Students going to UK to study urged to apply for visas now

(CMR) Students planning to pursue tertiary education in the UK for the 2022/2023 academic year, including those who are awaiting their British passports, are encouraged to begin the student visa application process as soon as possible.

Students from the Cayman Islands who possess passports other than a British passport require a student visa to study in the UK – this includes students with BOTC/Cayman passports. The latest information from Her Majesty’s Government is that the current processing time for student visas, once applications have been submitted, is three weeks.

Those who have applied for a British passport, hoping to receive their passport in time for the start of the school year, are advised that applications take more than 10 weeks to process for regular renewals and even longer for first-time applicants. There is no way to expedite this process. Students that are still waiting to receive their British passport are advised to consider applying for a student visa as a contingency measure.

To apply for a student visa, visit: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply. In order to apply, students must have their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number issued by their university. Students are not permitted to travel to the UK to commence studies until they have received their student visa; applications should be made from the Cayman Islands.

If a student’s arrival in the UK is anticipated to be delayed, they are encouraged to inform their point of contact at their university to ensure that their accommodation is held for them and to see if there is an opportunity or requirement for starting their classes virtually.

Cayman Islands Representative to the UK, Dr. Tasha Ebanks Garcia, encourages students traveling to the United Kingdom to reach out to CIGO-UK should they need support or guidance.

“We are excited to know that we have students considering UK universities and colleges as they pursue higher education. The Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK stands by, ready to serve and assist those moving from the Cayman Islands to the UK. We look forward to welcoming our students to the UK and being available to assist as they transition into studies overseas,” Dr. Ebanks Garcia commented.

To welcome new and returning students and to connect with the Cayman community living in the UK, CIGO-UK invites all to attend Cayman Day on Saturday, 17 September 2022. The annual event, hosted by CIGO-UK, includes cultural displays, Cayman-inspired menus, and food options, Cayman products market, an opportunity to connect with friends, family, and other Caymanians living in the UK, and more.

To register your attendance, visit https://caymanconnection.org/2022/05/06/cayman-day-2022/#caymandayukrsvp.

For additional information and guidance on the student visa application process, email the Cayman Islands Government Office – UK at [email protected].