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Applying
How to apply
Submit all of the following to BUNAC in Connecticut:
1) Completed Application Form. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and sign the Declaration at the bottom of the form
2) Proof of current, full-time, university or college student status - PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR FURTHER EXPLANATION*
3) Two official passport style photos, 2” by 2”. Please print your name on the back of the photos
4) Completed reference (Section 3 of the application), or a separate letter of recommendation from an instructor or employer who has known you for at least six months, or a job offer from an employer in Britain
5) Program fee of $290. This should be either a money order or a cashier’s check made payable to BUNAC USA. Unfortunately, we cannot accept personal checks or credit cards. Applicants in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Canada need to send an additional $10 for extra courier charges.
* Proof of full-time student status:
Applicants are required to provide proof of full-time status. Those studying in the USA should send an official transcript or complete Section 2 of the application form.
Quarter system students should send an official transcript.
Study abroad students should send a letter from your registrar at your US university, stating that they are on a semester abroad but still considered full-time. A copy of the student visa should be included.
Those studying at a US university abroad should send an official transcript and a copy of the student visa. Those studying at a Canadian university should send an official transcript or a letter from the registrar stating you are full-time. Recent graduates need to send an official transcript.
Please note that BUNAC is not able to send a Blue Card to an address outside the USA. The Blue Card is not valid in the Isle of Man.
Once accepted on to the program, you will receive the Work in Britain Handbook, your Blue Card and further introductory information.
The Blue Card is an entry document. It must be presented at Immigration when you first enter Britain and is valid for six months. It cannot be extended and is not valid in the Isle of Man.
When can I go?
The Blue Card must be activated within a semester of your last period of full-time study in the USA or university study abroad program, and in any case, no later than December 31st, 2008. Participants planning either (1) to arrive in the UK on or after November 1st, 2008, or (2) to temporarily leave and then return to the UK after that date must obtain Prior Entry Clearance* from a British Consulate before October 31st and before leaving the USA. If this applies to you, please call BUNAC for further information.
The Blue Card is valid from the day you first enter Britain and expires six months later whether you work or not. Although there is no minimum participation time, unless you have a pre-arranged job and accommodation, we suggest you plan to go for at least eight weeks.
*The entry clearance fee is currently £205 (approximately $435) plus postage. Entry Clearance Visa processing is currently taking 6-8 weeks.
Deadlines and cancellation
If you need to apply for Entry Clearance, we strongly recommend that you apply for your Blue Card ASAP in order to allow time for fingerprinting and Entry Clearance processing before October 31st, 2008. If you plan to enter the UK on or before October 30th, 2008 and do not wish to leave and reenter the UK during your 6 months stay, the last day we will issue 2008 Blue Cards is September 30th. The Blue Card program will not be available for 2009.
Completed applications are normally processed within two business days of receipt. The Blue Card package is couriered back to you overnight at no additional cost. However, applicants in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Canada need to send an additional $10 for extra courier charges.
In order to allow time for problems and to fully prepare yourself for the trip, you are urged to apply no later than three weeks before the intended date of departure. BUNAC cannot be held responsible for changes in travel plans caused by late application and delays in the mail.
You may be eligible for a 50% refund if you cancel before your application is processed. No refunds are possible after an application has been processed and a Blue Card is issued.