Entry Clearance/Visa is basically a control mechanism for every country to monitor and control the in-flow of foreigners.
In the UK, the Home Office used to issue very short visas that you almost lived in the constant processes of visa application all year round. Nowadays, you can get longer-term visas if you do have to study for an extended period here, so you can have a bit more time of peace and quiet!
Your first encounter with a Visa Officer would be in the British Embassy or one of its consulates in China. If you talk to people who have gone through this experience, you will find many versions of experiences, stories and impressions of the visa application process.
Of course, you have to be well prepared for the interview and bring with you all the required documents to demonstrate that you have chosen an appropriate course at an approved UK institute, you are capable of following through the course, you and/or your family have sufficient fund to support you for the length of your study, and you will return to China as soon as you complete the proposed study in the UK, etc. Your experience may be rather different from all the rest, depending on the individual officer who processes and interviewes you and your own responses at the interview.
It is useful if you talk to people who have recently been through the process so you may gain an insight of what it is like and what the current mood is with the Visa officers. Things are changing and it may soon become possible for you to fill in on-line application forms, and maybe decisions are made more by computers doing crosses and ticks rather than by human beings, although the human factor is always there and will be crucial in any judgement.
Once you arrive in the UK, visa extension can be applied for by post, which means you may never have to face another Visa Officer again.
If you would like to visit other European countries on the Continent, however, you must visit their embassies in person at least once.
Comparatively, French visa is rather difficult to get, although France is definitely a country worth visiting, especially if you can mumble a little French!
Most of the above-mentioned visa applications do not require the assistance of a lawyer or an agency. You can do it yourself and the result is pretty much the same. Read the requirement carefully and provide ALL the necessary documents. That is all! But if you want to obtain a work permit visa or other special visas, you may need to approach specialist law firms.
Remember, you can always start with asking your fellow Chinese for help, as they would have had experiences that are particularly useful to you. Asking help is perhaps one of the best ways to make friends!
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