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Global Cities Urban Realities
IMPORTANT:
If you are NOT a US Citizen read the
instructions in this document for Non-US
Citizens FIRST.
Quarter
Semester NO Internship
London to Paris Semester
WITH Internship
2016-2017
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France
Schengen visa — Overview
US citizens do not need to obtain a visa to participate in
this program in France. You can stay in France and travel
in Europe for up to 90 days as a “visitor.”
France is part of the Schengen Area, which is comprised of
26 European nations (see image below). You can travel
freely between countries in the Schengen Area.
US citizens are permitted to stay in the
Schengen Area (including France) for
no more than 90 days in a 180-day
period. All travel to Schengen Area
countries counts toward your 90 day
limit.
Remember—Your
US passport must
be valid for at least
three months after
your departure from
France.
A special note for students STARTING the program in Paris:
You MUST purchase a round-trip airline ticket, even if final departure is from a city
other than Paris. Travelers with only a one-way ticket for an international flight to
France can be denied the right to board their flight in the United States and will be
required to purchase a very expensive on-the-spot return ticket before boarding.
UCEAP recommends that you purchase an airline ticket that allows you to change
your return flight for a small fee, in case you need to change it once you are abroad.
Note that the United Kingdom
is NOT included in the
Schengen Area.
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United Kingdom
Short Term Student Visitor Visa — Overview
Obtaining the Student Visitor Visa is relatively simple, but you
must begin to gather the necessary documents at least a few
weeks before departure. Please note that you will need some
documents from campus offices that will be closed for holiday
breaks and during the summer. Make sure you obtain these
documents before these offices close!
Where do I start?
You will get the visa stamped in your passport upon arrival in
the UK. DO NOT apply for this visa before departure.
When do I apply for and get my visa?
Yes! You may not travel to or through the Republic of Ireland on your way to the
United Kingdom. Do not book your flight on Aer Lingus, as it will make a stop in Dublin
on its way to the U.K.
Are there any travel restrictions?
Now that you know all about the Visa Basics, continue to the next page for
step by step instructions on how to apply for your Student Visitor Visa!
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United Kingdom
Step 1: Gather Documents
US Passport
Evidence of
Financial Support
Proof that you have enough
funds (“maintenance”) to cover
your expenses while in the UK.
Go to the next 2 pages for
more information.
ACCENT Visa
Letter
If you receive a hard copy
Visa Letter, you must bring
this document. If you do
not receive a hard copy,
you may bring a print out
of an emailed Visa Letter
from ACCENT.
Proof you will
depart the UK
before your visa
expires
This can be a flight or other
travel itinerary ticket.
Official UC
Transcript
Does NOT need to be in a
sealed envelope. Be sure
you request your official
transcripts before the
registrar office closes!
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IMPORTANT: Ensure that all information on your documents is correct!
This includes, but is not limited to: your name, dates of your program, country of citizenship/
nationality, birthday, etc. Remember, the UK format for birth dates is day/month/year. If
you notice an error, contact the provider of the document immediately.
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Evidence of Financial Support
What is this?
Proof that you have enough funds to cover your expenses while in the UK, according to the UKVI formula for “maintenance” funds.
How much money do I need to show I have?
UKVI has estimated the minimum amount for maintenance to be £1265/month. Maintenance includes both housing fees and day-to-day living expenses.
How can I provide this proof?
Show one or more of the documents included below, as long as the total amount of the funds you show reaches the minimum. If one document provides the total amount, you do not need additional documents. (Stocks, bonds, market funds, etc. are not acceptable as the value of such accounts can fluctuate.) Include a note (either separate or directly on each document) showing the current currency conversion rate using www.oanda.com/convert/classic.
Financial Aid Award Letter
*Request from your campus Financial Aid Office*
Must be no more than one month old
Must state that you WILL receive $xx,xxx and NOT that you are eligible to receive
IMPORTANT—make sure you get this letter before your campus Financial Aid Office closes for breaks or school holidays!
Personal Bank Statement
*Request from your bank*
Must show your name and account number (the account can be a joint account, but you must be listed as a joint account holder)
The amount needed must have been in the account for the full month, and the statement must be no more than one month old
Must be an original statement (not a
printout of your online account)
Parental Bank Statement
Same requirements as Personal Bank Statement, plus:
Letter from parent/account-holder confirming that they will provide the funds to support your stay
Documentation confirming the relationship (i.e. original birth certificate, adoption certificate, court document stating they are your legal guardians)
Bank Letter
*Request from your bank*
Must be on official bank letterhead including bank logo
Includes: your name, account number, date of the letter, amount of money in the account, confirmation that the money has been in the account for a minimum of 28 days
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United Kingdom
Step 2: Arrive & Present Documents
What happens when I arrive in the UK and go through
customs?
Upon arrival, you will go through Immigration and present the
documents to the immigration officer so that they may
determine your eligibility for a student visitor visa.
When the Immigration officer asks you the purpose of your
stay, tell them you are a Student Visitor. Be sure to mention
that you are a short-term (less than 6 months) student.
Remember—keep
your documents
with you in your
carry-on luggage
so they are easily
accessible!
Good luck and happy travels!