Proper ways to get a UK student visa

ANXIOUS WAIT…Visa seekers wait outside the British High Commission in Dhaka. Many prospective students are denied visa every year as they do not follow the proper procedure. PHOTO: STAR

Every year many students are deceived by agencies promising them visa to study in the United Kingdom.

Most of the victims hail from villages and are not familiar with the student visa processing system and are reluctant to inquire from the British Council in fear of being declared ineligible.

A large number these students complete the admission formalities from education exhibitions and fairs where universities and institutions offer direct entry. But as many of them have bad grades in classes ten and twelve, they prefer paying huge amount of money to the dubious private agencies instead of free counseling at the British Council.

British Council, Dhaka arranged a seminar on how to apply for UK student visa on December 1 at its auditorium where Raiqah Ripa Walie, education promotion and marketing manager, described the important steps that should be noted while applying.

Anyone with the required educational qualifications and a valid passport can apply for visa by filling up the visa form (VAF1). Walie emphasised on unconditional offer letters describing course fees and receipt of the fees paid, cost of living per year, the total number of study hours per week (15 hours/week as stated by the British Council) and the start and end date of the proposed degree programme from the UK institution.

The student applying for visa must have accommodation confirmation letter from the UK, all educational certificates and English language competency evidence (IELTS or TOEFL). Also the sponsorship declaration has to be an affidavit from a Notary Public. The sponsor's bank statement of the last six months, the sponsor's source of income (business license, tax papers, employment certificate etc.) and other necessary documents must be submitted also.

Walie discussed about the Professional Advisory Service for Students (PASS). This is a special service where the student will not have to go to the embassy for an interview. Instead, for the equivalent of 120 pounds, British Council will assign one of its staff members to help the student select and apply his/her choice of university or college. The Council's staff will also help put the visa documents in order. Walie however added that only selected students, having sound academic and financial background, could apply for the PASS.