near the time of departure. Up to date information can also be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth office's website.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, Trinity Laban's Student Services Department cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, including linked web pages.