UK Student Visa: All About Application, Fees and Processing Time

There are top-notch universities in the UK like like Imperial College London, King’s College London, Coventry University, and Durham University. To study here, a valid UK student visa is essential. Until March 2023, approximately 480,000 UK student visas were granted. Your visa duration aligns with your program length, as indicated in your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Discover more about the UK student visa application process, costs, and other details in this blog.

Application Process for UK Student Visa

To apply for a Tier 4 student visa in the UK, you must first obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your chosen university. International students applying for Tier 4 student visas should do so at least three months before their program begins.

Here are the essential documents needed for the UK student visa application:

1. Passport details
2. Tuberculosis test results
3. Criminal record certificate
4. Proof of financial sufficiency
5. Letters from parents or legal guardians if you are under 18
6. Recent passport-sized photograph

Additionally, you may need to provide documents demonstrating your academic qualifications and attend an interview or a biometric test, which includes a digital fingerprint scan.

Process of Applying for a UK Student Visa

Obtaining a UK student visa is a straightforward process, provided you have the necessary documents. Most of the process is online:

1. Enroll for Biometrics at a visa center for a Biometric Residence Permit.
2. Complete the UK student visa application online.
3. Include a Tuberculosis Certificate with a “negative” result.
4. Pay the 348 GBP visa processing fee.
5. Attend an interview as scheduled.

Once you’ve submitted your application online, the waiting period begins. If you face any online form challenges, contact your sponsor institution for assistance.

UK Student Visa’s Processing Time

UK student visa applications typically take around 3 weeks (15 working days) to process once the application is submitted.

Applicants have the option to track their visa application through the VFS SMS alert service or the online tracking system. However, if your application is deemed complex and requires more time, you may be contacted for reasons such as:

1. Verification of supporting documents.
2. The need for an interview.
3. Specific personal circumstances, such as a criminal conviction.

When You Should Apply for a UK Student Visa?

The timing for your UK student visa application depends on your location, whether you’re inside or outside the UK.

Right Time to Apply From Outside the UK

If you’re applying from outside the UK, you can start the process as early as six months before your course begins. Typically, you’ll receive a visa decision within three weeks.

Right Time to Apply When You are in the UK

For those applying from within the UK, you can begin the application three months prior to your course start date. Be sure to apply before your current visa expires, and your new course should start within 28 days of your visa expiration. The decision process typically takes around eight weeks.

Note that visa applications surge in June, July, and August, leading to longer processing times due to high demand.

Visa Fees for Students in the UK

Here are the fees for the Student visa:

• If you’re applying from outside the UK, it’s £363.
• If you’re extending or switching to a Student visa from within the UK, it’s £490.

Remember, you need to pay the visa fee for each dependent who’s coming with you.

What Does the CAS Document Use For?

A CAS document stands for “Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.” It is a reference number issued by your educational institution once you have been accepted into a course. This number is essential for candidates as they are required to include it in their visa application when applying for a UK student visa.

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