STUDY ABROAD IN RUSSIA

The erstwhile Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991 into fourteen different independent republics and since then, has been officially known as the Russian Federation, commonly referred to as Russia. Spreading across two continents, it is the largest country in landmass with an area of 6,595,600 square miles, stretching from Poland in the west to the Pacific in the east.

Russia has always been a fascinating place for all, especially for Americans, probably because of the extremely differing ideologies and the cold war between the two countries that lasted for almost five decades. A high school summer abroad in Russia can indeed prove to be an experience as varied and vast as the country itself.

The Russian education system is well planned and is a fall out of a strict communist regime that laid more emphasis on education rather than on anything else. It is no wonder that the country is rightly proud of its 100% literacy rate.

Russia, if you believe a common local saying, has two capitals - Moscow, for government and state affairs and St. Petersburg, for culture and art. Most of Russia’s 48 universities are located in these two cities and are major destinations for study abroad students. Russia is mostly known for its study abroad programs in the Russian language and culture, political science, history, and environmental studies.

The Kremlin excites those students who are interested in high school study abroad in programs for architecture and Moscow’s Red Square is a typical place to research the remnants of communism. The art collection of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage is considered to be the worlds best and is most suited for study in history and studio art.

Summer study abroad students of literature find St. Petersburg a very appropriate place to study Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Nabokov. The city is also home to the equestrian statue of Peter the Great, immortalized by Pushkin’s famous poem - The Bronze Horseman. It is indeed an inspirational structure for all upcoming poets. The world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre of Moscow is known to mesmerize study abroad students of performing arts with its ballet productions.

The icing on the cake is that study in Russia is extremely cheap and the facilities that come along with it are the best way to explore the cultural life of Russia. With a student’s ID card you can enjoy theatre and get involved in other cultural activities for a pittance.

All study abroad aspirants must have a student’s visa before landing in Russia. Entering Russia is comparatively easier than other countries. A passport, valid for 3 months beyond stay, photographs, and an official invitation from an authentic Russian organization are all that you will need to attach to your completed visa application.

Although the low cost of study almost negates the need for study abroad scholarships, they can still be accessed by approaching the universities and the foundations of your own country as well as in Russia.

Russia is not only a vast country in size but has a vast diversity in culture also. It is practically impossible to generalize Russian culture due to the vast plurality of citizens and cultures within its borders. From ethnically Russians to people living in the breakaway republics to those living in far off Siberia, the multiplicity of cultures and ethnicity is by itself an interesting topic for study abroad students.

STUDY IN HONG KONG

Hong Kong offers study abroad students, an opportunity to experience the Asian culture and heritage. At the turn of this century, it had been handed over by Britain to China. Hong Kong, though a part of China, is still separate from the People’s Republic of China and hence it can offer a distinct opportunity for students to be a witness to history in the making through its study abroad programs.

A big advantage for the students, who are evaluating Hong Kong as their study abroad destination, be it for high school summer study abroad, is that they need not know the Asian languages since English is the major medium of instruction. There are many universities to choose from and all of them offer different academic programs, right from the high school study abroad programs to the bachelor’s level and master’s level programs. These programs are offered in the fields of business, social sciences, environmental studies, arts etc. Some of the well-known universities in Hong Kong are Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Lingnan College and University of Hong Kong. Many American universities have their own branches in Hong Kong also.

Though ninety eight percent of Hong Kong's population consists of Chinese, mainly Cantonese from Mainland China, the diversity of people living in Hong Kong is beyond imagination. The Cantonese dialect, cuisine, and customs are more significant compared to other Chinese dialects. However, the younger generation prefers to view themselves as Hong Kong-born citizens, rather than Han Chinese.

In Hong Kong, most study abroad international students pay subsidized tuition and service fees. It is also possible for the study abroad students to transfer their credits back to their home university. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, Freeman-ASIA Program, National Security Education Program, The Blakemore Foundation, Rotary International offer study abroad scholarships to the American students.

All study abroad students are required to apply for a visa. Though the list of documents to be submitted is given below, it is prudent to check with the local embassy to find out if there are any new requirements.

• An application form ID(E) 936, with relevant parts duly completed and signed
• Photocopy of the sponsor's Hong Kong identity card
• Photocopies of the applicant's travel document containing the personal particulars, its date of issue, date of expiry, details of any re-entry visa held.
• One additional identical photograph of applicant
• A letter of acceptance from the school which the applicant wishes to enter
• If the applicant is under the age of 18, one of the applicant's parents should authorize the sponsor or his relative/friend to be the guardian of the applicant. ( A consent letter duly signed by both the guardian and one of the applicant's parents and the guardian should be produced)
• Evidence of the sponsor's financial standing, e.g. bank statements, saving account passbook, tax receipts and employment certificates
• An undertaking that the sponsor is prepared to arrange accommodation for the applicant or the applicant will be staying with him; or evidence that a place has been provided in recognized boarding school
• Evidence of the applicant's past residence in Hong Kong (if any).

It normally takes about four to six weeks to process a visa application. The visa is sent to the sponsor, who in turn is supposed to send it to the study abroad applicant. The sponsor should pay the visa issuance fee after collecting the visa.

The Hong Kong experience is hushed and peaceful with sublime shopping malls and an excellent transport system and is all about enjoying new tastes, weaving through a human traffic jam, and slurping noodles. Hong Kong in its own right is a classical case of contrasts. The Syracuse University's Handbook for study abroad students reveals an interesting statistic that Hong Kong has more cell phones per capita than any where in the world and yet 70% of Hong Kong is still rural. Hong Kong is a city of varied cultures with a vigorous and animated economy based on banking, finance, textiles, shipping, electronics and communication.

Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories are the three main parts of Hong Kong. Though not a well-known fact, sporting activities are part of the attraction of Hong Kong. A study abroad student can choose his or her favorite sport, right from fencing, basketball, windsurfing, golf, snooker, to rock climbing and more. Hong Kong's varied natural environment, along with its superb recreational facilities allows visitors to take part in these activities. The city has a happening ‘night life’ also.

