Challenges with UK visa applications for ELT students in Russia

English UK has received reports from members and agents about challenges securing visa appointments at the visa application centres in Russia. This is causing a significant application backlog, particularly for junior students planning to come to the UK to study at an English UK member centre this summer. The situation is a concern as it risks causing reputational damage to the UK if not resolved swiftly.

Highlighting our concerns with government officials

We have contacted the Department for Business and Trade about our concerns. We have also written to Seema Malhotra, the Home Office Immigration Minister, asking her to investigate and rectify the situation. We have been advised that the issue has been added to the agenda of a meeting between the Export and Immigration Ministers scheduled for Tuesday 20 May. We continue to pursue the matter through our regular contacts at UKVI.

Contact your MP to help raise awareness

There is an urgent need to lobby MPs to make them aware of this situation and to press the Home Office for a durable solution. We urge you to email your MP as soon as possible. Ask your MP to write to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Immigration Minister Seema Malhotra, emphasising that time is running out for the 1000s of Russian students coming to the UK this summer.

If you have not already done so, this is an ideal time to ask your MP to attend our Parliamentary Reception in the House of Commons on Wednesday 14 May.

Notes on what you could include when contacting your MP

• Challenges securing visa appointments in Russia are causing significant problems for UK ELT centres, particularly for junior group summer bookings, as these cannot change their course start date.
• It is often impossible for our Russian agent partners to find any appointments at all.
• The situation risks undermining the UK's reputation as a welcoming and accessible destination for international students and other visitors.

Remember to include your centre's address and postcode at the start of your email whenever you contact your MP. You can also write to your MP for your home address.