UK Student Visitor Visa Guide
American Citizens& Non-visa Nationals on
Faculty Led and Co-sponsored Programs
NOTE: The information provided in this handout was accurate as of the date it was produced. While MSU seeks to provide students with updated
information, the University is not responsible for changes in immigration requirements, fees, and processes or the approval / rejection of visa applications. It
is the responsibility of the student to obtain updated information, correctly fill out application materials, submit all required documents in the appropriate form
to the correct authorities, and provide the necessary documents to immigration authorities upon arrival. While parties external to MSU are welcome to use
this information, we urge all users to take reasonable steps to verify that the information is up to date. Should you choose to duplicate any materials on this
site, please cite that such materials were adapted from Michigan State University’s Office of Study Abroad website. Please request permission to distribute or
adapt these materials outside of MSU from osapa@isp.msu.edu.
Visa:
An endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in
a country. Entry visa regulations, fees, and procedures are developed and enforced by the host country, and are subject
to change at any time.
Visa vs. Non-Visa Nationals
The United Kingdom classifies all travelers into two categories: non-visa nationals and visa nationals. Non-visa nationals
receive their visas when they arrive in the UK and do not need to apply in advance. Visa nationals must apply for a visa
before going to the United Kingdom.
Determining if you need a visa:
American citizens are classified as non-visa nationals, and do not need to apply in advance for a student visitor visa.
International students and US Permanent Residents should check the UKVI website to find out if they are considered visa
nationals and will need to apply in advance for a visa.
Who is this packet for?
This packet is for non-visa nationals (including American citizens) who are participating in MSU faculty led programs or
MSU co-sponsored programs that last less than six (6) months. Students who meet these criteria are considered
Student Visitors.
This packet is NOT for:
 International students or US Permanent Residents who qualify as visa nationals.
 Any student participating in an internship or year-long program
If you do not meet the criteria to use this packet, return to OSA’s UK Visa webpage for information about the correct visa.
Type of Visa:
This packet addresses the requirements for a student visitor visa. Information about the expectations and rules for
student visitors can be found at the GOV.UK website. Please note that the website gives information for everyone;
American citizens and other non-visa nationals do not need to apply for a visa prior to arrival. If you have questions
about which aspects of the guidelines apply to you, please contact the Office of Study Abroad.
Student Visitors- Non-visa nationals on faculty led or co-sponsored programs. Revised 4-1-15. Copyright Michigan State University. Should you
choose to duplicate any materials on this site, please cite that such materials were adapted from Michigan State University’s Office of Study Abroad
web site. Please request permission to distribute or adapt these materials outside of MSU from osapa@isp.msu.edu.
Applying in advance vs. at the border:
American citizens and non-visa nationals participating in faculty led programs or co-sponsored programs that last less
than six (6) months do not need to apply for a visa in advance. You will receive your visa from immigration officials when
you arrive at the airport in the United Kingdom. In order to receive your visa upon arrival, you will need to bring certain
documents with you to the airport. More details about the required documents can be found in this packet.
If you are a visa national, you will need to apply in advance, and should refer to other documents on OSA’s visa guidance
website.
Pre- Departure Preparation and Necessary Documentation:
You do not need to apply in advance, but you must be prepared for your travels with the necessary documentation to
enter the United Kingdom. You should have the documents listed below in your carry-on luggage. You may be asked
to show these documents to immigration officials at the airport:
1. Your passport
 Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months after your departure from the United
Kingdom.
 Apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible if necessary
2. Entry Clearance Letter
 This is a letter verifying that you are participating in a legitimate program. If you are
participating in an MSU faculty led program, you will receive this letter from MSU’s Office of
Study Abroad. If you are participating in co-sponsored program, you should obtain this letter
from your host institution.
3. Proof that you will leave the UK within 6 months of arrival.
 Student visitors can only stay in the UK for 6 months. A travel itinerary or plane ticket showing
that you will leave within 6 months will fulfill this requirement. IMPORTANT: Student visitors
cannot enter the UK more than one (1) week before the start of their program!