Hong Kong is one of the favorite academic destinations for visiting scholars since the academic institutes and the libraries have extensive resources, including materials not found in the Chinese mainland. The city offers a unique east-west encounter and helps a student to compare cultural perspectives, an opportunity that can help a study abroad student gain insights that would help in the long run.

STUDY ABROAD FRANCE

France is known across the world for its fashion, food, art and culture. But one aspect that has not gained as much popularity as it deserves is the fact that France gets a large share of the study abroad students every year.

The reason why France is the preferred choice by many is because it provides a choice of many high quality universities, curriculums that have depth and coverage and the opportunity to obtain higher education in the French language or the culture. The richness of the French culture, art and theatre is an added advantage for the study abroad student who opts for this country to study in.

The French education system is so robust because they take their own education very seriously and therefore have rigorous curriculums that the students are expected to follow. A typical high school study abroad involves subjects like French literature, English, a foreign language (German, Spanish or Italian), physical education, history, geography, mathematics and science. Schools also ensure that there is time set aside for extra-curricular activities like music theatre and art since the French believe that an appreciation of one or more of these is essential.

For higher studies the French study abroad programs in universities offer technical and professional courses in various disciplines that prepare students for an international career. The public and private specialized schools offer courses in engineering, management and art to mention some of the curriculums that are offered.

France has about 240 schools of engineering and they offer a diplôme d'ingénieur, which is a French national diploma earned at the end of the study abroad program. This engineering degree is reviewed and accredited by the national committee on engineering degrees. Separate schools differ in their schedules, sequence and timing of the individual courses and one needs to posses a minimum of a secondary school diploma or an equivalent in their country to apply.

Most of the approximately 230 schools for business management are affiliated to the chamber of commerce and industry in France. Most of these curriculums have a mandatory internship and offer exchange study abroad programs for their students. To apply one needs to have completed 2 years of post secondary school education or its equivalent. Some of the best known schools of management in France are Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC), Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP-EAP) and Ecole de Management de Lyon (EMLyon) and all of them are members of EduFrance. Some of them are accredited by the EQUIS and AMBA.

For those who do not want to pursue their academics in France but want a taste of the culture, the short-term courses are a good option to choose. Therefore, if you are looking at a summer study abroad option, this is what you should choose. The degree offered is called degree of brevet de technicien supérieur (BTS) and is offered in about 86 different fields. These include courses in trade, services, hotel management, agriculture and manufacturing. Some of them offer a short course in art or architecture as well.

The academic year of a study abroad program starts sometime in September or October and ends in May or June. If the reason why you are keeping away from studying in France is due to the language, then you need not worry since many engineering and management courses are conducted in English and this is especially true for the study abroad programs that are designed.

Getting a visa is easy though tourist visas cannot be converted to student visas. Please note that a visa can not be extended while you are in France and therefore make sure that the visa that you get covers you for the period of your course and more. If you are planning to stay in France for more than 3 months, you must obtain a student residency permit once you are in the country. Medical insurance is also required for those who are in the country for a study abroad program. If you are on a study abroad scholarship, then you need to obtain proper documentation for that while applying for the visa.

Once you made the wise decision of studying in France, you should ensure that you make full use of your time there and visit all the places that are so talked about in the country. The ‘City of Light’ has more to offer than just the Eiffel Tower. The museums include the Centre Pompidou, the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre. The Notre Dame cathedral has been made even more popular by the famous work Da Vinci Code. Other than the historical museums and churches, there are the beaches of Brittany to explore. You can also visit the city of Epernay in the Champagne region from where the original renowned Champagne is sourced.

The people of France shall be more than willing to help you to find the various tourist locations since they are friendly people. They love socializing with friends and family and it would be a culturally enriching experience if you can get yourself invited to a family dinner where delectable delights are tried and served. Anyone who is a sports fan will know that the French are keen followers of sports. The country also hosts the French pen Tennis Tournament and the annual Tour de France cycling race.

Study in United States

United states is considered to be the top most destination for students, who have desire to study and explore the educational frontiers in USA.Many students come to united states every year for pursue graduation, post graduation programs and other professional degrees such as MBA, Phd, Engineering, Management, Law etc. Their focus is to get the student visa or F-1 visa.

The student visa or F-1 visa, helps the students to travel to US and permission is granted by students from immigration officer to allow them to enter the United States.

There are certain steps which are required by applicant to qualify for US student visa or f-1 visa

English test need to be qualified by the applicant as the English is the national language of US. It is basically an online test which student needs to qualify by scoring minimum marks. After wards there are some other online tests such as GRE, GMAT, SAT depending on the certain level of the applicant educational qualification whether he or she is graduate or undergraduate. The scores of the online exams conducted by applicants are used by other countries, which do not follow the rules and regulations for taking tests.

The applicant need to apply for US student visa or f-1 visa and intent of applying for visa need to be non-immigrant as they need to intend in front of Visa consulate that their main purpose of going to US is for pursuing higher education from esteemed universities. They need to convince the consulate regarding the financial capability to study, without getting involved in unauthorized or illegal employment.

At the time of entry in US, students need to show all the documents, which involve passport, I-20, form, student visa (f-1 visa) documents from educational institution with which they are enrolled for higher education. The I-94 arrival-departure record is provided by immigration officer, after checking all the documents provided by the students, which contains an unique number, which need to be kept confidentially by the student, who have come to pursue higher education.

United states is considered to be the top most destination for students, who have desire to study and explore the educational frontiers in USA.Many students come to united states every year for pursue graduation, post graduation programs and other professional degrees such as MBA, Phd, Engineering, Management, Law etc. Their focus is to get the student visa or F-1 visa.

The student visa or F-1 visa, helps the students to travel to US and permission is granted by students from immigration officer to allow them to enter the United States.

