Standard Visitor Visa

This visa route can be used to visit the UK for a short period (up to 6 months) for the following reasons:

To study a short course in the UK.
Distance-learning students - the only instance in which a visitor may study on a course that will not be completed within their 6-month stay is where they are studying via distance learning.
To complete a period of research or complete a study-abroad programme as part of an overseas course.
To sit an entrance exam, re-sit an exam or to repeat a module.
To undertake oral (viva) examination for part of a PhD qualification.
Holiday and tourism e.g. to meet family and friends.
For business-related activities, e.g. to attend a seminar, conference, or to take part in sports-related events.
To receive private medical treatment.

Distance learning students

The only instance in which a visitor may study on a course that will not be completed within their 6-month stay is where they are studying via distance learning. For example a distance learning PhD student who is studying the majority of their course from outside the UK but they may be required to visit the University for short periods for short periods of time e.g. induction weeks, face-to-face intensive learning, one-to-one progression meetings or to sit assessments.
You cannot use this visa route for a long period or for frequent or repeat visits to study a longer course.

Restrictions on the Standard Visitor visa

You cannot use this visa route for the following reasons:

To study a course that lasts longer than 6 months (with the exception of a distance learning course).
To study English in the UK – you must use the Short-term study visa route instead.
To undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK business/company, or as a self-employed individual.
To be employed as a sponsored researcher.
To study a course that includes a work placement or work experience.
To live in the UK for long periods through frequent visits.
Claim benefits or public funds.
To marry or register a civil partnership or give notice of marriage or civil partnership.

Documents you will need

Letter from the International Office:
After receiving your request for a visa letter, we will contact your school or supervisors/tutors to seek approval and confirm your intended visit dates. The official letter will be emailed to you. Please email immigration@hud.ac.uk with any queries that you may have.

ATAS Clearance:
Students who are studying a course that requires ATAS clearance will be required to provide a valid ATAS clearance certificate if they are coming into the UK to study on a Standard Visitor visa.

Financial documentation:
Unlike the Student visa, you are not required to show a fixed amount to cover maintenance or living cost in the UK. However, the Home Office does specify that you should have access to sufficient resources to maintain and accommodate yourself adequately for the entire of your planned visit to the UK. You should be able to show evidence of funds to cover your period of stay in the UK and your journey to and from the UK.

Be prepared to submit bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months. A large sum deposited in your account will incur further checks to establish the origin and source of funds. The Home Office will also take into account your ongoing financial commitments in your country of residence e.g. mortgage payments and any dependant family members whom you support financially. Your income and/or savings, minus your financial commitments, must be sufficient to cover the costs of your intended visit to the UK.

How to apply

Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a either a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. You can check whether a visa is required by visiting the Home Office website. Select your nationality and then choose the following options:

‘Study’
‘Six months or less’

Visa nationals

If the Home Office website confirms that you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead, you can apply online or via the ETA app. You will need an official letter issued by the International Office, University of Huddersfield.

Non-Visa nationals:

Nationals of some countries may not need to apply for a visa before traveling to the UK as they can get an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) instead. The ETA will permit you to travel to the UK for up to six months for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, business trips or for short-term study.

You should be prepared to explain the purpose of your visit upon arrival. If you are visiting the University for a short period of study or research, you will need an official letter issued by the International Office at the University of Huddersfield, a letter from your home institution (if applicable), and evidence of your finances and UK accommodation arrangements.

Using E-gates:

Nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, United States EEA countries and Switzerland do not normally need to meet an immigration officer at a UK border or airport, and they are able to enter the UK through E-gates. The E-gates will automatically grant you permission to stay in the UK as a visitor for up to 6 months.

Using the E-gates means that you will not receive a stamp in your passport, so it is important that you either see a Border Force officer before you leave to receive a stamp in your passport, or retain evidence of when you entered the UK e.g. your boarding pass and flight ticket or itinerary.