Requirements for Applying UK Visa

Thousands of Filipinos leave the country every year. Most of these people go overseas to work or study in other English speaking countries. One of these countries is the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is known for its beautiful scenery and rich culture. Also, the UK is also known for its wide opportunities for working professional and high quality education that every student wants to take advantage of. For Filipinos, going to the UK is possible as long as he or she is granted with a visa.

Applying for a UK visa needs several requirements. These requirements have to be completed in order to be granted a visa. For Filipinos applying for a student and work visa, here are the usual requirements:

•    A valid passport – original, valid for 6 months beyond stay and with at least a blank passport page for UK visa stamps
•    British Visa application form – a step-by-step instruction on how to complete this is available online. Also, paying online is possible. This application form will also need biometrics record of the applicant. This consists of the applicants scanned fingers and a full-face digital photograph.
•    Photo requirements – the candidates should submit 2x2 photographs in color with a plain or white background.
•    A copy of the applicant’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the academic institution the applicant is attending
•    A copy of the applicant’s Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) with a reference number holding information about the job and the applicant’s details
•    A copy of the applicants IELTS UKVI test result form. Applicants should take the International English Language Testing System examination – United Kingdom Visas and Immigration as English language ability requirement.
•    Financial documents to prove that the applicant has enough financial support in living and studying in the UK.

Obtaining the other requirements is easy and may take time. However, among the number of requirements, Filipinos are most worried with taking the IELTS UKVI. The IELS UKVI has the same exam content and scoring system with the usual IELTS. The difference that it has is that the IELTS UKVI only accepts results from UKVI accredited test centers.  Further, the examination fee is much more expensive than the usual IELTS test. 

For Filipinos who are taking the IELTS UKVI, here are some points to remember for the test:

• Always check whether you need to take the Academic or the General Training test. Inquire to your agency or better yet, check the immigrations website of the United Kingdom. 
• Reserve an examination months before your target date. This is to ensure that the slot is not filled yet and you have some time to do some reviewing. 
• Read information about the IELTS UKVI. It is best to know what the test is all about before actually registering for it. 
• Take review classes. Reviewing in IELTS UKVI review centers is good in preparing for the test. Test takers are exposed to different exercises that will hone their skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. 
• Practice. Make yourself confident in using the English language. Knowing the language is good, but you have to believe in yourself that you can do it well in understanding and communicating. 

For more information on different requirements for the UK, visit www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa. 

What is UKVI?

Living and working in the United Kingdom could be anybody’s dream. The UK is a country of interest as it has a rich culture, breathtaking scenery, and long history. The country gets a lot of tourists annually and continues to increase in time. Aside from these tourists, what drives people into visiting the UK is the opportunity to be educated in world-class universities and colleges and work under prestigious companies and institutions. To anyone applying for a visa to the UK, one must know about the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration.

Everyone applying for a visa for the UK has heard or read about the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration or UKVI. Here are some facts about this agency:

• The UKVI is a division of the Home Office. It is the agency responsible for the UK Visa system.
• The UKVI is mainly responsible in managing the applications of non-UK residents who want to visit or work in the country.
• The agency has the responsibility in granting applications for business and education institutions to become sponsors for foreign nationals.
• Getting a British citizenship is under the tasks of the UKVI.
• This agency has a workforce of 7,500 people based in different locations in the UK and overseas with trained staff and specialists for varied casework.
• The agency is also responsible in managing the appeals of unsuccessful applicants. They conduct interviews and further investigations before awarding a visa to a particular applicant.
• The agency is strict with its regulations to ensure that everyone in the UK is secured. It aims to protect its citizens from any threat of terrorism.
• The agency also gives protection to those eligible individuals seeking asylum under the 1951 Geneva Convention.
• The agency provides service with politeness and dignity. All information given is made simple and accurate for all applicants.
• The agency is also responsible in providing quality English proficiency tests for those interested in applying for a visa. The International English Language Testing System for the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration is needed for UK visa applications.

Just like any other country, the UKVI conducts inspection of their visa applicants seriously. It is their task to let non-UK residents live and work in their country. The agency has to make sure that the people coming and out of their country will and never be a threat to the safety and security of everyone living in the UK.

The UKVI recommends every non-UK resident to comply with the strict guidelines in their visa processing. Visa applications must be done accurately and completed on the correct form. Visa applicants are also encouraged to provide original documents with their applications, recent photographs, and provide evidence of funds that are needed as evidence that the person can financially survive in the UK.

Some may find these policies or rules strict, but applicants do not have choice but to comply with them. The UKVI does its best in providing applicants the best possible service in processing their visas and making sure that the country continues to be safe and secured from any possible threats.

Top 10 Blogs Where You Can Get IELTS Tips

The Internet contains almost any information one desires. If you are interested in cooking, there are thousands of recipes online to choose from. If you are someone who likes backpacking, a great number of places are suggested for you to visit – both locally and internationally. Indeed, the Internet is the fastest and cheapest medium for information.

Blogs are one of the sources of information online. These are written by different people with different interests. If you are taking an English proficiency examination such as the International English Language Testing System examination (IELTS), there are a number of blogs online that can help you prepare for the exam. Here are some good blogs to check:

• http://www.ieltsexamstips.com/

With a huge library of practices for the four sub-tests, this blog will surely build and improve your English skills in no time. Practices are for free and even model answers are given for the user’s convenience.

• http://www.ielts-blog.com/

There is valuable information on IELTS test strategies and tips any candidate will appreciate. Practices are available for free for their visitors to try on.

• http://www.ieltsbuddy.com/

A variety of exercises are readily available in this website. Visitors can even sign up for any updates made in the blog.

• http://ieltsielts.com/

There are videos used in this blog to show examples of tests for the IELTS. Some payment is needed when you want to enroll in the classes offered.

• http://ielts-simon.com/

Aside from the huge collection of free exercises, this blog also is a good spot in asking questions to other users regarding IELTS. People share their experiences in taking the test and gives advice on how one can do better in their own IELTS exam.

• http://www.dcielts.com/

Other IELTS candidates in this blog are more than willing to share their ideas on any questions posted. The blog also hosts good practices for visitors to practice.

• http://ieltsliz.com/

This free IELTS blog is best for candidates who are aiming to get an overall band score of 7.0 and up. It has free lessons and tips on how to ace the test. There is also online lessons available to be purchased.

• http://ieltsadvantage.com/

This blog gives access to free articles and tips for students who aim to get high scores for the test. Visitors can also sign up to receive updates on new posting on this blog weekly.

• http://blog.ieltspractice.com/

Good read for tips, this blog has a lot of content on how to make the exam easier to understand.

• http://www.ielts-mentor.com/

This blog discusses the exam format and commonly asked questions of candidates in the test.


Apart from these blogs, candidates must get ready for the exam by joining IELTS review classes in IELTS review centers. Being with IELTS mentors assures the candidates that they are getting quality training for them to be ready for the IELTS test. Also, IELTS review centers conduct mock exams to gauge the progress of their students. This is the best way to assess whether you are already ready to take the real test.

Blogs are good reads for candidates preparing for the IELTS test. A lot of information are posted that will help any candidate understand how the test goes. Visit any of the blogs mentioned and learn more about the IELTS.