Overseas applicants who are not citizens of the UK or European Economic Area must obtain a student visa before they can enter the UK to study. This involves making a visa application to the nearest British Embassy or High Commission. For a student visa application to be successful the applicant must demonstrate that they have been accepted by a recognised academic institution (which West London College is) and that they have enough money available at the time of the visa application to cover the tuition fees and living expenses for the first year of the course. Applications are made in writing, using two application forms, one called a VAF9 PBS Migrant form and the other a PBS Appendix 8 General Student self assessment form. Visa applications are decided on the basis of the information given on these forms and the supporting documents.

Comprehensive, step-by-step instructions are sent by the College to prospective students explaining exactly how to fill in the visa application forms and which documents to provide in support, but the basic process is as follows:

1. The student applies to the College.
2. The College sends an acceptance letter.
3. The student pays the first year's tuition fees.
4. The College sends a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Study) to the student (or their agent) together with detailed instructions and at the same time uploads information about the student onto the UK Border Agency's database.
5. The student copies the information from the CAS onto the PBS Appendix 8 form and attaches their original qualifications, together with a bank statement showing that they or their parents have had a minimum balance of £7,200 in their account for at least 28 days prior to the application.
6. The student submits the forms and additional documents to their local British Embassy/High Commission.

NB. Under the new Points Based System it is very unlikely that a visa application will be unsuccessful, provided the instructions are followed carefully but if this happens and the failed applicant does not want to make a fresh application the College will refund all tuition fees paid, minus the £100 registration fee.