What visa do I need to attend UK boarding school open day?

14 Aug 2024, 09 mins ago

If you are a parent thinking of enrolling your child in a UK boarding school, you may wish to visit some schools prior to the enrolment.

UK boarding schools run open days from September to November, and it is important to check whether you need to apply for permission to enter the UK prior to travelling. If you are a visa national, it means that the country of your nationality does not have a visa-free agreement with the UK, and you will be required to apply for a Visitor visa prior to travelling to the UK. The list of such countries is extensive and includes Russia, China and India.

If you are a non-visa national, although you do not need to apply for permission to enter as a Visitor prior to travel, you must still abide by the rules of a Visitor in the UK, which are explained in our article below.

There are various conditions associated with Visitors, but the main requirements are as follows:

  1. You intend to travel to the UK for a permitted activity.
  2. You must intend to leave the UK before the expiry of your visa.
  3. You will not live in the UK for extended periods of time through successive and frequent visits.

A permitted activity under the Visitor rules allows you to visit educational institutions such as schools. You must demonstrate you meet the conditions via documentary evidence.

Visa nationals will be required to submit an online form with supporting documents and attend a biometric appointment. Should the application be successful, a visa vignette will be placed in your passport allowing you to travel to the UK.

For top tips on a Visitor visa application, we invite you to read our previous article, which provides guidance on what to look out for.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on XFacebookInstagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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