4. Your address in the UK
 You will need to have the address of your accommodations in the UK. You will receive an
Emergency Contact sheet from the Office of Study Abroad within 2 weeks of departure with this
information.
5. Proof that you meet the financial requirements
 You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself for the duration of your
program. The British government has very specific criteria for satisfying this requirement. See the
information in this handout for more details.
Student Visitors- Non-visa nationals on faculty led or co-sponsored programs. Revised 4-1-15. Copyright Michigan State University. Should you
choose to duplicate any materials on this site, please cite that such materials were adapted from Michigan State University’s Office of Study Abroad
web site. Please request permission to distribute or adapt these materials outside of MSU from osapa@isp.msu.edu.
Financial Requirements for a Student Visitor Visa:
When entering the United Kingdom, you must demonstrate that you have enough money to pay for any expenses not
covered by your program fee. The British government refers to these expenses as “maintenance.” A description of the
funding requirements by type of program is found below. Be sure that you follow the instructions for the type of program
you are attending.
Faculty Led Programs:
Students studying in London must have the equivalent of £400 for every month that they will be in the UK. Students
studying outside of London must demonstrate that they have the equivalent of £300 for every month that they will be in
the UK. Please note that this amount is not pro-rated for programs ending mid-month. For example, a program beginning
May 30 and ending August 1 will need to prove enough funding for the months of May, June, July, and August. The official
exchange rate used to determine the appropriate amount of funds can be found at www.oanda.com.
Co-sponsored Programs that Last Less than 6 Months:
Students studying outside of London should demonstrate that they have the equivalent of £800 for every month that they
will be in the UK. Students studying in London need to demonstrate that they have the equivalent of £1000 for every
month that they will be in the UK. Please note that this amount is not pro-rated for programs ending mid-month. For
example, a program beginning June 30th and ending August 1st will need to provide enough funding for the months of June,
July, and August. The official exchange rate used to determine the appropriate amount of funds can be found at
www.oanda.com.
For co-sponsored programs, you may also need to verify that you have enough funds to cover other costs such as tuition,
fees, and housing. Contact the Office of Study Abroad to obtain detailed information about the requirements for your
program.
Financial Documents acceptable as proof of funds:
There are specific documents that you can use to meet the financial requirements. A combination of the following
sources will prove that you have sufficient funding to enter the United Kingdom as a student visitor:
1. Financial aid letter from MSU’s Office of Financial Aid
2. Loan documentation directly from a lender
3. Bank statements your personal checking account or your parent’s checking account
Each document must contain certain information. A detailed description of what is required for each type of
documentation is outlined below.
Financial Aid Letter- You can use financial aid to help you meet the financial requirements of your student visitor visa.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 517-353-5940 to request a letter. We recommend that you start with this option. If
your Financial Aid Letter indicates that you have enough money to cover the monetary requirements for your visa, you will
not need to obtain loan documentation or bank statements to satisfy this requirement. The letter must meet the following
criteria:
 It must have the student’s name on it
 It must state how much financial aid you will receive
 It must be dated less than 28 days before you arrive in the UK
 It must be on original letterhead
Student Visitors- Non-visa nationals on faculty led or co-sponsored programs. Revised 4-1-15. Copyright Michigan State University. Should you
choose to duplicate any materials on this site, please cite that such materials were adapted from Michigan State University’s Office of Study Abroad
web site. Please request permission to distribute or adapt these materials outside of MSU from osapa@isp.msu.edu.
Loan Documentation- You can use documentation from an approved private loan to indicate that you have sufficient money
to fulfill the visa requirements. Loan documentation must come directly from the lender and must include meet the
following requirements:
 The letter states the student’s name
 It documents the amount of the loan
 It is dated less than 28 days before arrival
 It is on original letterhead from the institution granting the loan
Bank Statements- You can use your own personal checking account or a parent’s checking account to fulfill the visa
requirements. The requirements for bank statements are outlined in the chart below:
Account
Name on
account
Your Own Checking Account
Your Parent’s Checking Account
Account must be in the name of the student. Other
individuals can be on the account, but the traveler’s name
must appear on the official documentation.
