University of York   Is This the Right Program for You?

The University of York is situated close to the city of York, one of England’s most historic cities.  Intercity trains from London take under two hours.  Despite its relative youth, York is now regarded as one of Britain’s most successful universities, with an international reputation for the quality of its teaching and research.  York’s academic provision spans a range of subjects in Arts, Social Sciences and Science subjects.

As a student city, York is big enough to feel cosmopolitan, but small enough not to be overwhelming.  It is a friendly city which you can get to know quickly, but which can still hold surprises after many years.  Like many English towns, it serves the needs of a wide population and provides excellent theatre, cinema, concerts and other cultural events as well as an attractive range of pubs and restaurants.  Most importantly, York is a place where people enjoy life:  in a recent ‘quality of life’ survey, York was placed 7th out of 145 cities.  You can visit the University of York’s website at:  www.york.ac.uk.

The University of York Program offers you the opportunity to:

• Live and study in one of the world’s most rewarding environments,
• Receive instruction in small classes, seminars, and tutorials from members of the faculty of York,
• Improve your writing and research skills,
• Have total integration with students from York as well as international students.

Your experience at the University of York Program will:

• Integrate you into British society and the British educational system,
• Make you a better student,
• Expand your outlook on the world,
• Build your self-esteem and self-confidence,
• Greatly enhance your career prospects,

At the University of York you will:

• Live with British students in one the university’s colleges,
• Receive a comprehensive on-site orientation at the University of York that will maximize the benefits of your semester/year of study,
• Have the benefit of an on-going program of field trips, excursions and social events,
• Enjoy the security of a complete package of academic and non-academic support services provided by the International Office at the University of York and Brockport’s Office of International Education.

NOTE
If a student is studying for more than 6 months in the UK, students must apply for a student visa, and there are no exceptions to this.  If a student is studying for less than 6 months, there are two categories:  student visitor and student.

A student visitor:
1.         Must not stay for more than 6 months.
2.         Must intend to leave the UK at the end of the student visit.
3.         Must have an unconditional offer on a course of study.
4.         Must not work or engage in a work placement or internship, whether paid or unpaid
5.         Must be able to pay for all course fees and living expenses with recourse to public funds.
6.         Must be at least 18 years old.
7.         Are not eligible to extend their stay at the end of their visit.

If coming as student visitor, and are not a visa-national (Americans are not visa-nationals), you do not need to apply for entry clearance or a visa prior to your arrival in the UK.  You will, however, need to bring with you proof of funds, your unconditional offer letter and proof of accommodation in the UK.  Students who wish to undertake an internship or work a work placement, whether paid or unpaid are not eligible to come as a student visitor and must apply for the student visa.
If a student intends to stay for longer than 6 months, would like to work part-time, intends to take an internship or work placement (paid or unpaid) or would like the option of extending their stay at the end of their course, they must apply for a student visa.  It is recommended that all students apply for a student visa simply because it affords them greater opportunities and flexibility.

HOW TO APPLY FOR PRIOR ENTRY CLEARANCE IF ENTERING BRITAIN ON A BLUE CARD

You will first need to submit your Blue Card application to the BUNAC Connecticut office following the instructions in our brochure and website.  Providing you are otherwise eligible to receive a Blue Card, we will issue your Blue Card, which must accompany your entry clearance application and should be sent to the nearest UK Mission in Chicago, Los Angeles or New York.  The entry clearance fee is approximately £200 (approximately $400) plus $12 postage.  Please be aware that you may also be required to obtain a medical examination before or after your entry clearance is issued.  You may also be required to submit biometrics information and/or have an interview at one of the UK Mission locations listed below.

NOTE:  Obtaining Entry clearance can be a lengthy process and may take two to three months, therefore please take this into consideration when planning your departure from the U.S.
All expenses incurred during the application process for entry clearance to the United Kingdom are the sole responsibility of the applicant and are nonrefundable.
Please download form VAF2 from www.ukvisas.gov.uk to obtain entry clearance OR you can complete the online application via this link.
Under “Purpose of visit” click “Employment”

Under “Type of visit” click “Work permit holder up to 6 months”
Your Entry Clearance application form should be accompanied by:

• The correct fee (entry clearance fees will not be refunded) plus postage.

Work permit fee (6 months or under) is £200 (approx $420) plus $12 shipping (contact UK Overseas Mission to find out methods of payment accepted).

• Your current passport.
• Two recent passport photographs (not more than six months old).
• Your BUNAC Blue Card.

Submit your Entry Clearance application to the nearest UK mission at one of the following locations only:

British Consulate-General, Chicago
13th Floor, The Wrigley Building
400 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL  60611

British Consulate-General, New York
845 Third Avenue
New York, NY  10022
Tel.:  (212) 745-0200    //    Fax:  (212) 754-3062

British Consulate-General, Los Angeles
11766 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA  90025-6538
Tel.:  (310) 481-2900    //    Fax: (210) 481-2961

Once you have received entry clearance, which will be either a visa in your passport or an Entry Certificate, please fax or scan and email a copy to BUNAC.