Click the button below to download a printable version of the UK visa process checklist.
What are the visa require UK student visa ments for studying in the UK?
You must have:
An unconditional offer of a place on a full-time course and receipt of your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) from your university. The CAS is a reference number that you must enter on your application form.
Enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – the amount will vary depending on your circumstances.
Before applying for your visa
Check your eligibility to apply for your visa. For full eligibility requirements, visit UK. Government website here
Check if you need a tuberculosis (TB) test – it depends on the country you usually live in. A full list of countries Additional information on the TB test can be found on the UK government website.
Check your course offer letter to find out if you will need an ATAS – Academic Technology Approval Program . This is required to study certain subjects at degree level in the UK.
Read the UK Home Office advice for Tier 4 students and use this document to complete your visa application
Visit UKCISA – Prepare your application for a step by step guide to the visa application process
Top tip: Start gathering your supporting documents ahead of time and make sure they’re in the correct format. complete list of documents you will likely need to provide.
How can I ask?
The easiest way to apply for your Tier 4 visa is to apply online . You will usually need to apply outside the UK, in the country where you normally live.
Biometrics
Once you have completed your form, you will be asked to make an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at the local visa application centre. Find the center closest to you here.
Interview
UKVI (UK Visa and Immigration) may ask you to take part in an interview as part of the application process. It’s a normal procedure and nothing to worry about, but it helps if you’re ready!
The visa and immigration officer will ask you questions about yourself and your study goals
, including your course and why you want to study in the UK. They must ensure that you are a genuine student and that your main purpose of coming to the UK is to study for your degree.
TOP TIP: Check your emails every day! – Once your application has been submitted, UKVI will contact you by email with any updates or requests for further information. So be sure to check your email address (including your junk or spam folder)!
When can I apply and how much does it cost?
The earliest you can apply for your student visa is 3 months before your course start date, which you can find on your unconditional offer letter or CAS.
The visa application fee for a Tier 4 (General) visa is £348 plus the health supplement. Immigration Surcharge’ or ‘IHS’) that most international students will have to pay.
IHS allows you to use the services of the NHS, the UK’s national health service, for the duration of your studies.
If you apply for your visa online, you will need to pay the supplement as part of the online application process. Typically an undergraduate applying for a 3 year course will need to pay £300 . Use this calculator to check how much IHS you will need to pay.
How long does it take to get my visa?
You can check the current visa processing times in your country using the tool available on the UK government website. For an additional fee, you may be able to use a priority service which will process your request faster.
When can I travel?
Once you have obtained your visa, you can travel to the UK one month before the start of the course, as long as your course is longer than six months. You will receive a temporary entry clearance sticker in your passport, valid for X days, allowing you to travel to the UK.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Once in the UK, you must collect your BRP within ten days of the date you announced your arrival in the UK Admissions, even if you arrive later. The BRP is a small identity card which proves that you have the right to stay in the UK for the duration of your visa. You will need to collect your BRP from your university or a post office.
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