To keep up with the growing demand for visas to the UK, the British Embassy will be introducing a new category of student visas for Ukrainians
To keep up with the growing demand for visas to the United Kingdom, the British Embassy in Kyiv will be introducing a new category of student visas for Ukrainians starting in September.
According to a UK embassy press release, the new student visitor visas, which are slated to be introduced on Sept. 1., will cost Hr 665 (about $113) – 36 percent cheaper than the cost of current visas.
The move was a result of an increase in worldwide demand for British visas. The new student visitor category is meant for students who intend to study in the UK for six months or less without seeking part-time work during their stay or an extension upon the visa’s expiration.
The press release also mentioned that according to statistics, the number of student visas issued to Ukrainians rose by 16.6 percent in the first half of 2007 compared to the same period last year. The trend is the result of more Ukrainians increasingly making the UK their destination for travel, trade and study.
In recent months the British Embassy has made several other changes to their visa regime, including opening a new Visa Application Center with extended visiting hours, and adding on-line applications and appointments last October. They also took added measures to safeguard people from identity fraud and made the visa procedure more secure.
The new UK student visas come in the wake of several other visa regime changes for Ukrainians over the summer intended to streamline the process of applying and receiving visas.
This June, the European Union started giving out visas to students, children under 18, retirees, and several other categories of citizens free of charge. Ukrainians are also allowed to appeal if their visa request is refused.
