UK Immigration (EU)
Being a student in a foreign country has many benefits, but there are a number of things which must be considered before going overseas. Immigration in the UK is mainly governed by the Immigration Act 1970. British and Commonwealth citizens with the right of abode before 1983 are not subject to immigration control.
Europe Citizens of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) are not subject to UK immigration control where the period of residence will be less than 3 months. However, the Right of Residence in order to study in a Member State for more than three months is subject to some conditions.
You must:
- be enrolled at an approved educational establishment
- be covered by adequate health insurance
- have sufficient means to prevent you becoming a burden on the social security system of the Member State
Provided that you satisfy these conditions, the authorities in the host Member State (the UK in this instance) will confirm your right of residence by issuing you with an EU residence permit. If your course lasts less than a year, the permit will be for the duration of your course. If your course lasts more than a year, the permit will be for one year, but renewable annually. (In practice, the UK National Health Service will provide health treatment for all foreign students as if they are UK citizens, except where treatment is required for cosmetic reasons only).
Similar rights are extended to the immediate family of an EU student wishing to study in another Member State. The full details of the rights of students with European Union nationality are available from the European Commission (Directorate-General XV: Internal Market and Financial Services). A booklet is available in English called 'Studying, Training and doing Research in another country of the European Union' (Code C1-08-97-016-EN-C). This booklet is likely to be available in all the official languages of the EU and further details can also be obtained from the European Union Website.
