International and EU students

International Student Advisers

Visa advice

 

How can I extend my Student Visa in the UK?


The International Office works with the Home Office Batch Post Scheme for student visa applications. Under this service your application can be sent for you by the International Student Advisers, together with other applications. There is a small fee for this service.
Visa applications are dealt with on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1000 to 1500 only.

Application forms and guidance notes can be downloaded from the UKBA website. The University of Portsmouth sponsor license number is 926WMQQ73.

You will need to bring the following:  (we recommend you apply at least 1 month before your visa expires)

  • Completed application form (in black ink only) downloaded from the website above
  • Most recent bank statement* (1 month only) showing £1600 + any remaining tuition fees (if you have been a student for 6 months or more) or £7200 + any remaining tuition fees (if you have been a student for less than 6 months) PLEASE NOTE: This money will have to be in your account for a full 28 days
  • Your passport
  • CAS from Academic Registry (University House)
  • Official Financial sponsorship letter (if you are sponsored by your government)
  • Police Registration Certificate (if you have one)
  • 2 photographs (passport sized) 

 *Please note the list of acceptable financial institutions as described by the UKBA

 

How can I obtain a Tourist Visa or Schengen visa?


We can produce a supporting letter if you are travelling to other countries, however you will have to make an appointment with the relevant Embassy to secure a visa yourself. 
You should be aware that it can take a long time to obtain an entry visa or a Schengen visa so applications must be submitted well in advance of the departure date. During vacation periods, e.g. Easter and Christmas, embassies and consulates receive many requests for entry visas so it is adviseable to begin planning your holiday at least one month in advance.
Visit the relevant country's Embassy website for information on what documents you need.

Travel Advice: before you travel abroad we highly recommend that you do the following:

  • take a photocopy of your passport and visa page and keep them separate from the originals. Store them on a memory stick or on an online storage site (for example on hotmail or yahoo) so you have access to them abroad. If you lose your passports, you won't be able to travel back to the UK.
  • get travel insurance (even if it's a short trip!)
  • make sure you know the address, telephone number of your Embassy in the country you are going to
  • give your travel details and an emergency contact telephone number to your family and friends
  • make sure you have extra money in case of emergencies 

 

How do I invite my family or friends to visit me?


You will need to invite your guests yourself. The University cannot support any visa application for relatives or friends.

  • Download this information sheet for what to do next. 
  • Visitor visa application forms and guidance for your family and friends on the UKBA website.