Account must be in the name of a parent. Per British law, the
accounts of step-parents are not acceptable.
Number of Bank
Statements
Time Frame for
1st
Bank Statement
Two (2) bank statements
Two (2) bank statements
The first bank statement should identify that you have
sufficient funds and must be dated at least 28 days before
arrival.
The first bank statement should identify that you have
sufficient funds and must be dated at least 28 days before
arrival.
Time Frame for
2nd
Bank Statement
The second bank statement should be dated 1-2 days
before you enter the United Kingdom and should
demonstrate that you still have enough money to meet the
financial requirements. Funds must be in the account for at
least 28 continuous days before arriving in the United
Kingdom.
The second bank statement should be dated 1-2 days before
you enter the United Kingdom and should demonstrate that
you still have enough money to meet the financial
requirements. Funds must be in the account for at least 28
continuous days before entering the UK.
Type of
Statements
Other
Requirements
You may use an official bank statement, an internet print out Your parent(s) may use an official bank statement, an internet
of your bank account, or a letter from your bank. All of these print out of their bank account, or a letter from their bank. All
types of documents must include the following information: of these types of documents must include the following
information:
 Name of the student
 Name of the parent
 Account number
 Account number
 Date of the statement
 Date of the statement
 Financial institution's name and logo
 Financial institution's name and logo
 Amount of money available
 Amount of money available
On internet print outs, each page of the print out or copy
must be stamped by the bank. This means that you must
On internet print outs, each page of the print out or copy must
take the print out to a bank branch and have it stamped or
be stamped by the bank. This means that your parent(s) must
certified. If the bank does not know what you mean by
take the print out to a bank branch and have it stamped or
“stamped” or “certified,” ask to have the document
certified. If the bank does not know what they mean by
notarized.
“stamped” or “certified,” ask to have the document notarized.
A stamp is not necessary if the document is on official bank
letterhead.
A stamp is not necessary if the document is on official bank
letterhead.
N/A
Proof that the account belongs to your parent(s), i.e. birth
certificate, or marriage cert. if surnames differ.
Student Visitors- Non-visa nationals on faculty led or co-sponsored programs. Revised 4-1-15. Copyright Michigan State University. Should you
choose to duplicate any materials on this site, please cite that such materials were adapted from Michigan State University’s Office of Study Abroad
web site. Please request permission to distribute or adapt these materials outside of MSU from osapa@isp.msu.edu.
Notes on Paperwork:
You should pack all of your immigration documents in one folder, and keep it in your CARRY ON LUGGAGE! If you
pack your documents in your checked luggage, you will not have access to them when you need them.
Immigration Officials may not ask for all of this documentation, but you need to have it available in the event that they
do. Studies show that students are consistently being asked to provide documentation upon arrival. It your responsibility
to make sure that you have the appropriate documents!
Going through the Border:
Upon arriving in the UK, all students need to have their passports stamped. If you fail to have your passport stamped,
you could have problems when leaving the United Kingdom, re-entering the UK, or traveling to other countries.
At the end of your flight, you will receive a landing card. Complete this form before
exiting the plane. Once you have deplaned, follow the signs for “arrivals.” This will
take you to immigration control, where you will see signs indicating which line—or
“queue”—you should join. If you are unsure of which line to join, ask an airport staff
member. Have your documents available at this time.
When you are called up to the desk, the Immigration Official is likely to ask for some
of your documentation. Begin by handing the officer your Passport and Landing Card.
