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B1/B2 visa 

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).  

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa: 

Business B1  

Consult with business associates, attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference, settle an estate, negotiate a contract  

Tourism B2  

Tourism/Vacation (holiday), visit with friends or relatives, medical treatment, participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations, participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating, enrolment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation). 

Student Visa  

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. You must have a student visa to study in the United States. You should obtain F visa if you planing to enter the United States to attend: University or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, another academic institution, including a language training program.   

Find the right British
boarding school for your child

British schools have a reputation for bringing out the best in each individual student, enabling them to achieve their full potential, whilst finding their own way in life.

However, not every school will be right for every child. In addition to academic and geographical considerations, British boarding schools boast a wide variety of extra-curricular activities; some are single-sex and others are co-educational; some will specialise in Sport and others will place more emphasis on Art or perhaps have a long-standing reputation in Music or Drama. 

How do I choose the right boarding school?

The standard of all UK boarding schools is extremely high, yet they are all unique. So, with all these reputable and prestigious schools, how do you know which is the best for your child? Our experts have longstanding relationships with schools all over the UK and believe in giving advice that is tailored to you.  When it comes to UK boarding school placement, you can rely on our services to find the right school and ensure your child's successful application and enrolment.

Contact us for a free one-on-one discussion to explore how we can support you.

1.  Exam succes

First on our list is UK boarding schools consistently produce excellent exam results. There are a range of qualifications that students can choose to study including A Levels, BTEC and IB. Having so many study and exam options in the UK means that international students can find an exam system that works well for them.

2.  High university acceptance rate

The best British boarding schools have high university acceptance rates. Independent schools generally achieve top grades across the country allowing pupils to attend the best universities. In fact, 91% of pupils from independent schools in the UK will go on to Higher Education, with 54% continuing to a Top 25 University. International pupils at UK boarding schools find that their journey to Higher Education is much smoother having experienced the British school system for a few years prior.

3.  Olympic success at British boarding schools

British boarding schools have excellent sports facilities. Top facilities combined with expert coaching means that students can excel in a variety of sports. Many of the UK’s top boarding schools see students go on to compete in the Olympics. Did you know that 31% of Olympic medalists in 2016 attended independent schools? The boarding schools we work with pride themselves on understanding your child’s existing talent and skills to then build on their potential. Read our blog to find out more about the Olympic success of some of Britain's top boarding schools.

4.  Success in the Arts

As well as success in sport and academia, British boarding schools also have an impressive track record for producing industry leaders in the arts. An incredible 67% of British Oscar winners were privately educated, including actors like Eddie Redmayne, Daniel-Day Lewis and Benedict Cumberbatch. Chloe Zhao, who won the 2021 Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture, attended Brighton College as an international boarder. The time and resources boarding schools dedicate to creative arts mean that the opportunities for students to broaden their creative abilities are plentiful.

5.  Opportunities to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award

Many boarding schools will offer students the opportunity to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh Award, also known as DofE. Students can work towards a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. The opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award will improve your child's teamwork, communication, and leadership abilities - all qualities that are excellent on a CV (i.e., a resume). Having an award will tell potential employers or university admissions staff that your child holds important life skills. Our blog covers all you need to know about the Duke of Edinburgh Award and how it could benefit your child.

6.  A blend of traditional and modern

Many of the best British boarding schools have been around for centuries and as a result they come with years of prestigious traditions for students to experience. Boarding schools have however, shifted a lot in more recent years, developing and adapting to make the most of new teaching methods and technology. Their unique combination of the traditional and the modern means that students get the best of both worlds.

7.  Outstanding facilities

UK boarding schools have access to exceptional facilities and lots of open space, particularly due to the size of the school grounds. Sports pitches, swimming pools and tennis courts are common on most campuses. Millfield School's sport facilities are particularly impressive, including dance studios with sprung floors, a climbing wall and three world class water based hockey AstroTurfs. Schools also cater for students interested in music and drama, and many have dedicated rehearsal rooms and recording studios as well as their own on-campus theatres for student performances. The facilities at British boarding schools allow students the opportunity to fully explore and develop their interests and skills.

8.  Extensive extra curricular activities

Most boarding schools offer a wide range of extra curricular activities and make use of high quality facilities and coaching. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports, academic clubs and orchestras. It's not uncommon for UK boarding schools to have over 75 clubs available, so there's something for everyone.

Schools encourage students to take part in inter-school sports matches and music performances. They also compete against other schools and there's often the opportunity to go abroad with the clubs to compete internationally. The extra curricular activities at boarding schools provide opportunities for pupils to develop their life skills and resilience. Read our blog about a few of the most popular activities for students to get involved with.

9.  The international community

From our list of reasons so far, it's understandable that boarding schools are so popular with international students coming to school in the UK. As a result, boarding schools boast a real international community both in the classroom and in the boarding houses. International students often make up a large percentage of a school's boarding community. This helps pupils develop mutual respect and cultural understanding.

10. British boarding school campuses

No matter where in the country your child wants to go to school, there are stunning campuses in every corner. From old, traditional buildings in the British countryside to more modern city campuses, there are options to suit every student.

