gg	Pre-Departure Guide for February 2009 Semester NEW !
Travel arrangements Arrival in the UK Pre-Departure Guide (click on theimageon the top - right)			Download the Full Pre-Departure Guide

Entry clearance and Visa

When planning your studies abroad you should investigate what type of entry clearance you require for the UK. The entry clearance given to people who normally require a visa to enter the UK and intend to come to the UK to study is called a Student Visa. The notes below are intended for guidance, but for complete information on the requirements that apply in your country please check with your local British Embassy (see http://www.fco.gov.uk follow links for ‘about us’ and then ‘UK Embassies Overseas’ ) or your local CRIC representative. For UK Government information on general requirements for visa applications, application forms and official guidelines see http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/

British Council
You can also seek advice from the British Council Education Counselling Service at your local branch – check to see if there is an office near you at http://www.britishcouncil.org/home-contact-worldwide.htm

British Embassy or mission overseas
Or you can request advice from the nearest British Embassy see http://www.fco.gov.uk follow links for ‘about us’ and then ‘UK Embassies Overseas’ (please note that some consulates do not provide a visa service and require you to contact the main British Embassy in your country). The British Embassy can advise you regarding their local entry clearance system and the cost of the application process. Some embassies will send you the application forms and guidance booklet by post, others will require you to collect them in person.

Some Embassies require you to bring your application in person so that they can check the application and documents you have provided before submitting them for a decision, others will accept applications and give decisions by post. Some Embassies have very long waiting lists for student visa interviews or take a long time to process applications especially at busy periods in the year. You should make sure you have all the information you need about the visa application process so that when you receive your letter of offer and visa support documentation from CRIC you can apply for your visa without delay.

Check with your local British Embassy so that you can make sure that you have sufficient time to obtain your student visa before you travel to the UK, if you are unable to obtain your student visa in time to let you travel to the UK for the start of your intake semester, you might need to consider deferring your offer of a place to the following semester. If you find yourself in this situation contact the CRIC office for advice.

Travel Arrangements

Many students travel to and from the UK at the beginning and end of each semester, therefore flights can be heavily booked in advance. It is advisable to make a flight booking as soon as you have confirmed your enrolment with CRIC.

Orientation is held on the Wednesday before the commencement of each semester, and it is advisable that all new students attend. You should try to arrive in the UK 3-5 days prior to Orientation to allow time to settle in, arrange accommodation, open bank accounts and become familiar with the campus, local transport and surrounding areas.

Students who arrive in the UK late and miss Orientation will have fewer options with regard to subject choice and timetable selection.

Students who find that they cannot arrive by the first day of teaching will miss valuable introduction to their subject and they must contact HIBT to seek permission for late arrival. Should permissions be granted it is on the understanding that it is the student’s responsibility to catch up on any work that has been missed.

Important documents

You should bring the following documents with you to the UK as they will be required throughout various stages of your stay:

• A valid passport and students visa
• Your initial Letter of Offer and visa support documents from HIBT
• Certified copies or originals of your academic transcripts (including evidence of English proficiency)
• Personal Identification (e.g. driver’s license, birth certificate etc.)
• Any medical prescriptions/certificates/history/reports
• Full details of your accommodation
• Proof of your address in your home country
• Contact numbers for any family/friends

Arriving In The UK

Customs and quarantine

Students arriving in the UK will have to undergo a number of formalities before they can enter. You will need to pass through Immigration controls and customs.

• You should ensure that you have the following available in your hand luggage when you arrive in the UK:
• Valid passport
• Valid visa or entry certificate
• Evidence of funding – personal or family resources, confirmation of sponsorship
• Letter from CRIC confirming your place of study as a full time student.
• Recent medical report including x-ray results (check with the British Embassy in your country if this applies to you)
• You may be asked for additional information regarding your proposed studies in the UK.

Immigration procedures at British Airports can be stringent and may result in a considerable delay at the end of your journey, especially during peak traffic periods (at the start of term). To assist the immigration officials keep all your documents available and be prepared to wait patiently.