Holiday before study?

[kabuki]

Hi everyone, I have a question about the student visa and entry to the UK.

I'm (US) currently living in Ireland with my EU partner. I've been told by many on here that the UK is very strict regarding partnership visas and will require both our names on a lease for a minimum of 2 years; however, we don't have this. Also, she is currently self-employed in Ireland, so I'm not sure how to prove treaty rights. So, I'm left applying for a study visa as I'll be starting a PGCE course in Sept 2010. Our time conflicts as our lease is up at the beginning of June and although we can go month to month, our other housemate just got engaged and will be moving in with his finance as the lease end. We can't afford the place on our own and would like to make the move to England immediately if possible.

Questions:
When you apply for a student visa, are you given an entry clearance letter or a stamp in your passport?

What's the earliest I can enter the country?

Is it possible to enter on the VWP for about 2 months and then re-enter as a student?

Would it be possible to go to the UK as a visitor and then apply by post from within the UK?

Your thoughts and advice will be much appreciated. Cheers.

[ElenaW]

Questions:
When you apply for a student visa, are you given an entry clearance letter or a stamp in your passport?

What's the earliest I can enter the country?

Is it possible to enter on the VWP for about 2 months and then re-enter as a student?

Would it be possible to go to the UK as a visitor and then apply by post from within the UK?

Your thoughts and advice will be much appreciated. Cheers.

1. you get a vignette in your passport as well as a foreign national ID card.
2. You can enter the country on the date that it says on the vignette.
3. Yes but you have to make sure you re-enter to get your visa "activated."
4. No you can't change from visitor to student visa.

[kabuki]

1. you get a vignette in your passport as well as a foreign national ID card.
2. You can enter the country on the date that it says on the vignette.
3. Yes but you have to make sure you re-enter to get your visa "activated."
4. No you can't change from visitor to student visa.

Cheers. Appreciate the response.

[ElenaW]

1. you get a vignette in your passport as well as a foreign national ID card.
2. You can enter the country on the date that it says on the vignette.
3. Yes but you have to make sure you re-enter to get your visa "activated."
4. No you can't change from visitor to student visa.

Cheers. Appreciate the response.

No problemo!