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UK STUDENT VISA GUIDE

UK STUDENT VISA GUIDE

Content

  • When can you apply?
  • What is the Visa Application Fees?
  • How to apply for Student Visa?
  • Tier 4 General Student Visa Processing Time
  • Working on Student Visa
  • Student Visa Document Requirements
  • How to get Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS)?
  • Visa Interview Questions
  • Common Tier 4 Student Visa Interviews Questions
  • Related Articles
  • References

    • If you’re studying a longer course (like a UG/PG Degree), you’ll need to make sure your chosen institution holds a Tier 4 Sponsor License. You can apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa for those aged 16 and over.

    You can apply for a student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

  • have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
  • have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
  • can speak, read, write and understand English
  • have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 - you’ll need evidence of this when you apply

    •  

    When can you apply?

    The earliest you can apply for a visa is six months before you start your course.

     

    What is the Visa Application Fees?

    £363 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK. £490 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK. You will also have to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

     

    How to apply for Student Visa?

    You must apply online for a Student Visa - https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply

    As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this, depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

    You’ll either:

  • give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a visa application centre
  • use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

    • You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

     

    Tier 4 General Student Visa Processing Time

    You’ll usually get a decision within 3-4 weeks. You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

  • your supporting documents need to be verified
  • you need to attend an interview
  • of your personal circumstances

    •  

    Working on Student Visa

    A student visa issued for full-time degree level studies allows you to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time. This is a maximum of 20 hours in total in any one week, including paid or unpaid work and for one or more organisations. The 20 hours cannot be averaged over a longer period. A student visa issued for full-time degree level studies allows you to work full-time during official vacation periods. Term and vacation dates differ depending on the level of study you are undertaking, so it is important you check these before undertaking full-time work. This includes a full-time internship or placement unless it is part of your course.

     

    Student Visa Document Requirements

    When you apply for your Student visa you must provide:

  • Current passport or other valid travel documentation
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider


    • You would also need to provide:

  • Proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - this will vary depending on your circumstances
  • Valid ATAS certificate, if your course and nationality require it
  • Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18
  • Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re under 18
  • Your tuberculosis test results
  • Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months


    • You need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you apply.

     

    How to get Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS)?

  • Immigration rules require the University to sponsor your application for a student visa. A CAS number confirms that the university has made you an Unconditional offer of a place to study with the university and within UK, and that you have accepted this
  • You will need a CAS number to apply for a visa to allow you to study in the UK
  • After you have made your firm choice, the university will contact you (via mail) to put in CAS request. The University will apply to the UK government's UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) for your CAS number, confirming that they have made you an Unconditional offer of a study place, and that you have accepted this. UKVI will then issue a CAS number for you. They will send this to the University, and the university will share it with you
  • The process of arranging your CAS number will begin when you have activated your CAS Application via the Pre-Registration system. The CAS Application task will appear 1) when it is less than four months before your course starts, 2) when you have accepted an Unconditional offer of a study place at the University

    •  

    Visa Interview Questions

    As part of your Student Visa application, you may be asked to attend an interview with a UKVI caseworker. Interviews are conducted via video link to the UK and usually take place at your local Visa Application Centre. UKVI will use your interview to check that you are a genuine student. After all your documents are verified, you will be taken to a video conference room where you will have a Skype interview with an immigration officer from the UK.

     

    Common Tier 4 Student Visa Interviews Questions

    Ensure all questions are answered politely and clearly.

  • Could you please tell your name and date of birth?
  • Where will you be studying?
  • When does the course start?
  • Why did you choose this university?
  • Why did you choose this course?
  • Why did you choose the UK as your study destination?
  • Where will you be staying?

    • Immigration officers are only interested in learning if you are a genuine student, so there is no need to feel any great pressure when answering any of the above. Answer truthfully and you will encounter no problems with your application. In addition to the above questions, other queries around your current IELTS score may also arise. For example, if you scored lower in the writing part of the IELTS exam, you may be asked how you will cope during your studies. This is routine, but be prepared.

    Link to documents required: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/documents-you-must-provide

    Link to apply: https://apply-to-visit-or-stay-in-the-uk.homeoffice.gov.uk/sort/live-in-crown-dependency/student_out_uk?uid=f4bc1a7a-e95a-401c-bfe6-6c3e21e58b2f

    1. CONDITIONAL LETTER BASED ON APPLICATION

    2. UNCONDITIONAL LETTER IF YOU MEET THE CONDITIONS

    3. CAS LETTER ISSUED

    4. STUDENT THEN APPLIES FOR THE VISA, COMPLETING THE APPLICATION ON UK GOV WEBSITE AND TAKING A VISA APPOINTMENT.

    5. STUDENT THEN GOES TO THE APPOINTMENT CENTRE (VFS), COMPLETES THE REQUIREMENTS OF INTERVIEW AND SUBMITS THEIR PASSPORT.

    6. STUDENT GETS THE PASSPORT IN 3-4-5 WEEKS.


    References :