Visas and immigration

Advice for new students coming to Oxford

Some of you will need one of these.The International Student Advisory Service can provide advice to prospective international students about visa and immigration matters. As the regulations are changing frequently at the moment, the most up-to-date information for students is published on the relevant part of the University website.

You must make sure that you leave plenty of time to apply for a visa as the process can take some time. You should also ensure that you provide all the correct documents when applying for a student visa to avoid delays or a potential refusal.

Some of the issues you need to consider when applying for a student visa are:

• How long will the application take and what documents are required?
• Can you apply in person and/or online for a student visa in your country?
• Where is your nearest Visa Application Centre?
• What does giving biometric information involve?
• If you are studying a Science, Engineering or Technology subject does your course require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval System) certificate? For more information, please see the relevant part of the University website.
• Does the Embassy/High Commission in your country require you to be screened for tuberculosis?

Answers to these questions and information about applying from your country is available at the UK Border Agency Visa Services website.

Advice for current students

The International Student Advisory Service can also help current students with the following visa and immigration matters:

• Extending your student visa when in the UK.
• Entry Clearance Correction Scheme to correct mistakes made when you applied for a visa overseas.
• Information about working during your studies.
• Information about working after your studies.