UK Immigration

Mountbatten participants are sponsored to work in the UK under Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange) of the UK Border Agency's Points Based System (PBS), which provides work authorisation based on both the participant's practical training programme and the participant's status as a student of St Mary's University College, Twickenham, London. Each student is issued with a Certificate of Sponsorship upon confirmation of placement with a London sponsor company. The Certificate of Sponsorship is not an actual certificate or paper document, but is a unique reference number, which allows you to apply for, and obtain, Entry Clearance (a Visa) to enter the UK.

Entry Clearance and Biometrics

Foreign citizens entering the UK to work must first apply for and obtain Entry Clearance (a Visa) from a British Consulate in their home country. The Programme advises and assists candidates with this process, but has no say in the final decision and therefore cannot guarantee the granting of Entry Clearance. To date (December 2009) no Mountbatten applicants have been refused Entry Clearance.

As part of the Entry Clearance application process, all UK visa applicants are required to submit their biometric data (finger scans and digital photo).

A requirement of the British Government is that you must depart the UK upon conclusion of your work placement. The British Government imposes severe penalties on anyone who breaks the country's immigration laws, and you should be aware that Mountbatten will always comply fully with the letter and spirit of the law.

Further details on how to obtain Entry Clearance, including submitting biometric data are provided upon placement with a London Sponsor Company.