Student visa from South Africa

[sp3ctre]

My girlfriend is looking to come over from South Africa on a student visa. She has a very good job over there and owns property. The thing is, in order to come over here she is looking to sell the house.

Does selling the house work in her favour i.e. frees up funds to pay fully for 3 year study or does it look bad in that she has no reason to return afterwards?

Thanks,

Jim

[sp3ctre]

I am also a little confused as to how best to apply. Does it go in her favour that we are together and she can live with me for free, or does that look bad in the case of the reason for coming over?

[ci07jjs]

Hi,

It has been a long time since I have applied for a student visa, but I believe the rules for obtaining student visa wouldn't have changed much. She should have sufficient ties in south africa to convince the immigration officer that she will return back once she completes with her studies. This would mean having a property or hold a firm job offer in south africa that she can continue when she returns back. She should focus on obtaining a student visa solely to study and not the purpose of settlement...alteast the immigration office should have reasons to believe this based on the documentation that your girlfriend provides.

Secondly, if you are going to accomodate her then you will have to write a sponsorship letter. However, immigration officer might raise a question such as what would she do if you both split up? Will she have enough funds to accomodate herself? she should be prepared to answer all these questions.

Hope this helps.

Many thanks

[VictoriaS]

If it is a degree course then she need not worry about intent to return.

Victoria