What is a visa invitation or confirmation?
Visa invitations /confirmations are documents, often directly approved by the Foreign Ministry of the country to be visited, that authorize a particular traveler to visit their country. They typically indicate specific information regarding the dates and cities of stay, the name of a hosting organization, as well as an “official” reference number and seal of approval. Required formats for invitations and confirmations vary by country country.
How long will it take to process my visa?
Every country is different. Some have very rigid guidelines regarding the length of time to process while the speed with which others process visas is solely determined by their current workload. In many cases it is possible to pay an additional expediting fee in addition to the regular consular fee in order to process the visa more quickly.
Why study in in UK?Can I work part time whilst I study?
The education abroad offers a wealth of educational and training opportunities and the chance to master English, the global language of business, through immersion in the daily life and culture of the country in which it was born. Yes. On a student visa you can work part time up to twenty (20) or (10) hours a week. The University's Student's Union Employment Office may be able to help you find a part time job.
What is the new point based system of UK Border Agency?
Under the new system, migrants will need to pass a points-based assessment before they are given permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom. The system consists of five tiers. Each tier has different points requirements.
The number of points the migrant needs and the way the points are awarded will depend on the tier they are applying under. Points will be awarded to reflect the migrant's ability, experience, age and when appropriate the level of need within the sector the migrant will be working.
For a student to get a visa issued the students needs to garner 40 points. 30points will from the College Visa letter, and from the personal side of the student he has to garner 10 points (financial details, personal documents, etc)
What is the role of the approved education provider under the new Point Based System?
Approved education provider (the college where you apply for admission) is your immigration sponsor while you are in the United Kingdom and must comply with a number of duties.
The education provider must be approved by us and have a licence to bring students to the United Kingdom. Once they are licensed, they are given a rating and added to our tier 4 register of sponsors (also known as education providers).
You should be aware that the status of their licence may affect your application.
Once they are approved, the education provider is able to issue the visa letter that you need to apply, which is the proof you are doing a course with an approved education provider.
What is the visa letter?
Approved education provider will give you a visa letter for you to apply as a student, which is an official and unconditional offer of a place on a course of study. The visa letter is confirmation of your unconditional offer of a place on a course of study. You must have a visa letter when you apply, or your application will be refused.
What is the Confirmation of acceptance for studies letter?
Approved education providers will start issuing confirmation of acceptance for studies which will replace visa letters once the sponsorship management system is implemented. This will be an electronic reference number and will contain all the same information that is currently in the visa letter, to issue the confirmation of acceptance for studies
What programs do you offer at BioVitale Management Consultancy?
Our Colleges in London currently offers over 50 courses representing different academic pathways. In the UK, colleges and universities offer programs designed by world-renowned British institutions and associations of distinguished professionals who have had years of experience in their fields.
We offer high-quality courses ranging from Certificate or Foundation Diploma to Higher and Advanced Diplomas provided by a number of reputable associations such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS), City and Guilds (C & G), the Association of Business Executives (ABE), Oxford Cambridge and RSA (OCR), and the National Examination Board for Dental Nursing (NEBDN).
How can I get admitted to one of these programs?
First of all, you will have to make an application to pursue one of these programs. You may apply through us and submit the necessary documents.
Once I have sent the application, what next?
You can send your photo and educational certificates (TOR/Diploma) at this stage. We will need your original certificates but photocopies or scanned copies. Scanned copies are best, because they are portable in computer systems and they speed up your process. Once this is done, please wait up to 7 days to hear from the College. Do not worry that we are doing nothing about your application, because lots of background activities go on at this time, such as our Application and Assessment Board (AAB) evaluating your case, the preparation of ‘Offer Letter or Letter of Acceptance), and dispatching it with other documents to you by email and post.
When I receive the ‘Conditional Letter or Letter of Acceptance’ can I apply for a student visa?
No. The ‘Letter of Acceptance’ contains a set of instructions for you to follow, which will then allow us to go on and issue an ‘Admission Letter or the Visa Letter’. After receiving the ‘Letter of Acceptance’ you need to send the required minimum payment as stated on your ‘Letter of Acceptance’. The College will not issue the ‘Unconditional Letter/Visa Letter unless you have made the minimum payment. You may miss the opportunity to go further and join us in London if you do not make this minimum payment.
How do I make the minimum payment asked for on my Letter of Acceptance?
