Global Cities Urban Realities

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1 Global Cities Urban Realities Paris to London Semester WITH Internship ONLY IMPORTANT: If you are NOT a US Citizen read the instructions in this document for Non-US Citizens FIRST. 1

2 France Schengen visa Overview US citizens do not need to obtain a visa to participate in this program in France. You can stay in France and travel in Europe for up to 90 days as a visitor. France is part of the Schengen Area, which is comprised of 26 European nations (see image below). You can travel freely between countries in the Schengen Area. Note that the United Kingdom is NOT included in the Schengen Area. US citizens are permitted to stay in the Schengen Area (including France) for no more than 90 days in a 180-day period. All travel to Schengen Area countries counts toward your 90 day limit. Remember Your US passport must be valid for at least three months after your departure from France. 2

3 United Kingdom Read first to learn basic information regarding Tier 4 Am I Eligible for the Tier 4 Visa? Who should apply? All students participating in the internship in London must apply for the Tier 4 visa for their time in the UK Who should NOT apply? Semester students that are NOT interested in interning, working, or volunteering while abroad Students with EU citizenship So you determined that you will need a Tier 4 Visa Read on! When can I apply? You cannot apply more than 3 months before the start of your program. Allow at least 4-6 weeks for application processing. How much does it cost? 328* (about $480 US). This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the visa application. *fees are subject to change. There may be additional costs such as the immigration health surcharge, transcripts, etc. If you do not allow at least 4-6 weeks for application processing, you will need to pay additional charges for expedited visa processing. How long is my visa valid? If your program is less than 6 months, you may enter up to 1 week before your program start date and stay up to 1 week after the end of your program. Your program or course start date is the date provided by your host university on your CAS (Find more information regarding CAS on the next page). 3

4 All About the CAS Detailed information regarding CAS What is a CAS number? A CAS, or Certificate of Acceptance for Studies, is a digital certificate and a unique reference number that is given to each student. A CAS number is required for all Tier 4 Visa applicants as the UK Consulate uses this CAS number to verify your student status. How do I receive a CAS number? ACCENT will work directly with you to provide you a CAS number for your Tier 4 visa Step 1: ACCENT enters your student information and your program information into a UKVI database. This confirms that they are your official Tier 4 sponsor and also includes the dates of your program. Step 2: You will receive an offer letter from ACCENT. In most cases, there is a reply section where you must confirm the type of visa for which you will apply. If this is not included in the reply section, contact ACCENT directly to make sure they are aware of what visa you plan to obtain. Step 3: ACCENT will confirm (likely by ) your information before they enter it into the UKVI database in order to produce your CAS number. It is extremely important to ensure all the following information is correct, as incorrect information will likely cause your visa application to be denied. Remember! The UK follows the DAY/MONTH/YEAR format. Step 4: Once ACCENT produces your CAS number, you will be sent an automatic with that CAS number and other information. SAVE this e- mail and carry a hard copy with you when travelling. Please contact ACCENT immediately if you notice any errors. When will I receive my CAS number? The above process occurs once you are formally accepted by ACCENT. UCEAP has no control over this process. Please be sure to complete all requirements from ACCENT as soon as possible to avoid delays. Now that you know all about the Visa Basics, continue to the next page for step by step instructions on how to apply for your Tier 4 visa! 4

5 Step 1 Apply Online: Complete & submit your online visa application If you are applying 1 month or less before your program starts, then you need to EXPEDITE, and you must pay for priority service online BEFORE you submit your application. See here for information on the priority service. Make sure you have been given a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) number Go Here to start your online application on the UK Visa and Immigration website. Refer to the sample application for help getting started: Sample Application Read and answer the questions as they pertain to you. Once you finish and submit your application, you may be prompted to pay a health insurance surcharge for the National Health Service (NHS). Please follow the instructions to complete the payment if prompted. 5

6 Step 2 Biometric Screening & Gather Documents What is a Biometric Screening? All UK visa applicants are required to provide biometric data as part of the application process. This includes a 10-digit electronic finger scan and a digital photograph. IMPORTANT Before you schedule: Once your biometrics have been taken, you will be given a deadline to submit your application and all required supporting documents to the UK consulate in New York. This is typically a deadline of 5 to 10 days. Your exact time frame will be noted on your biometrics confirmation letter. If you wait longer than the indicated time, you will have to begin the application process again (including fee payment). Read through the following instructions carefully and ensure you will have all required documents prepared by the time of your biometrics appointment to avoid repeating this process. Scheduling your Biometric Screening: At the end of your online visa application, you will be prompted to schedule a biometric screening appointment. First, you will choose a location in the UK to pick up your Biometric Residence Permit. Second, you will choose the location, date, and time for your biometrics appointment in the US. The online application will suggest a location nearest the address that you provided earlier in the application, but you may choose any location that works for you. Be sure to have your biometrics appointment confirmation stamped to show that you attended the appointment. 6