Many expats who want to live and work in the Netherlands (for more than 90 days) need to apply for a residence permit. The type of application you should submit depends on your nationality and on your reason for moving to the Netherlands, such as family, studies, work or other purposes. The main purposes for applying for residence in the Netherlands include:  

As a spouse,(unmarried) partner or family member. As an employee or self-employed individual As a highly skilled migrant or scientific researcher. As a student at a university or higher education institution. As a student at a secondary or vocational school. As a graduate n an orientation year As part of an exchange or working holiday programme. As an au pair. As a Turkish national. As a foreign investor. As an entrepreneur on a startup visa. As a refugee or asylum seeker. 

Family members of European citizens under EU Law, family members of EU / EEA and Swiss nationals living in the Netherlands can join them there, even if they do not have European citizenship. This includes spouses and (unmarried) partners. In such situations the family members may apply for verification against EU Law to request a certificate of lawful residence, if they meet the IND's requirements for third country nationals. It's important to note this option does not apply to family members of Dutch nationals, unless the Dutch national has lived in another EU country.  
Register company 

To register your company in the Dutch Business Register, you need to have a Dutch address. This can be your own address or a so-called zakenadres, for instance your accountant's address. Ask for a signed declaration of consent that they allow you to use their address as a business address. If you plan on establishing your company in the Netherlands, find business premises before you register at KVK. 

As a starting entrepreneur, you must choose a legal structure, like sole proprietorship, a general partnership (vof) or a private limited company (bv). Which legal form is most suitable for you depends on your situation. The following legal forms always have to register in the Business Register:  sole proprietor (eenmanszaak);private limited company (bv);public limited company (nv);general  partnership (vof);limited partnership (cv);foundation (stichting);association with notarial deed (vereniging);professional  partnership (maatschap);cooperative  and mutual insurance society. 

BSN number

The citizen service number (BSN) is a unique personal number allocated to everyone registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP). Everyone who registers with the BRP is automatically given a BSN.The government uses your citizen service number (BSN) to process your personal data. You can use your BSN for any government service in the Netherlands. You do not have to provide your data to each different government organisation – they can find it using your BSN.

NIE numbe

What is the Spanish NIE number?

The NIE number in Spain is a tax number that identifies foreigners. It’s used to register them with the federal, regional and city governments. In English, it means ‘Foreigner’s Identification Number’ and in Spanish ‘Número de Identificación de Extranjero’ (NIE). You will need this number for different services, including; to hire utilities, for internet service, accepting employment, to attend school, for paying taxes, opening a Spanish bank account, to apply for a vehicle license, buying property in Spain, etc.

What types of NIE exist?

There are two types of NIE numbers in Spain. The first type of NIE is for the European Union (EU) citizens and other European countries citizens who intend to live in Spain. The second type is for people from every other country in the world.

EU Citizen or Resident NIE.

This number is registered on a document called a ‘Registration Certificate’ (Certificado de registro como residente comunitario). It’s a small paper card with the person’s name and the Spanish NIE number (Foreign Identification Number) written on it. Only citizens of the EU, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland or Switzerland, who reside in Spain for three months, can apply.

Non-Resident NIE.

This is a document with the person’s name and NIE. It’s for two sets of people:
Citizens of the EU, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland or Switzerland, who do NOT plan on living in Spain for more than three months during any 365-day period.

Everybody else such as all non-EU-citizens. This NIE only allows you to do certain acts in Spain; it does NOT allow you to live or work here. If a non-EU-citizen wants to live legally in Spain, they must go through the immigration process and obtain a Residence Permit. 

How Do I get my NIE number in Spain?

Procedures are different for EU and Non-EU citizens. For EU citizens, what is required to get an NIE number in Spain?
You should apply for an EU registration certificate at a police station (comisaria) in the Spanish town where you live. You can also apply at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your resident country. 

For Non-EU citizens, what is required to get a NIE number in Spain?
You should apply at the Spanish Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) in your town or city. In addition, you can apply at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your resident country.

Resident visas

A residence visa is issued when applying for a residence permit in Spain. There are several reasons for obtaining a residence permit in Spain, depending on which the list of documents to be submitted varies:

• family reunification with a Spaniard / EU citizen or a citizen of another country permanently residing in Spain based on a residence permit for at least 1 year;
• moving to Spain without the right to work;
• moving to Spain to work under a contract;
• studying in Spain or conducting scientific research. 

A resident visa is issued for 90 days. During this time, you must enter the territory of Spain, and within 1 month, but no later than the expiration of the visa, submit documents for a resident card. Initially, a resident card is issued for 1 year. After a year, you can apply for a residence permit extension and a new resident card already in Spain without the need to travel to your home country.

Long-term study visa

A long-term study visa entitles you to reside in Spain for up to 180 days. 

Visitor Visa UK 

If you’re looking to make a short term stay in the UK, then the standard visitor visa (UK) is likely the visa you’ll need to apply for. Visitor visas in the UK allow you to travel for short term stays of up to six months and can be used for leisure and business, among other reasons. You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: for tourism, for example on a holiday or vacation to see your family or friends to volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity to pass through the UK to another country (‘in transit’)for certain  business activities, for example attending a meeting or interview to take part in a school exchange programme to do a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example a dance course to study, do a placement or take an examas an academic, senior doctor or dentistfor medical reasons  

Student visa 

 You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you: have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course -the amount will vary depending on your circumstances can speak, read, write and understand English have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 - you’ll need evidence of this when you apply