The UK Visa Office and UKBA has warned students in Gujarat that many of the agencies promising to handle visa applications on behalf of students and work permit seekers are offering misleading advice.

The British Deputy High Commission Mumbai has asked students to not take the information given by these agencies at face value; rather, the real definitive list of document requirements for a UK student visa can be found on the official website. The document is an eight point guideline for students seeking a student visa to study in the UK.

Applicants should NOT try to get their documents verified before submitting; most documents do not need to be verified and it is up to the UK embassy visa officer to decide whether a document needs verification or not. Applicants should not burden themselves with the extra hassle and cost before receiving notice to do so.

Just as a reminder, students should submit their visa applications no earlier than 3 months before they wish to travel to the UK for their studies. Also be aware that August and September are the busiest months for student visa applications, so processing times might take slightly longer and students are advised to make their applications as early as they are able to.

Be aware that there is s slim chance that between your visa being issued and you traveling to the UK, the sponsoring educational institution could be suspended and therefore entry into the UK will be refused at the border. Students are encouraged to check before flying to see if their institution is still on the sponsor's register.

If you must use an agent, choose one carefully. Make sure they are professional, and have experience dealing with student visas. Any agency that promises a 100% success rate should set off alarm bells.