There are certain steps which are required by applicant to qualify for US student visa or f-1 visa

English test need to be qualified by the applicant as the English is the national language of US. It is basically an online test which student needs to qualify by scoring minimum marks. After wards there are some other online tests such as GRE, GMAT, SAT depending on the certain level of the applicant educational qualification whether he or she is graduate or undergraduate. The scores of the online exams conducted by applicants are used by other countries, which do not follow the rules and regulations for taking tests.

The applicant need to apply for US student visa or f-1 visa and intent of applying for visa need to be non-immigrant as they need to intend in front of Visa consulate that their main purpose of going to US is for pursuing higher education from esteemed universities. They need to convince the consulate regarding the financial capability to study, without getting involved in unauthorized or illegal employment.

At the time of entry in US, students need to show all the documents, which involve passport, I-20, form, student visa (f-1 visa) documents from educational institution with which they are enrolled for higher education. The I-94 arrival-departure record is provided by immigration officer, after checking all the documents provided by the students, which contains an unique number, which need to be kept confidentially by the student, who have come to pursue higher education.

STUDY ABROAD IN SOUTH AFRICA

Apart from boasting one of the best educational systems in the African continent, there are many other factors that make South Africa feature in the list of possible options for students who are evaluating study abroad programs.

The medium of education is English, which makes it accessible to a majority of students. At the same time, if one has the yearning, he or she may chose to learn the local languages like Afrikaans and Zulu. The cost of study and the living expenses are not high and this is one big positive factor that makes students who want to study abroad turn to South Africa. There has been a significant growth in the population of international students in the last ten years and it is now among the top 20 host countries for international students who want to study abroad.

The education system in South Africa has been completely revamped, right from basic schooling to higher education. This has lead to an influx of international students who want to study abroad. There are eleven ‘universities’ and six ‘universities of technology’ that provide vocational qualification along with some postgraduate programs. There are six ‘comprehensive universities’ that mainly focus on teaching but at the same time, they also have the facilities to conduct research and run some postgraduate programs. Some of the well-known universities that are popular among students who want to study abroad are Stellenbosch University, The University of Cape Town, Rhodes University and University of Witwatersrand (one of the largest English language universities). For students who are looking for study abroad scholarships, it would be heartening to note that most of the universities also offer scholarships, grants and other kinds of financial assistance.

Nationals of some commonwealth countries do not require a visa if they are visiting for less than 90 days. All students, including students who want to spend their high school summer abroad, high school study abroad, degree seeking, semester abroad, summer study abroad and exchange students require study permit to study for a duration that is longer than three months. The documents that are required for application for study permit are:
· An official letter from the university confirming provisional acceptance and duration of the course.
· Medical and radiological reports (less than six months old)
· Yellow fever vaccinations certificate if relevant
· Relevant certificate if married, widowed, divorced or separated
· Proof of medical insurance cover recognized in South Africa
· Details regarding arranged accommodation, if any
· Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, maintenance and incidental cost
· A Police clearance certificate (less than six months old)
· A deposit (a cash amount not exceeding the cost of a single ticket to the applicant’s country of origin)
· The documents must be originals or certified copies

It takes anywhere between 3 days to ten weeks, depending on the country of origin, for a visa to be issued. The visa fee can range from US $0-150, depending on the country of origin and the duration of stay. One can contact the local South African Consulate for any other details or clarifications.

South Africa provides many options for recreation. It is a beautiful country that has been endowed with beaches and mountains and offers a number of water sports, safaris and parks. It also boasts of the world’s tallest bungee jump. Johannesburg is Africa's leading commercial city. Durban, a coastal city, is known for its progressive history and international politics whereas Cape Town is known for the beauty of historical buildings and also offers a peek into history of apartheid. Apart from academic learning, students who want to study abroad can benefit a lot from the experience of living in South Africa’s multicultural and diverse cities.

So if you are one of those students who are looking for study abroad programs, South Africa should be one of the destinations that should be evaluated.

STUDY ABROAD GREECE

Greece is the land of Homer and The Iliad and Odyssey, which is considered the foundation on which modern literature took shape. Greece is the cradle of western civilization and of course the birth place of democracy as well. As a study abroad student in Greece you have a chance to experience a culture that has been the foundation of modern western thought. This, apart from anything else is a good reason for choosing Greece for your study abroad program.

While keeping pace with modern times, Greece has remained true to its roots and the present day Greek language is almost the same as it was in the days of Plato. Its education system, however, amalgamates traditional values with modernization.

The Hellenic Republic, commonly known as Greece, has been the center of many old civilizations by virtue of its geographical location. While involved in your high school study abroad, you have a chance to study the rise and fall of some of the greatest civilizations, such as, Classical and Hellenistic Greek eras, the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

The government supports and funds the country’s 18 universities and 14 institutes of technological education as the Greek constitution bars any private educational institution to grant degrees. The top ranking universities of Greece include, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Democritus University, National Technical University of Athens, University of Crete, and University of the Aegean. Whereas there are numerous high school study abroad courses available, a summer study abroad in Greek language and mythology are two of the most favored courses.

If you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, any EU country, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland or USA you will not need a visa and can study in Greece for up to 90 days. All others wanting to join a study abroad program require a student visa which is provided within four to ten days for a cost ranging from $ 20 to $ 45 depending upon your nationality.

Obtaining a students’ visa for entry in to Greece is simple and requires fairly limited documentation. A valid passport, an acceptance letter from an institute and one photograph is all that is required to be submitted with a completed visa application form. Study abroad scholarships are offered by a number of universities as well as foundations and trusts that promote high school summer abroad programs in Greece.

Greece has been at the crossroads of different civilizations and has evolved on the foundation of its strong ties with civilizations of like Europe, Africa and Asia. Present day Greece shows marked influences of different cultures - Roman, Arab, Latin crusaders, Venetians, Slavs, Albanians, Turks, Italian, and the Byzantine Empire.