Please take your ‘Letter of Acceptance’ to your nearest national bank and ask them to transmit the payment for you to Colleges in London’s international account using the IBAN code given on your letter. They may ask questions about why you want to make the payment, or they may even tell you that you are not allowed to send money overseas. Just patiently tell the bank staff that the payment is for your education and it is being made to a genuine college approved or registered by the United Kingdom government.( or you can ask our assistance to help you make the payments)
If you have friends or relatives in the UK, they may make the payment on your behalf here in the UK.
Can I pay you more money than what is asked for on my ‘Letter of Acceptance’?
Of course you can. In fact, it is advisable that you pay more than what is asked for on your letter if it is practicable and affordable for you. This would show a clear financial commitment from your side that you do have funds, resources and a capability to afford the proposed education in the United Kingdom. Many Entry Clearance Officers who presume otherwise or question your ability to pay for your tuition may be happy to see that the majority or all of the fees is paid even before you have left your country.
So, making a large initial payment is better. But what if I cannot pay or do not trust you for such large payments?
If you seriously cannot pay the amount requested on your ‘Offer of a Place’ letter due to your financial situation, please do not continue with us since we cannot offer you tuition without payment. Our Colleges is a genuine and serious educational establishment providing high quality and internationally recognized UK education to bona fide students who can afford the very low fees of our college. We do not have resources at present to support students who have not received a scholarship from us and cannot pay our fees. In terms of you trusting us, please be reassured that our record of fee refunds shows we maintain a high standard and have not received any complaints – so you have nothing to worry about and you can trust us.
I have heard that some colleges in the UK provide documents stating a larger amount has been paid than is really true. This could be very useful for a student, so can you offer us a similar arrangement?
No. Don't even think of it! We do not believe these stories, but if you have firm evidence of such malpractice please tell us so we can tell the UK authorities. Fraud harms authentic education providers and honest students, and we will not tolerate it. One of the nasty effects of fraudsters is that if you are unlucky enough to have your visa application refused (even for some trivial reason) it will take you some time and effort to get your fees refunded.
What is the best method of payment?
The best way to pay for your fees, accommodation, DHL fast delivery, or anything else is via ‘Telegraphic Transfer’ directly into our bank account. This will not only guarantee a clear record of your payment, but is the fastest and cheapest method for most students to use. Money is paid straight to our IBAN account number by your local bank. There will also be a transparent record of how the money arrives in our account. It is far better than making a draft or entrusting other people to pay us. Other possibilities include sending an ‘international bank drafts’ and getting a friend or relative here in the UK to personally pay the College.
If I make payment, carry on with the process and apply for a student visa, but fail to receive it, would I get all my money sent back to me?
If you fail to get a visa, you will not be able to attend classes at the College. You would then be in a similar situation to a UK residing student who decides not to continue after paying for courses. In these situations we do refund your money, but only after deducting an administration charge (roughly GBP 250-400) to cover the costs involved. Sorry, but it costs the College a lot of effort and bank charges to sort out all the paperwork in a case like this. For example, if your course fee is 1500 pounds and you already 1000 pounds but you fail to get a visa to come to the UK or to stay in the UK, we will refund you 800 pounds out of 1000 pounds you paid.
Rest assured that you will indeed get those 800 pounds back – guaranteed, As long as you carry out the simple formality of submitting a declaration of withdrawal along with the official letters (to stop anyone else using them fraudulently).
What will happen after I have made the minimum payment and received the Visa Letter from the College?
Please report to the office 3 days before your appointment for documentation, take the College documents along with your other financial and medical documents to the local British Embassy or High Commission and apply for a student visa. You must clearly demonstrate that you are fully capable of supporting yourself in the UK, with finances to make your studies successful. You will receive an Entry Clearance certificate or visa, which allows you to come to the College and complete remaining registration formalities.
If I fail to get my visa, what options do I have?
You may re-apply (which is usually the quickest method), or if the Entry Clearance Officer give you the option, you can go through an appeal process via the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) in the UK.
Will I get a refund if I want to study at another College after my arrival in the UK?
No, refund applications from those wishing to study at another institution will not be considered unless:
In the event of course or class cancellation
In case of very exceptional circumstances.
Will I get a refund if I start on the appeal process?
