Short term student visas

I'm coming over this summer for a month long teacher training course. I know that (at this point in time) I can "apply" for my visa at the border. Is there anything else I need to know? Make sure I have prepared? I know I'll need the acceptance letter from the school (and it has its sponsor certificate or whatever it's called) and I assume proof of funds to support myself? I read the online guidance, but didn't see any specific numbers there. Anything else? Will it be suspicious that I'm staying with the bf?

Any chances I could be refused at the border if I don't cross all my Ts and dot my Is?

TIA!

I'm coming over this summer for a month long teacher training course. I know that (at this point in time) I can "apply" for my visa at the border. Is there anything else I need to know? Make sure I have prepared? I know I'll need the acceptance letter from the school (and it has its sponsor certificate or whatever it's called) and I assume proof of funds to support myself? I read the online guidance, but didn't see any specific numbers there. Anything else? Will it be suspicious that I'm staying with the bf?

Any chances I could be refused at the border if I don't cross all my Ts and dot my Is?

TIA!

I did the same thing as you in 2008.  As you know, immigration stuff changes really fast so this may not be 100% applicable any more, but ....

I had the letter from the school saying I was enrolled in the course and that the fees had already been paid, and a letter stating the address of my host family.  I didn't have any financial stuff but wasn't asked for it, though the IO seemed concerned until she saw that the course fees had been paid.  If I were you, I'd have letters detailing the course and from your BF to show you have accommodation, bank statements, and your return ticket.  it's all totally legal so you shouldn't have any trouble. 

I read the online guidance, but didn't see any specific numbers there.

As a guideline, if you have the equivalent of what a Tier 4 applicant would need (money to pay fees + £800/£600 a month for London/elsewhere, that will be fine.

Anything else?

See http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/student-visitors/applying/

Will it be suspicious that I'm staying with the bf? Any chances I could be refused at the border if I don't cross all my Ts and dot my Is?

Yes.  For peace of mind, why not apply for a visa before travelling?

Yes.  For peace of mind, why not apply for a visa before travelling?

I don't think this is automatic.  IIRC, Gottagettolondon has stayed with her BF on visits before, and has never overstayed.  This will count in her favour.  With proof of enrolment, funds, and a return ticket, I'd wager she'll be OK. 

I'd wager she'll be OK. 

Why risk it?  Am never quite clear why there is such an aversion to applying for entry clearance!

Why risk it?  Am never quite clear why there is such an aversion to applying for entry clearance!

Well, because it's MORE money. Plus, is this a regular student visa I'd be applying for, with all the hoops? The idea of doing all that BS for a month program is silly, especially if it's unnecessary.

Plus, is this a regular student visa I'd be applying for, with all the hoops?

Your first post talked about coming as a student visitor, not a Tier 4 student.  That's what I was talking about.  You seemed anxious about a refusal, hence my advice to consider applying for entry clearance before travelling.

Neither type of visa has "hoops", or "BS", just requires evidence that you meet the rules.  A student visitor visa is cheaper and is more flexible with the evidence you need to show.  See the link to the guidance already posted above.

if your course involve you working or interning then you have to apply to tier 4, even if you are on a short course and will receive no pay.
American does not need visa to go to the uk to study on a course less than 6 months but if it involves working then it is another story.

 

Just thought I'd follow up on this! Everything went very smoothly when I came in. The IO asked to see the letter from the school (or I volunteered it, I can't remember which). Then she asked if the school had arranged accommodation for me. I told her I was staying with the BF and gave her a letter he'd written stating I would be paying some rent to cover expenses. Her only comment was outrage that he'd asked me to pay rent! lol She was very nice and didn't ask for anything else. We even chatted while she processed everything cos it turned out she had studied in America herself!

Son of a Sailor- EXACTLY how it feels!