Athens is the capital city as well as the commercial hub of Greece. Athens is also home to some of the spectacular ruins of its earlier splendors. The ruins of the Greek civilization and the main temple of the goddess Athena, the Parthenon, (built more than 400 years before Christ) are perched proudly on the flat oval top of Acropolis - a 260 foot high hill in Athens. Below the Acropolis you will find Europe’s first theatre, Theatre of Dionysus. Used for paying homage to Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and drama, the theatre could house up to 17000 spectators in its heydays. The theatre is being renovated but still displays the fascinating world of Greek entertainment and history. Even if architecture and archeology do not interest you, a tour of the ruins will provide an invigorating respite from academics during your summer study abroad.

Greece is not about history and mythology alone. You can choose a private island out of the more than 2000 islands that surround Greece for a bustling night life and to get some relief from your busy schedules of high school study abroad. The Cycladic Islands will give you a real life glimpse of what you have probably seen only in picture postcards - the alluring white buildings in the backdrop of bright blue church domes and golden beaches that meet the pristine blue sea. The lush green Northeast Aegean Islands are known for its beaches that rank among the most beautiful in Greece. The bigger islands of Crete, Evia and Cyprus, however, require much more time to explore.

Study in Mexico

UND programs in Mexico

• Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato

Affiliated Program Providers offering programs in Mexico

• IFSA - Butler Univeristy
• ISA - International Studies Abroad

Study in Australia

Australia has got one of the best education systems in the Western world. Australian Immigration rules also provided options for those students to settle in Australia on completion of their studies on meeting the relevant criteria.

Australian Education System

Student Visa Requirements

To study in Australia, depending on the country of origin of student, student may need to meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Accepted in full-time study
• Financial Requirements
• Health Requirements
• Health Insurance
• English Language Skills
• Academic Records and History
• Specific requirements related to students under 18 years of age

Settling in Australia

Currently, on completion of two years of full time studies in Australia, a student may be eligible to apply for Australian Permanent or Temporary Residence subject to meeting the regulatory requirements.

Study Abroad in Japan

WJLCC (Waseda Japanese Language and Consultancy) can be a turning point for students who want to study in Japan. Our Experienced and dedicated consultants can guide you step by step process and condition to get admission/entry in universities/high-schools of Japan. Our experts are well familier with Japan,Japanese people and culture so choosing WJLCC can be best choice for study in Japan.

Special Trainee Course

Japanese industries and companies are recruiting Nepalese worker based on following categories.

1. Industrial Trainee

2. Skilled Worker

3. IT Professional

Daily used words, phrases and basic grammers & speaking patterns of Japanese languages are included in this special trainee package course.

Why Study abroad ?

• Academic credit - The most obvious reason why students study abroad is to earn academic credit. You should consider the type of credit you will earn on your study abroad program. Will you earn credit towards your major or elective credit only? Will you receive grades or pass/fail credit only? You may study abroad to earn upper division credits in your major field or you may be overseas to earn some of your core or general education hours your freshman year.
• Language acquisition - The world market place is shrinking rapidly, many companies require second languages. Foreign languages are not only valuable in the work force they are valuable in the real world.
• Practical experience – Study abroad coupled with an international internship is an incredible way to gain some real world experience. Additionally you may find that only an international program can offer the real expertise you desire in your education. Australia is a great place to find a marine biology program, the engineering labs in Sweden may exceed your facilities at your home institution, and peace studies in Geneva would offer an insight that couldn't be matched in Nebraska.
• Resume building - International experience is ranked high among many employers as a critical asset for prospective employees. Study abroad shows that you are resourceful, adventurous, internationally minded, and diverse.
• Experience of a lifetime - In a couple years you will forget the name of your literature professor in Grenoble or the name of your dorm in Beijing, but you'll never forget the friends you made or the incredible experiences you shared.

France Visa Information

Who requires a visa?
Several factors determine whether a visa is required:

- the nationality of the foreign national;
- the holding of a residence document in France or another country adhering to the Schengen Agreement;
- the length of stay;
- and which part of the territory of the French Republic the foreign national is to visit.

As far as visas are concerned, legislation divides the territory of the French Republic into the following three sections, where different regulations apply:

- the European territory of France, which is part of the Schengen area;
- the territory of Overseas Departments (Réunion, Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana);
- Overseas territorial communities: French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Mayotte, French Southern and Antarctic Territories.

1. The European territory of France
The European territory of France is part of the Schengen area. The Schengen area includes the territory of the following European Union countries and associated countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

1.1. Short stays (under 90 days in the Schengen area)
A short stay is a stay in the Schengen area under 90 days or multiple stays totalling less than 90 days in a period of six months.

For short stays, European regulations determine the list of countries from which citizens are not required to have a visa to enter the Schengen area.

A visa is waived for:
- citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela;
- holders of passports from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and the Special Administrative Region of Macao of the People’s Republic of China;
- holders of a valid residence document in France;
- holders of a residence document issued by a country which adheres to the Schengen Agreement;
- holders of a travel document issued by a country which adheres to the Schengen Agreement.

1.2. Long stays (over 90 days in France)
Citizens of the following countries are not required to have a long-stay visa: Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.

2. Overseas Departments (DOM)
- Réunion
- French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique (the three French Departments of the Americas)

2.1. Short stays
A short stay is a stay under 90 days in an Overseas Department.
A visa is waived for:
- citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela;
- holders of passports from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China;
- holders of a valid residence document in France.

2.1. Long stays
Citizens of the following countries are not required to have a long-stay visa: Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.

3. Other territories of the French Republic located overseas
They include:
- French Polynesia
- New Caledonia
- Wallis and Futuna
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- Mayotte
- French Southern and Antarctic Territories

3.1. Short stays
A short stay is a stay under 90 days.
A visa is waived for the citizens of the following countries:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Bolivie, Brunei, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay.

3.2. Long stays
Citizens of the following countries are not required to have a long-stay visa: Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.


What documents will be required?
To apply for a Schengen short-stay visa, you are required to present one visa application per person, including the following items:
- A passport which is valid for at least 3 months after the date of the requested visa;
- [A visa application form] duly completed and signed;
- A maximum of 3 photographs meeting requirements;
- Application fees. Visa application forms for a child under 18 years of age must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.

