UK Student Visa Application

Last week would definately be defined as an unfortunate series of event in my life. What should have been a single trip to the visa application department turned out to be a series of trips to the same office. It came to a point where the strict Gurkha guards with a straight face all day long, started to smile at me seeing me back again. So I decided this has to stop. The next day I took a trip to my old office in Jalan Yap Kwan Seng at 6am and parked my car at the usual car park.

I had myself equipped with my Nikon D40 to snap some shots of KLCC during sunrise. One thing I learnt is that if you're not good with DSLR, don't waste your time walking with it all around the city. So at 8am after breakfast with the guys, I walked to Wisma MCA which is located right next to Citibank building in Ampang. It ain't no short walk folks!

Unlike years ago when any form of visa application is done at the British Embassy, it's pretty much outsourced today. Which is a good sign as they ensure accurate information on hand before passing it to the embassy officials. The UK visa application here is handled by VFS (M) Sdn. Bhd. which is located at the 19th floor of Wisma MCA. For those who don't know how to get there. Simply take an LRT to Ampang Park and walk across the street.

The issue I faced was lack of information on the VFS website. On top of that, I wasn't able to refer to a friend in such short notice. Somehow rather they went missing for summer holidays. The website suggests that you make an appointment to VFS for your application, but that's not necessary. You could walk in as well. I would suggest to be there at 8am in the morning and you'll get everything done in less than 30 minutes. By the way, VFS's website is here/. Here's a list of things YOU MUST HAVE prior to going there. If you don't have one of these, well buddy, you get to go there again till you get em' right.

1. Student check list & Survey
-The checklist is simply of items that you include when submitting your application.
-The survey is a must to be filled out.
-Have both sheets filled out to save time.
-Can be downloaded from the following link under Students & Dependants of a Student
-The file format is PDF and you need to print it out.
-http://www.vfs-uk-my.com/download_app.aspx#8

2. Visa Application Form
-The application for this form is done online, and upon completion, a copy printed out.
-Head to the website at http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/
-Click on Apply For A Visa on the left navigation menu
-Proceed to register and complete the questionnaires. Once completed, print out a copy when you see a "Print Form" button
-The print result will include all the details you've keyed in the form

3. One Photograph Copy
-You MUST SUBMIT A WHITE BACKGROUND PHOTOGRAPH
-If you submit one with a blue background, it will be rejected
-In Ampang Park, there's shops providing service to have passport size photos for visa application. Just tell them for UK visa application. A set of 4-piece photo will cost RM15

4. Passport Photocopy
-The carbon copy of your passport is on the biodata page
-To be on the safe side, simply get them certified at a nearby school, police station, commissioner of oath and etc.
-If you have a previous passport, make photocopy and bring that as well

5. Financial evidence
-If you're not under a scholarship, then financial evidence could range from fixed deposit certificates, bank books, mutual fund statements and etc.
-Make a copy of these statements
-Get these statements certified from their respective banks
-If the statements comes from your parents Maybank, then only Maybank can certify the document.
-Remind the officer to include the date of the carbon copies being certified as well

6. Unconditional offer letter
-This is the official letter from your university abroad.
-I was informed by the officer that the letter should have some form of printed emblem as to certify its from the university
-My letter was a plain computer signed letter. But it carried an imprint of the university. So that was fine
-Make a copy of this letter and get it certified as well

7. Previous Educational Certificates
-Bring whatever you have previously to support your further studies
-I brought in my diploma and transcript

8. Bank Draf
-If your applying for student visa, the amount should be RM664.(But information should always be verified with VFS (M) Sdn. Bhd. first)
-Head to Maybank and fill out the form to make a bank draf to VFS (M) Sdn. Bhd.
-This doesn't require any copy

Once you have all the information as above, you're pretty much set to head to the office. Once you're there, processing should be fast as you have everything prepared. Once they receive your application, a receipt will be printed out for you with a tracking code. That tracking code can be checked online to know whether your Visa result is ready to be collected. Yeah, it doesn't tell whether its approved or not. Once you get the receipt, wait a couple more minutes before you're called back for a biometric scanning. They'll just scan your finger print. They've got rules for finger prints too. Just to simplify things, following are what you need

1. Student Check List & Survey
2. Printed copy of Visa Application Form
3. One Passport Size Photo(White Background)
4. Passport(Original & Certified Carbon Copy)
5. Financial Evidence(Original & Carbon Copy Certified by Banks)
6. Unconditional Offer Letter(Original & Certified Carbon Copy)
7. Previous Education Certificates(Original & Certified Carbon Copy)
8. Bank Draf

**Bring original & carbon copies
**VFS does not accept anyone in after 2:59PM as they close at 3PM!!!
**VFS can be reached at 03 21649323
**VFS does not approve or reject your application, British Embassy does!
**VFS website is http://www.vfs-uk-my.com/