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Temporary concession for students attending state-maintained schools on exchange or educational visits
28 August 2009
Under a concession agreed by the UK Border Agency, students who are non-EEA nationals may apply to enter the United Kingdom for up to six months on an exchange or educational visit to a state-maintained school in the United Kingdom. They will not require entry clearance, unless they are nationals of countries who require a visa to enter the United Kingdom.
This concession will apply from today until 31 December 2009, unless we give further notification.
If you are applying for entry clearance or, in the case of non-visa nationals, leave to enter at a port in the United Kingdom under this concession, you must satisfy the entry clearance or immigration officer that:
- you are under the age of 18;
- a state-maintained school has approved the exchange scheme or educational visit - you should produce, for example, a letter from the school or the organisation arranging the exchange;
- suitable travel, reception and care arrangements are in place for your stay here, and there are sufficient funds for your support;
- those who are sponsoring your visit, whether this is the school you are attending or another organisation, ensure that the arrangements for your care comply with relevant United Kingdom legislation - if you are under 16 (or under 18 if you are disabled) and will be cared for on a full-time basis for more than 28 days by adults who are not your parents or a close relative, this includes notifying the local authority of the care arrangements upon your arrival;
- you intend to leave the United Kingdom on completion of the exchange or educational visit, which must not be for more than six months;
- you have a parent or guardian in your home country who is responsible for your care - you should provide, for example, a letter from them consenting to the visit and to the arrangements for your care in the UK; and
- you are not intending to study at an educational institution that holds a Tier 4 sponsor licence or accreditation from an accreditation body approved by the UK Border Agency, or at an independent fee-paying school.
For information about applying for a visa as a child visitor, visit our visa services website or contact your local visa issuing post.