If any of the items you provide do not fulfil our criteria, consular personnel will not accept your application and will ask you to present items which do. If you insist on submitting your application anyway, your application will be recorded but a visa will not be issued and the other items in the application will not be studied.

Proof
- Proof of the purpose of your stay in the Schengen area;
- Proof of your means of support during your stay and accommodation;
- Proof of travel and repatriation insurance;
- Guarantees of repatriation to your country of residence (return ticket or adequate personal means to purchase one);
- For children under 18 years of age, specific proof;
- Any documents helping to convince the consular authority of your intention to leave the Schengen area when your visa expires.

Certain diplomatic and consular authorities that issue visas on ordinary passports may include more detailed information taking local specificities into account. These items providing proof that are are required are to be presented to the consular authority.

The consular authority will accept your application as provided by you and will make his decision on the basis of the guarantees and proof attached to your application. If you have failed to attach the proof included in the list, the consular authority will assume that you are unable to do so unless you effectively explain why such proof was omitted in a separate letter attached to the application.

Additional documents
The consular authority may ask you to provide additional documents within a set period in order to study your application more effectively. You do not need to submit a new application nor pay additional application fees if that is the case.

Proof that a visa application has been submitted
When you submit your visa application, the consular authority will give you a receipt for the exact amount of application fees you paid. This receipt is acknowledgement of receipt of your application.


Time required to issue visa:
After a visa application is submitted, the consular authority processes it and decides on whether to issue a visa.

The consular authority makes his decision as swiftly as possible, the time period will vary depending on possible consultations he must conduct. There is no point in contacting the consular authority while the application is being processed.

If the consular authority has not responded to you within two months, you may consider that your visa application has been refused.

What is the cost of a visa?
The table below sets forth the application fees in euros for the main visa categories.

Visa categories	Application fees (in euros)
Airport transit visas and short-stay visas (under 90 days) valid for France and, unless otherwise indicated on the visa, for the Schengen area	€60
Airport transit visas and short-stay visas (under 90 days) valid for Overseas Departments and Regions (DOM-ROM): Guadeloupe, (including Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin); Martinique; French Guiana; Réunion.	€60
Airport tranist visas or short-stay visas (under 90 days) for New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte and French Southern and Anatartic Territories	€9
Long-stay visas (over 90 days) valid for France (without a territorial distinction)	€99
National long-stay visa (over 90 days) issued to foreign nationals adopted by French citizens in the legal and definitive form required in their countries of origin, valid for Metropolitan France, Overseas Departments and Overseas Communities	€15

How long is the visa valid for?
Short stay visas: Up to 90 days
Temporary long-stay visas: Up to 6 months
Long stay visas: The residency permit obtained actually determines the length of the stay

Other information:
American citizens intending to study in France have to apply for a visa before leaving the United States, whatever the duration of their studies in France. The visa cannot be issued once the applicant is in France.

NOTE: Students who will be 18 years old within 3 months of the dates of registration in a French school, must apply for a Long Stay Student visa.

The visa issued will depend on the duration of the studies in France :
- Less than 90 days: you have to apply for a short term Schengen visa (type C) by filling out a short stay application form.
- Between 90 days and six months: you have to apply for a temporary long term visa by filling out 2 long stay application forms.
With such a visa, you will not have to go to the prefecture to ask for a residency card (carte de séjour) in France.

- More than six months : you have to apply for a long stay visa by filling out 2 long stay application forms.
With such a visa, you will have to apply, as soon as you arrive in France, for a residency card with the French prefecture which has jurisdiction for the place where you are studying.

Study in Singapore: Visa requirements

Fluency in English is required to apply for a student visa to Singapore. The following certificates of English competency are accepted:

• GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education
• TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language
• IELTS - International English Language Testing System

Apart from the English test, the students must have also received their letter of acceptance from the university where they wish to pursue their course of study.

The international and overseas students should ensure that their visa application reaches the ICA at least 2 months before the date of commencement of the course.

Except for applications to certain local polytechnics and to the universities, an overseas student needs a local sponsor who is a citizen of Singapore or a Singapore PR above the age of 21 so that he can apply for a student pass.

Normally, it takes 4 weeks or more to complete the visa processing stage.

Getting a visa for study abroad

Start the process of applying at least two months before you will be going abroad to give you time to gather the necessary documents, notarize documents if necessary, and make any appointment. Also, it can't hurt to give yourself some breathing room just in case you need to go back to the embassy.

Each country has different requirements, so you will need to select your country from the drop-down menu or the map. However, the standard documents will be:

-Passport
-Letter of acceptance to a foreign university, in English and the language of the country
-Guarantee of sufficient funds

Make a copy or two of everything. Some documents they will keep, and they won't necessarily tell you before hand (I applied for a visa with a friend, and the embassy took different documents from each of us.) You might also need a guarantee of insurance, and additional letter guaranteeing sufficient funds from your parents and/or university. Furthermore, the French Embassy requires all students to register through a program called Campus France before applying for a visa. Some embassies have similar programs. So, prepare yourself to do some internet research.

Make sure that you have an empty page near the front of your passport. When I applied for my visa, I watched them turn away a girl leaving going abroad in a month because she did not have room in her passport for a visa. Visas take up an entire page of a passport, and it is illegal for them to cover any entry/exit stamps. If you do not have these pages, then you will need to send your passport to the department of state and have extra pages added. This takes anywhere between eight and six weeks.

Be sure to carefully check the list of requirements for the foreign embassies where you are applying. I had three different lists to compare when I applied for my visa to come to France; one from my school, one from the US embassy, and one from the French embassy. All three had different information, so I brought everything, and ended up needing it.

Once you have your documents, visit the foreign embassy's site to make an appointment for you visa. My motto is always that it can't hurt to dress nice for an appointment, and in fact the French embassy website indicates dress as a requirement. Be prepared to wait longer than your appointment will take, and get there early just in case they are running ahead of schedule.

