2016-2017 Global Cities Urban Realities Quarter Semester NO Internship London to Paris Semester WITH Internship IMPORTANT: If you are NOT a US Citizen read the instructions in this document for Non-US Citizens FIRST. 1
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. Remember Your US passport must be valid for at least three months after your departure from France. 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. A special note for students STARTING the program in Paris: You MUST purchase a round-trip airline ticket, even if final departure is from a city other than Paris. Travelers with only a one-way ticket for an international flight to France can be denied the right to board their flight in the United States and will be required to purchase a very expensive on-the-spot return ticket before boarding. UCEAP recommends that you purchase an airline ticket that allows you to change your return flight for a small fee, in case you need to change it once you are abroad. 2
United Kingdom Short Term Student Visitor Visa Overview Where do I start? Obtaining the Student Visitor Visa is relatively simple, but you must begin to gather the necessary documents at least a few weeks before departure. Please note that you will need some documents from campus offices that will be closed for holiday breaks and during the summer. Make sure you obtain these documents before these offices close! When do I apply for and get my visa? You will get the visa stamped in your passport upon arrival in the UK. DO NOT apply for this visa before departure. 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. 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 Student Visitor Visa! 3
United Kingdom Step 1: Gather Documents US Passport #1 #2 Official UC Transcript Proof you will depart the UK before your visa expires This can be a flight or other travel itinerary ticket. Evidence of Financial Support #3 #5 Proof that you have enough funds ( maintenance ) to cover your expenses while in the UK. Go to the next 2 pages for more information. #4 Does NOT need to be in a sealed envelope. Be sure you request your official transcripts before the registrar office closes! ACCENT Visa Letter If you receive a hard copy Visa Letter, you must bring this document. If you do not receive a hard copy, you may bring a print out of an emailed Visa Letter from ACCENT. 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. 4
What is this? Evidence of Financial Support Proof that you have enough funds to cover your expenses while in the UK, according to the UKVI formula for maintenance funds. How much money do I need to show I have? UKVI has estimated the minimum amount for maintenance to be 1265/month. Maintenance includes both housing fees and day-to-day living expenses. How can I provide this proof? Show one or more of the documents included below, as long as the total amount of the funds you show reaches the minimum. If one document provides the total amount, you do not need additional documents. (Stocks, bonds, market funds, etc. are not acceptable as the value of such accounts can fluctuate.) Include a note (either separate or directly on each document) showing the current currency conversion rate using www.oanda.com/convert/classic. Personal Bank Statement Financial Aid Award Letter *Request from your bank* 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 the full month, and the statement must be no more than one month old Must be an original statement (not a printout of your online account) *Request from your campus Financial Aid Office* 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! 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 5
United Kingdom Step 2: Arrive & Present Documents What happens when I arrive in the UK and go through customs? Upon arrival, you will go through Immigration and present the documents to the immigration officer so that they may determine your eligibility for a student visitor visa. When the Immigration officer asks you the purpose of your stay, tell them you are a Student Visitor. Be sure to mention that you are a short-term (less than 6 months) student. Remember keep your documents with you in your carry-on luggage so they are easily accessible! Good luck and happy travels! 6