Overview
The Standard Visitor visa allows you to come to the UK for up to six months for short periods of study or academic activity at the University of Bath. Common reasons for using this visa include:
- studying a short course
- attending a short period of intensive teaching as part of a longer programme
- re-sitting an exam or module
- undertaking a viva as part of your postgraduate course
- completing a short study-abroad or exchange placement
- carrying out research in the UK related to an overseas Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme
- attending your Graduation ceremony after your Student visa has expired
Family members can also use this route for short visits to see you in the UK.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa for study
Some students on part-time or distance-learning programmes may need to visit the UK several times for short periods. In these cases, the long-term Standard Visitor visa may be suitable.
This visa permits multiple visits of up to six months each over:
- 2 years
- 5 years
- 10 years
Applicants must still meet all Standard Visitor route requirements.
Required documents
When applying, you must provide the following evidence to demonstrate the purpose of your visit and your ability to support yourself:
- a letter confirming the purpose of your visit (provided by the Student Immigration Service)
- proof of accommodation for your stay
- evidence of financial support, such as bank statements, scholarship confirmation or loan documentation
- evidence that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit such as return flight booking
- a valid ATAS certificate where required for your subject
The Student Immigration Service will email you the appropriate Standard Visitor visa letter once you have an unconditional offer or once your department confirms your study or research dates.
For research visits
If visiting to complete research linked to an overseas degree, you must also provide evidence showing that:
- you are enrolled on a degree level course outside the UK
- your planned research in the UK is directly relevant to your overseas programme
The application process
You can use the GOV.UK Check if you need a UK visa tool to find out the entry requirements for your nationality.
Students whose nationalities appear in Appendix Visitor: Visa nationals list must apply for the Standard Visitor visa before travelling.
Those not on the list may either apply before travel or at the UK border if eligible. If applying at the border, you must still carry all supporting documents and obtain an ETA.
Application process for visa nationals
If you are required to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling to the UK, you must apply online and you should aim to apply around three months before you plan to travel.
The application can be broken down into three steps:
- Submit your application online.
- Attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give biometrics.
- Upload or provide your supporting documents, including your University of Bath visa letter.
You can use our step-by-step online instructions to help you complete the application form.
Application process for non-visa nationals
If you do not need the visa before you travel, you must instead obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel to the UK.
An ETA is not a visa. It authorises you to travel to the UK, but it does not guarantee entry. You must still meet the conditions of the Standard Visitor route on arrival
Using eGates
Nationals of the EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States can use the eGates.
As eGate users do not receive a passport stamp, you must keep your boarding pass or travel confirmation as proof of entry.
If you are not able to use the eGates, you will instead need to see a Border Force officer and receive a stamp in your passport.
Permitted and prohibited activities
The Standard Visitor visa allows you take part in:
- short courses
- intensive teaching blocks
- exams, re-sits and vivas
- research linked to an overseas programme
- graduation ceremonies
Activities not permitted on this visa:
- work (paid or unpaid)
- taking part in internships or work placements
- starting or running a business
- living in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits
- accessing public funds
- receiving nonprivate medical treatment
- marrying or forming a civil partnership, or giving notice to do so
If you are unsure whether your planned activities are allowed, please contact studentimmigrationservice@bath.ac.uk
Arrival and registration requirements
You must complete your right to study check on Application Tracker before you can register for your course.
To complete this check, you will need to upload proof of your permission to study in the UK, such as:
- a visa sticker in your passport (if you applied in advance)
- a passport stamp (if you obtained your visa at the border)
- your boarding pass or flight confirmation (if you used the eGates)
You will receive an invitation to register no earlier than one month before your course begins.
Registration can be completed online, but you will only become fully registered after you have entered the UK.
Visits from family and friends
Friends and family wishing to visit you for a short stay will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
They may be asked to provide:
- a University of Bath letter confirming your student status
- a personal invitation letter from you
- copies of your passport and details of your visa
- details of their accommodation (for example, a tenancy or hotel booking)
- evidence of financial independence
- evidence of their intention to return home
- a return flight ticket or funds to purchase one