Study Abroad At UST

The Institute of International Education’s “Open Doors Report 2008” recently released its annual report about U.S. students who study abroad during college. It shows that, once again, the University of St. Thomas remains among the leading American institutions for the percentage of undergraduate students who study abroad.

The Open Doors Report 2008 analyzes data from the 2006-07 academic year, in which St. Thomas’ participation rate, 61.1 percent, was again ranked fifth nationally among doctoral institutions. The rate is based on the number of undergraduate students who participated in study-abroad programs (665) and the number of undergraduate degrees conferred (1,089).

These rankings mark the fifth year that St. Thomas has been ranked as a “doctoral/research” institution, a category that typically includes much larger schools. This year’s top five schools mirrored last year’s results, with Yeshiva University in New York coming in first, followed by the University of Denver, Wake Forest University and Dartmouth University. Just behind St. Thomas were the University of San Diego, the University of Notre Dame, Duke University, American University, and Georgetown University and Pepperdine University tied for 10th place.

These numbers show a slight increase from St. Thomas’ previous academic year’s rankings in 2005-06, in which St. Thomas also ranked fifth, with 659 students who studied abroad, compared with 665 in 2006-07.

Study-abroad participation rates also were strong at other Minnesota colleges and universities. Top-20 master’s institutions included Bethel University, 12th (47.5 percent); Augsburg College, 34th (32.6 percent); and the College of St. Catherine, 37th (31.2 percent).

Earning top participation rates at colleges awarding bachelor’s degrees were: University of Minnesota-Morris, third (117.1 percent); St. Olaf College, 10th (86.3 percent); Concordia College – Moorhead, 18th (74.8 percent); Carleton College, 21st (73 percent); and Macalester College, 25th (68.5 percent).

In 2006-07, Minnesota sent 8,484 students outside of the United States, down 1.5 percent from the 8,614 students who ventured abroad in 2005-2006. Nationally, study-abroad participation was up 8 percent, with 241,791 studying internationally in 2006-07.

New Programs at St. Thomas

A handful of new programs are helping to expand St. Thomas international reach as well as offer students a broader range of offerings for international enrichment.

St. Thomas newest program, the Student Teaching Abroad Program, adds an underrepresented group to the study-abroad roster. Developed jointly by the School of Education and the International Education Center, it provides education majors student-teaching opportunities in more than 70 countries. This fall, three students participated in the program, traveling to Australia, Ecuador and Honduras.

Through consortia to which St. Thomas belongs, the IEC also has added a semester program in Jordan for Middle East studies and Arabic as well as a program in Siena, Italy, to provide opportunities, in addition to Rome, for students studying in Italy.

Also in the works is the first program that will take place in Antarctica. Tentatively slated for January Term 2010, the course “Penguins, Icebergs and Amazon Jungles” could mark the first time St. Thomas takes students to all seven continents during the same semester. The laboratory science course is a basic study of the environment of the Earth and will explore patterns of change in the Antarctic as well as the impact of human activity on the Earth.

Total foreign-student enrollment holds steady, undergraduate enrollment increases

Since 1949 the Institute of International Education also has conducted an annual statistical survey of international students in the United States, and with the support of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs since the early 1970s.

Open Doors Report 2008 reports more recent results for rankings of international students studying in the United States. With 9,890 international students studying in Minnesota in the 2007-08 academic year, Minnesota ranked 18th in the nation, climbing one notch from last year, for its total number of foreign students. This indicates a 9.3 percent increase over the previous academic year, when 9,048 international students chose to study in Minnesota. In comparison, the international student rate increased 7 percent nationally, with 623,805 foreign students studying in the U.S.

Nationally, 3.9 percent of all students studying in the United States come from outside the 50 states.

St. Thomas ranks fourth in Minnesota and was the top private institution, based on number of students, with 353 students sponsored by the university in 2007-08, up slightly from last year (331). The top three Minnesota schools remained unchanged from last year, with the University of Minnesota ranked first (3,756), followed by St. Cloud State University (1,183) and Minnesota State University–Mankato (574).

The total number of graduate and undergraduate international students enrolled at St. Thomas dropped slightly (278 in fall 2006, 311 in fall 2007 and 301 in fall 2008); however, the Office of International Admissions at St. Thomas reports a steady increase in undergraduate international students over the past three academic years.

In fall 2006, 56 undergraduate students enrolled; in fall 2007, the number jumped to 83 undergraduate students, a 32 percent increase. In fall 2008, there were more still, with 89 undergraduate international students enrolled. This is a record high since the university began tracking these numbers in 1995. The top countries of origin for all international students at St. Thomas in fall 2008 were, again, in order, India, China and Uganda.

UK Student Visa

UK Student Visa can be applied for in Bangkok, Thailand. Should you require more information about a UK Student Visa, contact any of our immigration consultants to discuss your UK Student Visa application. A student visa is an ideal visa for a person who wants to further his/her academic studies, whilst at the same time being able to travel and take up part-time work in the United Kingdom. Siam International Legal Group assistance will take all the stress and uncertainty out of the application process. Whether you are inside or outside the UK when applying, our solicitors and highly trained staff will be there to help every step of the way.

How do I qualify for the UK Student Visa?

