Navigating the visa and immigration process to travel and study abroad can be difficult. Please use this page as a helpful resource to answer some of the most popular questions we receive regarding travel visa. For specific information pertaining to your visa questions, we recommend visiting the immigration websites below:
• UK Visas & Immigration
• Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
• US Department of State
• Canada Immigration & Citizenship
Understanding visa and immigration requirements is an important part of preparing for an MLA study holiday. Regulations differ by country, and they can change throughout the year, so it is essential that students check official government guidance and liaise with their agent for personalised support. The information below provides an overview of the most common questions we receive.
Students should always liaise with their agent to ensure they receive accurate, personalised advice based on their nationality, destination, and travel plans. Immigration rules can change, and agents can help students prepare the correct documents and meet all requirements in time for travel.
Which visa should I apply for?
The names of the visas can vary by country to country. In general, you will only need a tourist or visitor’s visa to study at an MLA centre as our programs are considered short-term recreational English courses.
How can I get a visa invitation letter from MLA?
Electronic visa invitation letters are automatically generated for groups inside the MLA Agent Zone. Please contact your agent to obtain your letter prior to making a visa appointment with the consulate. Letters will be issued under the trading name of the MLA company where the business is being conducted (e.g. Go Languages WorldWide Ltd. in the UK and Study World Corporation in the USA). An original hard copy of the visa invitation letter(s) can be sent by courier for a small fee: contact us for additional details.
What if I am from the EEA or Switzerland; do I still need a visa?
Students who enrol in MLA programmes from the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland will not need a visa to learn English in the UK or Ireland; however, different rules apply to those students in the USA and Canada.
What is the USA Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
The Visa Waiver Program, administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 38 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. To view the list of eligible countries click here. If you are traveling from a VWP eligible country, you will still be required to complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application, see below.
What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)?
ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
If I am enrolled in the MLA New York + Toronto MiniBreak programme do I need both a US and Canadian Visa?
Depending on your country of citizenship you may be required to possess a Canadian visa to enter Canada on the Toronto MiniBreak. To see what is required for travel to Canada please click here. If you are a passport holder of a European Economic Area (EEA) country, you will not need a visa nor eTA for the Tornoto MiniBreak.
What if I already have a visa?
If you already have a valid UK visa, you might be able to take a language course with MLA. If your visa is not listed below or if you are not sure if your visa allows you to study in the UK, please feel free to ask us for more information.
Students should always refer to the official immigration authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information:
Since MLA programmes are short-term and recreational, you may only require a tourist or visitor visa. However, visa categories vary by destination, and students should confirm requirements for their nationality using the relevant government website and ask your agent for confirmation and help with visas.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the United Kingdom
The UK has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for many nationalities who previously travelled visafree, even for short study holidays.
The full list of countries requiring an ETA is published here:
Check Countries: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the United Kingdom
Visa invitation letters are automatically generated for groups through the MLA Agent Zone. Students must contact their agent to obtain the letter before booking a visa appointment.
Issuing Authority: Letters are issued under the trading name of the MLA company operating in that country, such as Go Languages WorldWide Ltd. in the UK or Study World Corporation in the USA.
Hard Copies: If an original hard copy is required, MLA can arrange courier delivery for a small fee.
Ireland: Students from the EEA and Switzerland do not need a visa to study English in Ireland.
United Kingdom: EEA and Swiss nationals must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK.
USA and Canada: For the USA and Canada, students should check the specific entry rules for their nationality using the official government websites listed above. Ask your agent for confirmation and help with visas.
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of eligible countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Travellers must still complete an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.
Depending on nationality, students may require a Canadian visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada during the Toronto Mini-Break.
Check Requirements: Students can check Canada’s entry requirements here: Canada.ca – Visit Canada
EEA & Switzerland: Students from EEA countries and Switzerland do not require a visa or eTA for this excursion. Ask your agent for confirmation and help with visas.
Students who already hold a valid UK visa may be able to study with MLA, depending on the visa type as some visas have restrictions. If there is any uncertainty, students should contact MLA or liaise with their agent for clarification.
Verify Conditions: Students can verify visa conditions here: gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
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