Student Visa Questions.

[Private Sparkles]

I am a US citizen who intends on studying at the London Film Academy in April, for a 4 week full time course. I am also interested in remaining in London to take a full year course at the same school for a diploma.

My main question is:

I'm interested in coming out for the course in April, which lasts four weeks. I'm assuming that the student visa will give me at least a year of time. In September, I plan on taking another course which will be a year long. (which I assume I'll have to request an extension for when the time comes.)

During the period between the end of the four week course and the start of the one in September, would I be able to legally work within the country on a student visa?

Let me also emphasize that this would not be a break between terms. This would be a break between the start of one course and a completely different course.

Thanks!

[paulp]

If your course is only for 4 weeks, it is very unlikely that you will get a 1-year student visa.

[Private Sparkles]

Thanks for your reply.

About how long will a visa for that sort of course last?

[Wanderer]

Thanks for your reply.

About how long will a visa for that sort of course last?

I think u'd get a six months Short Term Student visa with no work. But ur supposed to return after or reasonably shortly after course finishes. We got in a bit bother with here, two week course, six month visa, three month stay, knuckles rapped.....

[Private Sparkles]

What if I had already enrolled for the other course?

[Wanderer]

What if I had already enrolled for the other course?

More or less fits the pattern we followed, we took up a full uni option from a short term student visa.

We applied in country and got the visa no problem. Cost was 280 quid or so, prolly about 500 quid now, but u need more then just enrolment, u need offer letter, proof of accom, proof u can afford to live without using public funds or using the 20/hr a week work concession, that u've paid fees already etc., some serious wodge to be honest, think we paid about 10k STG upfront.

Basically u need to prove and justify everything, you won't get the extension on a whim..

[Private Sparkles]

I never assumed an extension would be something I could just ask for and get. Basically what I'm trying to find out is if the scenario I described is possible and what is required for it to happen, which I always assumed would involve jumping through hoops.

[Wanderer]

I never assumed an extension would be something I could just ask for and get. Basically what I'm trying to find out is if the scenario I described is possible and what is required for it to happen, which I always assumed would involve jumping through hoops.

Possible, very possible.

Just think money, that's all our gov is interested in, that you can pay ur way and not cost anything...

[Private Sparkles]

I'm perfectly willing to put myself in however much debt it takes with student loans to make sure the government knows I don't intend on mooching.

[paulp]

I'm perfectly willing to put myself in however much debt it takes with student loans to make sure the government knows I don't intend on mooching.

Are you planning to get the loan in your home country? The home office sometimes gets suspicious of big amounts being credited into applicants accounts shortly before applying for a visa.

[Private Sparkles]

Yes, I am planning on taking out a loan soon while I'm here in the states.