Santa Clara University

Applying for a Pre-Entry Clearance (PEC) as a Tier 4 (General Sponsored) Student

The PEC is what most countries call a visa. As a US citizen, you are called a non-visa national which means that in ordinary circumstances you do not need prior permission to enter the UK. However,  students enrolling in internships in London need a visa prior to arriving in London. More specifically, you are applying for the visa as a "Tier 4, General, Sponsored" Student. All Summer, Fall, and Spring students will be required to secure this PEC. Winter Quarter and Fall Peace Studies students are not required to apply for the PEC.  Students accepted into the SCU London program will be issued an official Acceptance Letter from FIE which will be needed to send to the UK Consulate.

NEW - How to Apply for the Visa

Updated: April 24, 2009 - Accepted students must download the following PDF documents which guides you through the process of securing a PEC. Please disregard all previous instructions and use the following:

• NEW - Visa Guide (PDF): This document guides you through the 6 steps of applying for the PEC.
  
• NEW - Visa Cancellation Procedure (PDF): As of March 31, 2009 the UK Government has changed the type of visa issued to SCU London students to "PBS Tier 4 Student" which applies to students who are sponsored by a British educational institution (FIE). If you did not select that specific designation on your visa application then you must follow the specific instructions on how to cancel the visa application to avoid complications.
  
• NEW - Online Application Instructions (PDF): This document provides the answers to specific questions on the PEC online application.
  
• NEW - Appendix 8 Form Instructions (PDF): You will need to view this document when filling out the "Appendix 8" form on the UK Consulate form. It's best to open this PDF form on your computer and scroll over the yellow icon for FIE's instructions.
  

Updates: April 29, 2009 - Other helpful information:

• Tips and Frequently Asked Questions (PPT) This is a powerpoint on some of the frequently asked questions on the PEC.
• 28 days Funds Policy: Please be aware that the UK government requires that you have sufficient funds (a minimum of $4,674 for Fall and $3,507 for Summer students) in your bank account for at least 28 days prior to applying for the visa. Summer students only need to have that amount in their account at the time of application which must be NOW. Fall students can start the visa application after June 1^st, but that amount will have to be in there for at least 28 days prior to application.  E.g., if you apply on June 5th, funds will need to have been available since at least May 8th.

• Bank Account: The bank account can be a joint account with your parents, but it MUST have your name on it. Please review page 34 of the document which lists what should be included in the bank account: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/Tier4migrantguidance.pdf