Provide other documents only if asked. Officers will also ask questions about your
travel plans in the United Kingdom. Below are some common questions, and some
suggested answers:

Why are you coming to the UK?
o “I’m participating in an MSU study-abroad program.” OR “I am
attending (your host university)”
o If you are participating in a faculty led program, DO NOT SAY THAT YOU ARE STUDYING AT REGENT’S
UNIVERSITY!! While your program might work with Regent’s University, you are enrolled in an MSU program.

How long will you be in the UK?

Where will you be staying?
o “At Regent’s University” OR “in a flat.” OR “at (your host university).” Be prepared to give the address of your
housing, which will be in the Emergency Contact Information emailed to you by the Office of Study Abroad
within two weeks of your program start date.

Do you have proof of your acceptance to this program?
o “Yes. Here is my letter from the university” *Hand officer your Entry Clearance Letter.* For faculty-led
programs, this is the Entry Clearance Letter you received from MSU. For Co-sponsored programs, you
should show them the letter that you received from your host institution.

What kind of activities will you participate in during your stay?
o “I will attend classes, visit museums, see plays, and travel to various sites in the UK as part of my
coursework” You are not there to work, intern, job shadow, etc., so don’t say you are. These activities
are not allowed for student visitors under UK law, and MSU plans programs to work within the law.

Do you intend to work?
o
No.
Once you have been cleared by the immigration officer, you may claim your baggage and go through Customs.
Student Visitors- Non-visa nationals on faculty led or co-sponsored programs. Revised 4-1-15. Copyright Michigan State University. Should you
choose to duplicate any materials on this site, please cite that such materials were adapted from Michigan State University’s Office of Study Abroad
web site. Please request permission to distribute or adapt these materials outside of MSU from osapa@isp.msu.edu.
:
If you are not granted entry to the UK:
Should you fail to meet entry requirements or are denied a student visitor visa, you are held to the same MSU refund
policies as any other student. You also risk being detained by immigration officials or denied entry to the United
Kingdom.
International Students US Visa renewal:
International students should not plan to renew their U.S. visas in the United Kingdom. Some students have been
required to prove that they will be permitted to return to the U.S. after their program ends. For this reason, OSA
recommends that all international students renew their U.S. visas BEFORE going to the United Kingdom.
Not arriving by plane:
All student visitors, regardless of the mode of transportation, have to meet the same entry requirements and have their
passports stamped. In order to get your passport stamped, you must visit an immigration officer. It is your responsibility to
seek out immigration officials and obtain the correct entry stamp. Students who fail to have their passports stamped could
face difficulties when leaving the United Kingdom, when re-entering the UK, or when traveling to other countries. If you are
arriving by bus, ferry, automobile or train, you should be prepared to show all of the required documents for your visa. You
should also keep copies of your travel itineraries and receipts. In previous years, students have been asked for this
information when leaving the UK.
Arriving from another country (Not the USA)
The entry requirements are the same regardless of what country you arrive from.
 If you are arriving from the Republic of Ireland: The UK and Ireland have special immigration arrangements. It is
possible that you will have to actively seek out an immigration official in order to get your passport stamped.
OSA recommends that anyone arriving from the Republic of Ireland asks a flight attendant or airport staff
member where to obtain an entry stamp before leaving the secure area at the airport. You should be prepared to
show all of the required documentation.
Further Resources:
MSU has developed a visa webpage for students studying in the United Kingdom. On the webpage you will find Frequently
Asked Questions, a Cheat Sheet, a Documentation Prep Timeline, and an video presentation to help you through this
process. The website has information for both American Citizens and International Students.
Questions:
If you have additional questions, please review the handouts on our website. You can also contact the Office of Study
Abroad for more information. The coordinator for the UK and Ireland is Max Chappuis, reachable via email at
chappui1@msu.edu.
Student Visitors- Non-visa nationals on faculty led or co-sponsored programs. Revised 4-1-15. Copyright Michigan State University. Should you
choose to duplicate any materials on this site, please cite that such materials were adapted from Michigan State University’s Office of Study Abroad
web site. Please request permission to distribute or adapt these materials outside of MSU from osapa@isp.msu.edu.