Programs in the United Kingdom Under 90 Days

For most participants — including U.S. citizens — a student visa is not required for programs lasting 6 months or less, as long as the program does not include an internship. You will instead attend under a visitor status.

This applies to most single-semester programs in London. Instead of a student visa, most students will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Please reference the information below for details regarding immigration requirements and other important considerations.

Immigration Requirements for U.S. Citizens

• U.S. passport holders will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization.
• The ETA is not a visa. It is a digital entry requirement for all visa-exempt travelers entering or transiting through the United Kingdom.
• Once admitted to the program, you will receive step-by-step instructions via the International Programs student portal.
• You must complete the ETA application independently, either online or through the ETA mobile app.
  • The ETA application carries a fee of £16, which is not included in your program fees.

Immigration Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens

• Immigration requirements vary by nationality. Some students may need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, which involves additional steps, support documentation, and fees which must be completed and paid independently.
• To determine whether you need an ETA or a Standard Visitor Visa, complete UKVI’s official questionnaire.
  • If the questionnaire indicates that you need a Standard Visitor Visa, please email IP-Visas@fsu.edu for support.
• To reenter the U.S. after your program, you must travel with appropriate U.S. documentation (e.g., Permanent Resident Card, or long-term U.S. visa) valid for at least three months beyond your return date.

Passport Validity Requirements

• Your passport must:
  • Have at least two blank visa pages.
  • Remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the United Kingdom.
• If you need to obtain a new passport for your program, consider using our on-campus passport services. Visit the Passports section on our website for more details.

Travel Duration & Restrictions

• Under visa-free visitor status – including for U.S. citizens – you are allowed to spend up to 6 months total in the UK.
• If you plan to travel in the UK before or after your program, it is your responsibility to ensure your stay does not exceed the 6-month limit.

Arrival in the UK

• U.S. Citizens may enter the UK using E-Gates, located at major airports and train stations.
  • These gates use facial recognition to scan your passport and verify your identity, expediting your entry.
• Before departure, you will receive an Immigration Support Letter from International Programs by email. This letter outlines:
  • The purpose of your travel
  • Program dates
  • The address of the FSU London Study Centre
• If you are unable to use E-Gates and must speak with a border officer, present your support letter to help answer their questions.

Programs in England Over 90 Days

For most participants — including U.S. citizens — a student visa is required for programs including those with include internships.

Please reference the information below for details regarding immigration requirements and other important considerations.

Visa Application Process

• Due to the nature of the UK student visa application process, students will need to apply and pay the associated fees on their own.
• Admitted students will receive detailed visa guidance. In the months leading up to your program, you’ll receive the following important documents through the IP Student Portal:
  • A Program-Specific Immigration Timeline & Expectations — a general overview of the process.
  • A Program-Specific Visa Packet — a detailed, step-by-step guide for completing the online visa application and enrolling your biometrics.

Passport Validity Requirements

• Your passport must:
  • Have at least two blank visa pages.
  • Remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the United Kingdom.
• You should have a fully valid passport in your possession before beginning the visa application process, which typically starts 4–6 months before your program begins.
• If you need to obtain a new passport for your program, consider using our on-campus passport services. Visit the Passports section on our website for more details.

Visa Fees

• Visa Processing fee: £524
  • Please keep in mind this fee is not included in your program fees.
• This fee is dictated by UKVI and can change at any time. In the event of any changes, the Immigration Team will notify and communicate with students in a timely manner.

Financial Support

• United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires those applying for a semester-long student visa to have financial support in the amount of $8,000. This must be in the form of original financial aid award letters, an original recent bank statement (checking/savings only), or a notarized letter from the bank for an account either in the student’s or parent(s)’/guardian(s)’ names.
• Due to the differential agreement, you will not need to submit proof of financial support with your application. Although, if asked for such by UKVI, you must supply it within a reasonable amount of time.

Biometrics Appointment

• One of the steps to receiving a student visa will be to schedule and attend a biometrics enrollment appointment. This is where you will be fingerprinted and photographed at a UKVI Visa Application Center (VAC). A list of VACs can be found here.
• This step cannot be completed before specifically instructed, however, please be aware that you may be required to travel a significant distance to complete this step in the visa process.

International Travel Restrictions

• Your visa will not be a separate document, instead it will be sticker affixed to the inside of your passport.
  • Due to this, you must leave your passport with the Visa Application Center (VAC) during the visa processing period. You cannot travel internationally during this window.
• Visa processing can take up to 15 business days.

Non-U.S./Dual Citizens and Residents outside of the United States

• Immigration requirements for non-U.S. & dual citizens may be different from those of U.S. Citizens.
  • Please reference your Immigration Timeline & Expectations for the differences in requirements.
• To reenter the U.S. after your program, you must travel with appropriate U.S. documentation (e.g., Permanent Resident Card, or long-term U.S. visa) valid for at least three months beyond your return date.
• If you currently reside outside of the United States, please contact an Immigration Coordinator at IP-Visas@fsu.edu.