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.