The Process of Applying For UK Student Visa

Applying for UK student visa is a crucial step in fulfilling your dream of studying in the United Kingdom. Navigating through the visa application process successfully is essential to ensure a smooth transition and to legally pursue your education in the UK. It is essential to do research if you are an overseas student hoping to get your higher education credentials from the UK. The requirements differ according to the country you belong to and the passports you hold. Here are a few of the steps you need to take during the process of applying for a UK student visa.

To fulfil your dream of studying in the UK, getting your UK student visa is an essential part of the journey. Sometimes the UK student visa process can be daunting if you don’t know how to apply, the date of application, and the deadlines.

In this article, you will find all about the application process for UK student visa guidance. Your local counsellor will guide you through your application process and they will provide you with the latest information about the UK visa requirements and all entry requirements.

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When To Apply

This process takes time, so apply 3 months before your course starts and you will know how long it takes for student visa processing in the UK. You need to apply before your current visa expires.

Visa Type

Knowing which type of UK student visa, you qualify for 2 types of UK student visas. These are:

1. short-term study visa.
2. Tier 4 (General) student visa.

1. Short-Term Study Visa:

If you are over the age of eighteen and want to go to the UK only to study a short course, then you can qualify for a short-term study visa. It lasts for 6 months but can be further extended to five more months if you are opting for English language courses. For a short-term study visa, you need to prove

• You have been accepted to a course in the UK.
• You have enough money to cover the cost of your studies.
• If you are able to cover your living costs for the duration of your studies,
• You can pay for your return journey after studying.

2. Tier 4 (General) Student Visa:

For courses longer than 6–12 months, you will need to first check whether the educational institute you have chosen holds a Tier 4 Sponsor License. If they do, then you will need to apply either for a Tier 4 child student visa (for those who belong to the age bracket of 4–16), or a Tier 4 general student visa (for those who are 17 and above).

If you are planning to apply, you need to proof-

• Your English language proficiency
• You have been offered a course.
• You can pay your tuition fees.

Knowing The Requirements

The student will first need to check the average visa processing time that is applicable to their country of residence. The student will need to ensure that they have enough time between the start of the semester and when the UK student visa they have applied for is approved. Of course, the requirements for each student differ according to their country, but there are a few general requirements, such as:

• If you are not from an English-speaking country, then you will need to prove that you have adequate English language skills, by obtaining a certificate from one of the secure English language tests (SELT).
• bank statements to prove that you can afford your stay and education in the UK.
• Details of your passport
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Your university acceptance letter as well as all other original academic documents that the student submitted at the time of their university application
• CAS number and original academic documents are mentioned on your CAS.
• Details about your tuition fees
• ATAS certificate (if applicable)
• Your sponsor’s information

NHS Payment

You might need to pay a healthcare surcharge, as part of your immigration application. If you are making your immigration application online, you pay a surcharge as part of your application. But if you are applying by post you pay the surcharge online before you send your application.

You can start using the NHS when- you have paid the healthcare surcharge and your visa or immigration application is granted.

Charge:

currently charged at £470 per year, if the granted visa includes part of a year that is 6 months or less. The amount charged is based on the course start and end dates taking into consideration the short post-study period students will be granted at the end of the visa.

 If the leave includes part of a year that is 6 months or less, the amount payable for that year will be £235. If the leave includes part of a year that is more than 6 months, the full annual amount of £470 will be payable.  

Undergraduate:

If you are a student in an undergraduate program, then £624 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example, £3,120 for a 5-year visa.

Post-graduate:

If you are a postgraduate student and take a one-year program, you have to pay £470 per year as an international student, for example, £940 for a two-year visa. The cost of 2 full years, if it’s for more than 18 months but less than 2 years.

Documents

• Your national ID cards
• Your current passport
• Bank statements
• A detailed plan of your studies and where to stay
• Accommodation letter
• A medical test report that says you are fit to travel.

Interview date

After submitting the required documents at the visa application centre, you will be directed to a video conference room where students will have a Skype or video interview with an entry clearance officer from the UK.

Once you have completed and paid for your visa application, you will have to book an appointment for biometric data. As an international student, you can fix your appointment at the visa centre if they have any slots. You will have 240 calendar days from the date you submitted your application.

Immigration Service

A biometric residence permit (BRP)card is issued by the home office to students as evidence of their immigration permission.

After making a successful immigration application, students will be issued with one of the following documents- a vignette for full-length of permission, a 90-day vignette, or a biometric residence permit (BRP).

 The following information outlines the steps to take if you are in possession of one of these documents and it is lost, stolen, or damaged, or it contains errors you will receive a new passport while you are in possession of the document.

Premium services:

Individuals applying for UK entry clearance sometimes require a very quick decision from the home office. If students are qualifying for the premium and same-day visa services and your application is straightforward, you should receive a response within 24 hours.

When students are already dealing with an urgent situation, trying to get a fast turnaround on their visa will only add to the pressure. Premium services are in high demand so it is very important to get in touch as soon as you can.

Payment procedure:

• Currently, the fee for the short-term study visa costs £97, and £348 for a Tier 4 general student visa. As a student, you need to know the UK student visa application fee.
• It costs £363 to apply for a student visa from outside the UK and £490 to extend or switch to a student visa from inside the UK.
• For online payment use a MasterCard or Visa card. Or through cash at the visa application centre and selected branches of a standard chartered bank.

Interview for Visa:

Credibility Interviews are required by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) to make sure that you are the original student. You may be asked some questions by the interviewer; it is also a part of your application. There are a number of questions you can ask in an interview.

• Your reasons for coming to the UK
• Your educational history
• Plans for your studies
• After studying your plan,
• Your working plan during the study
• Your personal information
• Financial circumstances
• What do you expect?

When you arrive in the UK, you will be met by somebody from the UKVI. They will scan your passport and cross-check your details. They will need to see your all documents, so make sure they are not packed inside your suitcase, when they asked for a passport, you can show it to the officer.

Visa decision waiting times:

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks once you either attend your appointment at the visa application centre or use the ID Check app if you are applying for a Short-term study visa, Student visa, or Child Student visa.

If you verify your identity at a visa application centre, then you may be able to get your visa faster. other services depending on what country you are in.

Notes

1. The UK Home Office has formally announced that they have opened their new post-study work visa (graduate route visa) for international students. This will officially allow international students to stay in the UK for work after completing their study courses.
2. The graduate route is designed in such a way that international students who have earned their degree from a recognized university in the UK can stay here and look for work for at least two years.
3. You may be able to switch to a student visa if you already have permission to be in the UK. You need to have a visa like that—an A-visit visa.
   1. A short-term student visa
   2. A Parent of a Child Student Visa
   3. A seasonal worker visa
   4. A domestic worker in a private household visa
   5. leave outside the immigration rules.

After you submit all of your information, you will have to wait for three weeks, until the decision is made and communicated to you. after confirming they will inform you via email. Then students have to collect visas from the visa centre. We wish you the best of luck in your study. If you still have confusion related to the process of applying at UK university feel free to book a session with our expert counsellors.

FAQs