UK red tape as sticky as the US version for would-be students

摘要

In a recent Editorial, you describe the arduous visa requirements applied to students or scientists seeking to enter the United States (Nature 461, 12; 2009). I experienced similar challenges and more as an American applying for a student visa to enter the United Kingdom. My permanent residency in Europe counted for nought. Bewildering tangle of directives? Check. Mysterious acronyms? Check. Proof of money to cover expenses? Check. Uncertain waiting times? Check.