Visas

We welcome students from all over the world to study in Dublin, London and Totnes. To attend one of our English language centres you may be required to apply for a visa. This is dependent on where you come from and what passport you hold.

If you are a European Union citizen (EU) or from the European Economic Area you do not need a visa to study in the UK or Ireland. The EEA and EU Members include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK. While Switzerland is not in the EEA, Swiss nationals have the same rights as EEA nationals as far as entering the UK and Ireland for studying is concerned.

If you are not from one of these countries Language in Group cannot legally advise you on what visa to apply for. We recommend that you contact the British or Irish embassies for up to date information on studying abroad. Established local language travel agents can also assist you in applying for a visa.

For more information on studying in the UK go to: Studying in the UK

For more information on studying in Ireland go to: Student Visa Guidelines for Ireland

If you need a visa to study please make sure you make your application well in advance. The process can take a number of weeks or months from start to finish. All information on this page is subject to change so please check details carefully with the British or Irish embassies in your country before planning your trip.

Applying to the UK: Non-EU or EEA Students who wish to study in London or Totnes

The two most common types of Visa for students coming to the UK to study English are the General Student Visa (GSV) and the Student Visitors Visas (SVV).

General Student Visa (GSV) is for students of 6 months or longer. You are legally allowed to work 10 hours per week with a GSV. To apply for this Visa you currently have to have at least level B1 studying towards level B2 (according to the European Framework). Before accepting you on the course the Language in Group will conduct a Skype interview and level test to ensure you meet the necessary standards.

Applying for a General Student Visa you must:

• Present a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by either Language in London or Language in Totnes.
• Show that you have enough money to pay your tuition fees, or that you have already paid them or in certain cases proof of financial sponsorship from an approved Foreign Government.
• Demonstrate that you have at least £800 per month, up to a maximum of £7200 (for 9 months or more) to cover your living expenses. The money must be in an account in your name.

Students not sponsored by an approved Foreign Government must demonstrate to Language in Group school appropriate level of English according to UKBA regulations at time of application.

The Student Visitors Visas (SVV) is for students coming to study in the UK for six months or less. There is no minimum level of English on a SVV. The application fee is lower that a GSV. A student visitor cannot work or extend their stay in the UK beyond six months under any circumstances.

Language in London or Language in Totnes will provide a letter of acceptance and visa support letter for Student Visitors visa after you have paid your fees in full. The following information will be included on the letter:

• Passport number
• Overseas address
• Sponsor License number
• Course booked
• Accommodation booked

Language in London & Language in Totnes are both on the UKBA's Register of Sponsors and are able to provide a suitable visa letter for your application. This will include our sponsor license number, your overseas address and your passport number. In addition the letter will detail on what course you have booked, what accommodation you have chosen and how much of the fees you have paid. We will not send out any visa or acceptance letters until we have received payment in full.

If you are a Non-Visa National (i.e. you are from Brazil, Japan, Korea and Mexico) and studying for less than 6 months, you can choose to either apply for entry clearance before you travel or make your visa application at the airport on arrival in the UK. All Visa National students must apply for entry clearance before travelling to the UK using the Points Based System (PBS).

Students with a visa are also occasionally required to report to the police on arrival in the UK. Language in Group schools can assist in showing you the appropriate police station to go to.

For more information on studying in the UK go to: Studying in the UK

Applying to Ireland: Non-EU or EEA Students who wish to study in Dublin

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has a list of countries whose nationals DO NOT require a visa to enter Ireland: List of Non-Visa countries

If you do NOT require a Visa:

Language in Dublin will provide you with a Letter of Invitation and an Invoice after you have paid your fees. This is not an immigration requirement, but it is a good idea to have these documents to show to Immigration Officers when you arrive in Ireland. If you stay for longer than 90 days, you must register with the local Garda (Irish Police) Registration Office. Language in Dublin will provide you with the documents you need.

If you DO require a Visa:

Language in Dublin will issue you with a Letter of Invitation and an Invoice, when you enrol. You will need to pay your fees to us in order for us to state on the Letter of Invitation and on the Invoice that you have fully paid. The Department of Justice have a web page which lists the Student Visa Requirements. You are allowed to work while you are a student in Ireland for up to 20 hours per week.

Documents Required:

• A completed Visa Application form (with three copies).
• A Letter of Invitation (provided by Language in Dublin School)
• You must have paid your fees in full
• You passport should be valid for six months after your course has finished.
• You should have medical insurance
• You should submit financial documents (eg. bank statements for you or your parents if they are supporting you)
• If you are employed, you need a letter from your employer

Application Procedures:

If you have an Irish Embassy in your country, you must apply there. To check if there is an Embassy in your country, go to the Department of Foreign Affairs website

If there is no embassy in your country, you can either apply at the embassy most convenient to you or by post to:

Visa Office,
Department of Foreign Affairs,
69-71 St. Stephen's Green,
Dublin 2,
Ireland.

Telephone: + 353-1-478 0822.

For more information on studying in Ireland go to: Student Visa Guidelines for Ireland

Unsuccessful Visa Applications to study in the UK and Ireland:

A cancellation due to visa refusal will only be accepted on receipt of a copy of the official refusal document. Language in Group schools also reserve the right to demand the return of all letters and documents sent by the school for the visa application.