	You must be accepted for a course of study at a publicly-funded institution of further or higher education, a private-education institution or an independent fee-paying school.
	You must also be able to prove that you are going to follow a recognised full-time degree course, or a course run during the week that involves at least 15 hours of organised daytime study per week at one of the above-mentioned types of institutions. This proof would usually be in the form of an enrolment letter from the relevant school/college or institution.
	You must be able to pay for your course.
	You must be able to support and accommodate yourself and any dependants without using public funds.
	You must plan to leave the United Kingdom on completion of your studies. How do I apply and do I need entry clearance? Siam International Legal Group will prepare your student entry clearance application, which will be submitted at the British Embassy in Bangkok and you would normally be required to attend an interview. You will thus obtain entry clearance if your application is successful. You can also come to the UK as a prospective student to arrange your studies. Some Rules and Restrictions on Holder of a UK Student Visa: The visa will be granted for the length of your study in the UK. You have to attend at least 15 hours of organized daytime study per week at your relevant academic institution. If you do not fulfill these criteria, you will not be able to extend your visa for further studies. During term-time you may not work more than 20 hours per week, except where the placement meets the definition of an internship. During vacation periods, you are allowed to work full-time. As a student you are not allowed to engage in business, self-employment or the provision of services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer. You have no recourse to public funds. You are allowed to apply for a dependency visa for a dependant who wishes to accompany you to the UK. Dependants may work only if the student visa has been granted for 12 months or more. Short-term students who are here for six months or less are not entitled to the free medical treatment in the UK. Graduating students can switch into work permit employment within the UK, without having to return to their home country. This rule is valid for graduate students, student nurses and postgraduate doctors and dentists. The immigration rules have changed on 1 October 2004 to reflect this new policy. Strict rules apply in this regard. Foreign nationals who are in the UK on a temporary visa and wish to remain in the UK to study will only be permitted to switch into degree level courses. The maximum time individuals are allowed in the UK to successive short courses below degree level are have been reduced from four years to two years. A student visa will only be granted if a student is enrolled at an 'acknowledged' learning institution. Does this UK Student Visa lead to indefinite leave to remain? No, a student visa does not lead to indefinite leave to remain, unless you study in the UK for a continuous period of ten years, at which time you can apply for indefinite leave to remain under the discretionary 'ten year' rule.

Student Visa Australia

International Students who wish to study in Australia for longer than 12 weeks will require a Student Visa for Australia.

When applying for a Student Visa Australia, Course and Health Insurance (OHSC - Overseas Student Health Cover) must be paid in full in Australia before a visa is requested from immigration.

Further information regarding study visas for Australia is available from the Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate General in your country.

The New Zealand Qualification System

The National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the main secondary school qualification. It is an assessment-based qualification and each subject is divided into standards against which students are assessed either by internal assessment as part of the school year or end-of-year national examination. The standards are graded either “achieved”, “merit” or “excellence”. There are 3 levels of NCEA. Students begin studying for level 1 in their third year at secondary school (when aged 15-16 years) and the final level 3 is recognised by tertiary institutions, for example universities, and is accepted internationally. The level 3 NCEA qualification is comparable to the United Kingdom GCE Advanced, the United States of America High School Diploma and the Australian Higher School Certificate.

In addition, there are education institutions and private language schools, registered as private training establishments by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, which offer a variety of short term English language courses including English for academic purposes and the Cambridge English examinations.

Secondary schools generally require international students to have reached an intermediate level of English before they enrol in mainstream subject classes. Some schools provide ESOL, TOEFL and IELTS support for international students.

How much does it cost to study in New Zealand?

Tuition fees at secondary schools generally range from between NZ$10,000.00 to NZ$15,000.00 for a 4 term school year plus expenses for additional items such as uniforms, stationary and field trips. Fees vary according to each school and whether the school is state-owned or privately owned.

English language schools have set fees for each course offered which will vary according to whether the course is part-time or full-time and the duration of the course. For example, a full-time course in General English up to 12 weeks in duration may cost from NZ$350.00 per week and a full-time 4 week course in English for Academic Purposes may cost from NZ$1,400.00.

Medical and Travel insurance should be obtained, and is a requirement of many schools, as most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while living in New Zealand. Some medical costs may be covered by accident insurance provided by the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation where there has been a personal injury by accident. Medical insurance may cost approximately NZ$500.00 for 1 year.

Accommodation in home-stays may cost between NZ$180.00 to $250.00 per week. There may be an initial placement fee payable to the person arranging the home-stay accommodation. Some schools have boarding hostels or boarding houses. The cost of this accommodation will vary from school to school.

Guardianship – most schools require international students under the age of 18 years to have a guardian approved by both the school and the student’s parents. The cost for these services is usually from NZ$3,000.00 per year but will increase if optional services are required.

Telephone, Internet, Transport and Pocket Money - students are usually required to pay for their own toll calls and internet use, the cost of bus tickets, and sufficient pocket money for their personal spending.

All costs referred to above are a guide only and given for general information purposes. Exact costs will depend on the fees charged by the education provider, the type of accommodation, the guardian, and insurance company selected by the student.

Do I need a visa to study in New Zealand?

International students who wish to study a single short course of less than 3 months duration and which is approved or exempted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority do not need a student visa and can apply for a visitor’s visa.

Otherwise, most international students who wish to study in New Zealand for more than 3 months require a student visa or permit. To get a visa or permit a student must have an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider, meet certain health and character requirements, provide evidence of sufficient funds to support the student during his/her stay in New Zealand, provide evidence that the student will leave New Zealand at the end of the period of study, have a valid passport, and pay the required visa or permit fee.

What accommodation is available in New Zealand?

International students studying at secondary schools are required to live with a parent, or a school-approved home-stay, guardian or designated care-giver (if parents independently arrange their accommodation).

A home-stay is where a student lives with a New Zealand family and will be provided with his or her own warm and comfortably furnished bedroom and study facilities. Meals, linen, access to telephone and internet, and personal laundry services are also provided. Home-stay families are carefully selected and monitored to ensure that students are well looked after and their needs are met.

Some schools have boarding hostels or boarding houses for their international and New Zealand students. Rooms may be dormitory style or smaller with 1, 2 or 4 beds. Students at boarding hostels may stay with home-stay families during the holidays when their hostel is closed.

Accommodation available for non-secondary school students also includes halls of residence associated with tertiary institutions (e.g. universities), flats for 1 or more students, home-stays, and motel and hotel accommodation.