7 Step 2 continued Biometrics Screening & Gather Documents Required Documents: These must be submitted with your visa application US Passport #1 Signed and valid for your entire program length. Do not send a photocopy of your passport as your visa will be affixed to a page in your actual passport. Print-out of your signed online #3 application form If you made any errors on the form, you can correct them by hand on the print out. Two passport style photographs #5 #2 #4 Self-addressed VFS Global Envelope The British Consulate will use this envelope to return your passport and any relevant documents to you. You may choose the level of service you need, depending on how quickly you need your visa returned. Stamped confirmation of your Biometrics Not Required Unless Requested: DO NOT submit these items unless specifically requested (via ) by the UKVI. However, be prepared to submit them in case they are requested. Submitting them without a request may delay processing time. Print-out of the CAS number from ACCENT Official UC transcript (does not need to be in a sealed envelope) Evidence of Financial Support (see next page) IMPORTANT: Ensure that all information on your documents is correct! This includes, but is not limited to, your name, dates of your program, country of citizenship/ nationality, birthday, etc. Remember, the UK format for birth dates is day/month/year. If you notice an error, contact the provider of the document immediately. 7

8 Step 2 continued Biometrics Screening & Gather Documents Evidence of Financial Support Remember: Evidence of Financial Support is NOT required unless requested. If requested, submit one or more of the documents below, as long as the total amount of the funds reaches the minimum you must show. If one document provides the total, you do not need additional documents. Include a note showing the current currency conversion rate using UKVI lists the minimum amount for maintenance to be 1265/month if studying in London. Personal Bank Statement Financial Aid Award Letter *Request from your bank* *Request from your financial aid office* Must show your name and account number (the account can be a joint account, but you must be listed as a joint account holder) The amount needed must have been in the account for 28 days, and the statement must be no more than one month old Must be no more than one month old Must state that you WILL receive $xx,xxx and NOT that you are eligible to receive IMPORTANT make sure you get this letter before your campus Financial Aid Office closes for breaks or school holidays! Must be an original statement (not a printout of your online account) Parental Bank Statement Bank Letter Same requirements as Personal Bank Statement, plus: Letter from parent/account-holder confirming that they will provide the funds to support your stay Documentation confirming the relationship (i.e. original birth certificate, adoption certificate, court document stating they are your legal guardians) *Request from your bank* Must be on official bank letterhead including bank logo Includes: your name, account number, date of the letter, amount of money in the account, confirmation that the money has been in the account for a minimum of 28 days 8

9 Step 3 Mail Documents & Receive Visa How do I mail my documents to the UK Consulate in New York? Mail your passport, application, and other documents to the UK Consulate in New York with VFS Global. VFS Waybill Options Price Return courier $34 Do NOT use FedEx or USPS! The consulate will not accept these and it will delay visa processing. Round trip courier (recommended if applying 4 weeks or less before departure date) $53 How do I know when the consulate has received my documents and made a decision? Note that it may take a few weeks for the consulate to receive and open your documents. Please be sure to apply early to allow proper time for processing. When the consulate opens your documents, they will you confirming receipt. When the consulate makes a decision about your visa application, they will you the decision. What do I do once I receive my passport with the visa back in the mail? Check that all the information on your visa is correct, especially your name and birthday (the UK uses a Day/Month/Year format). If there are any errors, contact the consulate immediately. 9

10 Arrive in the United Kingdom Step 4 When can I enter the UK with my Tier 4 visa? If your program is less than 6 months you may enter up to 1 week before your program start date and stay up to 1 week after the end of your program. Your program or course start date is the date provided by ACCENT on your CAS. Are there any travel restrictions? Yes! You may not travel to or through the Republic of Ireland on your way to the United Kingdom. Do not book your flight on Aer Lingus, as it will make a stop in Dublin on its way to the U.K. Good luck and happy travels! For questions regarding these instructions, please contact your UCEAP program advisor. These instructions are written by UCEAP staff and are not offered in place of information provided by the UKVI. UCEAP is not able to advise beyond these instructions. 10