FAQ
Can I travel in the UK without a visa for reasons of tourism, business or transit?
Yes. Despite Brexit, no visa is currently required for Italian and EU citizens, but it is essential to have a Passport valid for at least six months. In addition to tourism, it is possible to carry out business activities (such as business meetings) or take short courses of study for the improvement of the English language.
I want to study at an institution in the UK, can I do it without a visa?
No. You can only study in the UK if you have a study visa. To apply as a student you must obtain the CAS (Certificate of Acceptance Studies) code issued by an institution recognized by the British Government, know where you will be staying (College, private family etc.) and have sufficient financial liquidity to be able to bear the costs related to their stay in the country.
I want to work in the UK, can I do it without a visa?
No. In this case too, it is essential to obtain the COS (Certificate of Sponsorship) code from a UK company and only then can you apply for a work visa, which if approved will allow you to enter the United Kingdom and carry out paid work. As for the study visa, you need to know where you will be staying and prove that you have sufficient financial funds to be able to bear the costs related to your stay in the country.
How long does it take to obtain a visa?
The times are never standard and depend on the type of visa, the number of current practices that must evaluate the British consular section and the political/social context in which you start the practice. It is always advisable to start the visa application well in advance of the travel hypothesis that you have planned.
How long does a visa last?
The duration depends on the type of visa required (tourism, study, work, etc.). The visa always covers the entire reference period: for example, if you obtained a CAS with a 12-month study plan, the study visa issued by the Home Office will have a duration not less than that indicated on the acceptance letter to the studies on which the same CAS code is indicated.
I am a foreign citizen but resident in Italy, can I apply for a visa?
If you have your country of origin passport valid for at least six months, valid Permit or Residence Card, valid Identity Card, then you are eligible to apply for a visa.
Is it possible to change your status directly in the UK, for example if I enter as a tourist and find a job?
No. In this case you must leave the country and apply for a work visa. Only once approved can he return to the UK to work.
Do I have to take an interview to get a visa?
No interview with a British official is required.
If I have been refused a visa, can I reapply for the application and get a refund for the refused visa?
The UK Immigration Authority is very clear on this point: the new visa application can be resubmitted at any time provided the grounds for refusal are met, but no refund can be obtained in case of refusal of the visa application.