No. If you refund your application that makes you’re no longer student of the college, which automatically wrecks your appeal. Therefore, please do not complete the fee refund request form in that situation. The money will be safe in the college bank account until you win the case or withdraw from it.
If I had made the payment from my country myself, can I ask a relative in the UK to collect my refund?
We must be very careful to avoid fraud and also to comply with money laundering regulations. So normally we send refunds back exactly where they came from. Payment into a different bank account or to a different individual in the UK may be possible after written instructions and careful identity checking.
What accommodation is available?
All Colleges has teamed up with local estate agents and residents to provide an affordable accommodation. Accommodation can be arranged temporarily for the first 2 weeks and confirmation of accommodation can be sent for visa application support. You are required to pay at least £300 (£70 non-refundable) as a deposit for this facility. Once you are in the UK, they will help you find the permanent accommodation.
We may also help you find a dormitories ranging to GBP 70-85/week.
Do I need Private Medical Insurance?
Medical Insurance is not a requirement for the Student Visa in the UK.
Am I allowed to work in the UK while I am studying?
You may usually take part-time or vacation work subject to the following conditions:
- You must not work for more than twenty hours per week / ten hours a week during term time, except where your work placement is a necessary part of your studies with the agreement of your education institution.
- You must not engage in business, self-employment or the provision of service as a professional sports person or entertainer.
- You must not pursue a career by filling a permanent full time vacancy.
You must check the terms of your Visa carefully as this may differ.
What are the starting dates of the program?
Generally, the starting dates are January, April, June/July and September of each year. Please check the course you are interested in.
Will college help me in extension of my visa?
Yes. If you have already been studying here you can apply for an extension of stay for further studies in the UK provided you are enrolled on a full-time course with the college.
May I bring my spouse and children with me?
Your spouse and any of your children under 18 may be able to apply to accompany you during your studies provided you can maintain and accommodate them adequately without recourse to public funds.
Is my spouse allowed to work?
it depends...Your spouse may be allowed to work if you were granted leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for 12 months or more. You must check the terms of your spouse's Visa carefully as this may differ.
What if I invite any family member or spouse while I am studying there?
Colleges provide you full assistance in lodging visa applications and helping the student. We also will assist you if you want to invite someone to your Graduation ceremony.
How much money do I need to show to the British Embassy/ High-Commission?
Applicants must provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in the UK, including emergencies, without recourse to the public funds. This must cover the total tuition fee and the living expenses such as accommodation, food, travelling, clothing, etc. This is important as recourse to the public funds might have a detrimental effect on the person's future immigration prospects. Bank statements which clearly identify the holder together with a transaction and details of conversation rates at the approximate date of application are required.
How much is the estimated Living Expenses?
We advise our students that the cost of living for one year is £9,000. This includes accommodation, travel and exam fees. These prices are an example:
Travel: as a student you will get discounted travel on London buses and the underground train system so (depending where you live) your month travel card will cost about £20 to £35.
Food: you would expect to pay about £20 / £30 per week on food for one person.
Exams: membership fees and exam entry fees for the first year are about £160.
Books: there is a recommended reading list for students. Tutors may also suggest additional books which may be helpful. We would suggest budgeting about £100 to £300. You also must buy your own stationery (pens, paper, etc).
Accommodation: Many of our students will do this as a short-term option and then arrange to share accommodation with fellow students (this usually works out a cheaper).
What are the proof of availability of money?
Your personal bank or building society statements should show:
Your name, or the name of the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if applicable in the case of a child student;
The account number;
The date of the statement;
The financial institution's name and logo; and
The amount of money available.
You can use bank statements that are for a specific purpose (also known as 'ad hoc') as evidence, as long as:
They include all of the information above; and
They are printed on paper with the letterhead of the bank.
You cannot use mini-statements from cash machines (ATMs) as evidence.
You can use electronic bank statements from an online account if they include all the
information above. Each electronic bank statement should be stamped by the official
stamp of the bank on every page of the statement.
If you want to use a joint account as proof of your money, you must be named on the account along with at least one other person.
What do I take into consideration when applying for a student visa?
Applicants Profile
The applicant's profile should appear to match the course of studies proposed. The applicant's prospects of obtaining a visa are enhanced by the submission of verified details of their profile, including family background, history of study, employment in the related fields of the course, fees paid etc.
