10 February 2010: New rules for student points-based system applications.

Students who require a Tier 4 points-based system visa to study in the UK will be required to meet stricter criteria. The new regulations will ensure that students studying below degree level will have limited ability to work in the UK, and their dependants will not be able to work at all. There will also be a requirement on students to demonstrate their English language ability. Please see the full news report about the new rules, and read more information about studying in the UK on the UK Border Agency website.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A UK VISA IN TAIWAN

From 3 March 2009 full Taiwan passport-holders who wish to visit the UK for less than six months on business or as a tourist, family visitor or student visit will no longer require a visa.

If you hold a Taiwanese non-resident passport or if you do not have a Taiwanese ID number in your Taiwanese passport then you must apply for a visa before travelling.

Where can I get information?

1. UK Border Agency and the British Embassy in Manila work in partnership with a commercial organisation:  VFS Taiwan Ltd (VFS).   You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through VFS’s website. VFS also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service:
2. VFS’s e-mail address: info.uktw@vfshelpline.com
3. Call Centre:

• Opening hours:  Monday - Friday: 0800 hrs  - 1700 hrs (assistance in English and Mandarin)
• Callers from Taiwan: 0204 5 8989 (please note that users can only access this number via Chunghwa Telecom).
• Fee: Callers will be charged 22 NTD/minute

Please note that the British Embassy in Manila is unable to provide visa information to personal callers.  Please contact VFS as described above.

Do I have to pay?

Website and email information is free of charge but there is a charge of NTD22/minute for using the telephone service.

Where can I get advice? 

If you need advice about the UK's immigration rules and requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies.  Their websites are:

• Law Society of England and Wales
• Law Society of Scotland
• Law Society of Northern Ireland
• Institute of Legal Executives

How do I submit my application?

VFS manages one Visa Application Centre in Taipei, where you should submit your application and have your biometric fingerscans and digital photograph taken.

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

Your visa application will be processed and decided by UK Border Agency staff. Neither VFS, nor any of its staff play any part in, nor can they influence the outcome of your visa application.  If any member of staff employed by VFS claim to be able to influence your application you should inform the British Embassy in Manila as soon as possible.

Service standards  - complaints and compliments

The UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers.  We welcome feedback which helps us to focus on where we need to improve

If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days

• If you wish to complain about the service you received in Taiwan from the UK Border Agency in Manila , please address your complaint to the Entry Clearance Manager at the address below:

          120 Upper McKinley Road 
          McKinley Town Center
          Fort Bonifacio
          Taguig City 1634 Metro Manila

• If you wish to complain about the service you received from VFS, you may submit it direct to their website, in person, or to the Entry Clearance Manager at the British Embassy in Manlia in writing.