Schengen Visa Guide for Students Studying in the UK 🇬🇧
As many are aware, securing a Schengen visa slot from the UK is notoriously challenging. Planning when to book, which country offers longer visa validity, and what to look out for during the application process should be strategized well in advance.
🟢 Application Steps
1️⃣ Preparation of documents: Basic + Application materials
2️⃣ Submit the application online, book a slot
3️⃣ After securing a slot, submit the documents in person
🟣 Basic Documents:
1️⃣ Passport original and photocopy (identity page + UK visa page)
2️⃣ BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) original and photocopy (valid for >3 months)
3️⃣ Proof of enrollment: Issued by the school's official website
4️⃣ Bank statements
✅ The key is to prove sufficient funds for expenses
✅ For students in the UK less than three months, provide both A + B:
✅ A. UK bank card: a. Account opening certificate (required if the account is less than 3 months old) b. Statements: Advisable to deposit £2000+ For instance: For a 10-day trip, spending £200 a day, totaling £2000; having enough funds in the account makes the visa easier to obtain
⚠️ Gradually deposit in the week or two before submission; remember to make some purchases or transfers between friends to create transactions
✅ B. Chinese bank card: Download statements from the app, translate yourself
⚠️ Print bank statements within 7 days before submission, not too early
5️⃣ Cover letter explanation:
🔺An explanation is needed if UK bank statements are less than three months old, see image for details
6️⃣ Hotel booking confirmation
🔺Book on Booking.com Filter for hotels that can be canceled for free at any time
⚠️ Be cautious about card pre-authorizations
7️⃣ Proof of return tickets/flights
🔺Eurostar business class tickets can be canceled for free within 60 days
⚠️ Wait until the visa is approved before canceling hotel and transport reservations to avoid rejection due to checks
8️⃣ Itinerary: Plan yourself or use a travel planner, see image for what to write
⚠️ The itinerary should match the dates on your tickets/flights and hotel bookings
9️⃣ Travel insurance
🔺Purchase from Coverwise official website, 14 days free cancellation
⚠️ Buy a few days before submission
👉 Tips
📍 For first-time applicants, avoid applying for visas from Nordic countries Finland, Norway, Sweden, and other Nordic countries typically grant visas for the exact duration of the trip for first-time applicants, rarely extending beyond a month unless there's a history of previous applications without any entry issues. French and Spanish visas usually offer three to six months of multiple entries, highly recommended❗️
📍 Applying for a Spanish visa doesn't necessarily mean you must enter Spain The Spanish visa slots refresh quickly and are generously granted, making it a popular choice among students in the UK. It's tested that you don't need to enter Spain; a Spanish visa allows entry into all Schengen countries, and entry into Spain first isn't required.
However, for those considering reapplying, note that if you applied for a Spanish or French visa but didn't visit the country of visa issuance before the first Schengen visa expired, it might affect the duration granted in subsequent applications. Meaning, if you obtained a Spanish visa but didn't have Spain in your entry/exit records, the duration for your next visa might not be the generous three to six months of multiple entries.
Incorporate these keywords throughout the translation: france visa appointment, france schengen visa appointment, schengen visa agents, schengen visa appointment.