If the applicant is in employment the employer must state that all course costs are being met by the employer or a job guarantee letter on completion of the proposed course with a higher pay. If the employee is meeting the costs, the employer must state that in the opinion of the employer the employee has the financial resources to meet all such costs the length of leave being granted to the employee and this must not differ from the stated duration of the course on which the Applicant has been accepted the purpose of participation in the proposed course of study the applicant's level of pay and the currency its received in.
Consistency within application
None of the details within the application or its supporting documentation should be of a conflicting nature. E.g. the proposed length of stay on the application form should not conflict with the verified course acceptance. Change of status full details of course duration should be disclosed in the initial application in so far as they are known.
The following details must be supplied to allow the request to be considered and applications that do not supply all the required documents will be refused.
Itemized details of payment of relevant fees.
Details of the course of studies proposed
Accommodation arrangements
Evidence of financial self sufficiency.
A copy of the passport exhibiting the original visa must be lodged.
Applying for a visa for UK Where can I make my visa application?
All applications for a UK visa should be lodged at the VFS visa application centre in Manila.
UK VFS Visa Application Centre - road map
VFS Services Philippines Private Inc.
Phil-Axa Building, 2501-02,
1286 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Corner Tindalo Street,
Makati City, Manila
Philippines
How do I lodge my visa application?
Applications can be lodged in person at the VFS visa application centre. We highly recommend that you make an appointment to make submit your visa application, supporting documents and biometrics data. To book an appointment, we will select the Appointment Scheduling . Once the UK Border Agency has made a decision on your visa application you can collect your documents and passport or from the visa application centre or you may choose to have it couriered back to you.
What do I need to complete my application?
Information on the documents and process you need to follow to complete your visa application in our office 3 days before submitting your documents.
What are the documents and supporting documents required?
The documents and supporting documents required will vary depending on the type of application you are making. For further information please visit our office.
How do I find out about the progress of my application?
You can track the status of your application from this website. Please enter your AMAN receipt number and date of birth to find out the status of your of your visa application. The application reference number can be found on the left top corner of the receipt issued to you at the time of your application.
What length of visit visa can I apply for if am visiting the UK for the first time?
We recommend that applicants who are travelling to the UK for the first time start off by applying for a 6 month visa. If first-time travelers wish to apply for a 1, 2, 5, or 10 year visa, they should do so knowing that that they may be issued a visa for a shorter validity than the one they applied for. In these circumstances the Agency will not be able to refund the price difference.
How long does it take?
Please refer to the 'guide to processing times' page on http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk for more information.
Can my friend or family member in the UK apply for my visa for me?
No, visas for the UK can only be made in person at visa application centres overseas, as you will need to submit your biometric data. If your friend/family member needs a visa, they must get it before they travel to the UK.
Can somebody else apply for a visa for me overseas?
No. You will need to submit your biometric data in person. The biometric data collection includes a digital fingerscan and photograph.
What if I do not understand English?
At many visa application centres, the visa application forms are available in the main language of that country, although they will need to be completed in English. There will always be staff available at the visa application centre who is able to speak the local language.
How long does the appeals process take?
The UK Border Agency has no control over when your appeal will be heard. It can take some time and depends on a number of things. This can include the type of case (visitor, settlement) and whether you have asked for the case to be heard orally, so your sponsor can give evidence. Visitor appeals are usually heard within 6 months of being lodged; for other categories, including settlement, it can take up to 9 months.
What happens if I win my appeal?
Your determination will be sent from the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal to the UK Border Agency in the United Kingdom, who then sends it to the Philippines. It can take several weeks before this arrives with the visa officer at Manila. You should allow at least 6 weeks from the date, you or your representative received your appeal determination before you contact the UK Border Agency at Manila. The UK Border Agency cannot process your visa application until we get our copy of your determination from official sources. For more information and for contact details please see the 'Appeals' page on this website.
What if I have more questions?
You may always contact us at biovitaleconsultancy@yahoo.com or by dialing 4374574/4388940. The staff will be happy to help. Please note that immigration rules are in the process of changing at present and there are lots of practical issues that have not yet been fully sorted out. In the long term the changes are intended to make the process more open and consistent, but in the short term they have created lots of problems. From your point of view as a prospective student, perhaps the most painful issue is money: you are now obliged to leave substantial sums sitting idle while the visa application process runs its course.