UK Visa Information - Application Requirements for British Visas

Who requires a visa? The following persons need a visa for the United Kingdom: (a) Nationals or citizens of the following countries or territorial entities: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape , Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, People's Republic of China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Democratic, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea (North), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome e Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, The territories formerly comprising the socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (b) Persons who hold passports or travel documents issued by the former Soviet Union or by the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. (c) Stateless persons. (d) Persons who hold non-national documents. What documents will be required? You should have the following documents when coming to the United Kingdom as a visitor: - a letter from your employer granting leave of absence from your job for a specified period. The letter should also say how long you have been employed by that employer, in what job(s) and should indicate when you are expected back at work; - if you are self-employed, evidence of your business activities and financial standing; - evidence of any property you own in your home country; - if you are a student, a letter from your school or college stating which course you are on, its start and finish dates and the dates of the holiday period during which you intend to visit the United Kingdom; - it will also help if you can show that you have family or social ties and responsibilities to return to; - evidence of any firm travel plans you have made; - bank statements going back over a period of several months; and - evidence of savings available to you. You should check before you travel to see if you need a visa. If you regularly visit the United Kingdom for business you can apply for a multiple-entry visa as a visitor that is valid for two, five or 10 years. For more information on visas contact your nearest embassy or consulate. Time required to issue visa: Contact nearest Consulate for further information. How do I apply? You can apply in a number of ways, for example, by post, by courier, in person and online. Staff at the visa application centres will tell you about the ways in which you can apply. Some visa sections will only accept applications made online. To find out if you can apply for your visa online please contact your nearest consulate. If you cannot apply online you will need to fill in a visa application form. You can get a form, free of charge from the visa section of your nearest visa application centre. You can apply for a visit visa or EEA family permit at any visa application centre overseas. If you are applying from within the EEA, you will need to show that you are living legally in an EEA member state. Living legally includes having a visit visa for the member state. For all other types of visa, you should apply in the country of which you are a national or where you legally live. In some countries, if you are applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than six months, you may need to be tested for active tuberculosis before we will accept your application. You can find out if you need to be tested by using our Do I need a visa? questionnaire on the homepage of this website, or by contacting your nearest visa application centre. What is the cost of a visa? Category - Visit Single, double and multiple, valid up to 6 months £65 Longer term multiple entry (1, 2, 5 and 10 years) £205 Academic visitor, up to 12 months £65 Family £65 Business £65 Marriage/civil partnership £65 Medical treatment £65 Student visitor, up to 6 months £65 Child visitor £65 Agreed Destination Scheme (ADS), up to 30 days only £65 Joining ship/aircraft £45 Transit £45 Direct Airside Transit (DAT) £45 Visit Overseas Territory £44 Category: Study Student £99 Student nurse £99 Prospective student £99 Writing up a thesis £99 Chevening Scholarship Free British Marshall Scholarship Free Rhodes Scholarship Free Fulbright Scholarship Free Chevening Fellowship Free Exchange student £99 Resitting exams £99 Sabbatical Officer £99 Student dependant £99 Parent of a child at school £205 Category: Employment Clinical attachment and dental observation £205 PLAB Test £205 Postgraduate doctor £205 Postgraduate dentist £205 Work Permit Holder £205 Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) £205 Training and work experience (TWES) £205 Overseas qualified nurse/midwife £205 Work permit dependant £205 How long is the visa valid for? 6 months or longer, depending on type of visa obtained Other information: What will I need to make my application? This will depend on which category you are applying for entry under. In all cases you will need to make your application online or fill in an application form. You will also need the following. - Your passport or travel document. - A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm), colour photograph of yourself. This should be: - taken against a light coloured background - clear and of good quality, and not framed or backed - printed on normal photographic paper, and - full face and without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless you wear this for cultural or religious reasons (but the face must not be covered). - The visa fee. This cannot be refunded, and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying. - Supporting documents relevant to your application. What is 'biometric' information? All UK visa applicants, save for those benefiting from a limited number of exemptions and exceptions, are required to provide biometric data (10-digit fingerscans and a digital photograph) as part of the application process. You will have to go to your nearest visa application centre in person to provide your biometrics. In those countries where there is no visa application centre, you will need to go to the British mission. Your visa application will not be processed until you have provided the necessary biometric information. The finger scans are electronic so staff do not need to use any ink, liquid or chemicals. You will have your digital photograph taken at the same time and the whole procedure should take no more than five minutes to complete. You should make sure that you do not have any decoration (such as henna), or any cuts or other markings on your fingertips before having your finger scans. You should also make sure that if you have any cuts and bruises on your face, they have healed or disappeared before you have your photograph taken. Digital photographs must be of your full face and you should not wear sunglasses, a hat or any other head covering (unless you wear it for cultural or religious reasons but the face must not be covered). What will happen when I make my application? The Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision using your application form and the supporting documents you have provided. If this is not possible, they will need to interview you. Please check your visa when you get it. You should make sure that: - your personal details are correct - it correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK, and - it is valid for the date on which you want to travel. (You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to three months if you do not plan to travel immediately). If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, contact the visa section immediately. Can I extend my stay in the UK? In some circumstances you may be allowed to stay longer. For example, if you are entering the UK to marry or to enter into a civil partnership with someone who is already present and settled in the UK, you can apply to stay as a husband or wife or civil partner after your marriage or civil partnership has been registered. The UK Border Agency will deal with your application and they can provide more information. Can I work in UK? If you are an overseas national who is not settled in the UK and you intend to work in the UK, you must have a work permit unless you are: - an EEA national - a Swiss national - a family member of an EEA or Swiss national who is in the UK exercising their treaty rights or a family member of an EEA or Swiss national who intends to join them in the UK, or is travelling with them to the UK - a citizen of Gibraltar - a Commonwealth citizen with permission to stay in the UK on the basis of UK Ancestry - a seaman under contract to join a ship due to leave British waters - a person employed as a civilian in NATO Forces - a person given permission to stay as the dependant of a person settled in the UK - a dependant under another category (in some cases), or - a student (in some cases). If you are on a Student Visa, you can take part-time or holiday work, but you must not: - work for more than 20 hours a week during term time unless your placement is part of your studies, has been agreed with your educational institution and leads to a degree or qualification awarded by a nationally recognised examining body - do business, be self-employed or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, or - work full-time in a permanent job.