Immigration Advice
Immigration Information
For detailed information about applying for a student visa, we advise you to download the UKCISA information sheet "Making a student immigration application in your home country ".
immigration control
To be admitted to the UK you will first have to pass through immigration control. Please note that there will be two lines at immigration control: British & EU Nationals and Others. At this stage you will be required to produce the essential documents listed below. Be sure that you have them in your pocket or in your hand luggage and NOT in your suitcases as these are not reclaimed until after immigration control.
Please make sure you have the following essential documents to hand when you pass through immigration:
- A valid passport - with visa stamp or entry clearance stamp (if required)
- Written evidence from the University that you have been accepted onto a full-time course of study
- Proof of funding (you will need to prove you have sufficient funds for your fees, accommodation and maintenance throughout your course for yourself and any dependants) - This can be a letter from your sponsor or your bank & bank details such as bank statements for three months prior to your departure
- Proof that you have accommodation arranged in either Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton or Paisley
At Immigration Control you will be questioned by an Immigration Officer who will want to be satisfied that you are pursuing your studies as a genuine full-time student, that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your studies and that it is your intention to leave the UK at the end of your studies.
This interview may take some time. If the Immigration Officer is satisfied with your answers, your passport or travel document will be stamped to show how long you can remain in the UK and with a note of any restrictions on your stay.
If you have problems at passport control, you should contact the International Student Adviser at University of the West of Scotland on 0141 848 3805. If no-one is available, contact the Immigration Advisory Service (IAS), in Glasgow, for free advice on 0141 248 2956 (office hours only).
You can also call UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) student advice line on 020 7407 9922, Mon - Fri between 1pm and 4pm.
Students are normally given permission to remain for the whole length of their course. If you know you will need to stay for longer than the date indicated on the stamp do not worry, as you can apply to extend your stay at a later date.
Advice on applying for a student visa extension is available from the International Student Adviser within the university. You should contact her at least 6 weeks before the visa expires.
Students should be aware that when applying for a student visa extension, they should demonstrate satisfactory progress and an excellent attendance rate on their course.
further information
For information about student visas, working in the UK, welfare and general living, please visit the International Student Services web pages.