everything else is a big task. We wanted to share with you the information we know about applying for a UK student visa to make it less of a task for you. In this blog we aim to cover all the major points about what a student visa entails, when you should apply and what are the costs.
To be able to enter and study in the UK, you need to obtain a Tier 4 visa. It’s the current student visa route of the point-based immigration system in the UK. Applying for a UK student visa can be an overwhelming process if you haven’t done your research well. You have to be mindful in providing the correct information as nondisclosure or falsifying any information may lead to the denial of your application. You might even be prohibited to enter UK for 10 years, if you are found doing so. Thus, it’s important that you are attentive to details and you are aware of all the documents required for your application and the processes involved. We do recognize that holding valuable information on this matter can help you have a better chance of getting your visa successfully that’s why we came up with this article.
What is the overall student visa application process?
You will receive an offer letter from the university should they decide to approve your course application. Your offer letter will contain details of your course and information about the amount you need to pay as a deposit before you get an acceptance letter. After your payment, the university will then provide you with a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS).
As soon as you get a CAS, you can submit your visa application online. You will then have to pay for the Home Office visa application fee. If you are applying for a visa which is over 6 months in duration and you’re applying from a country specified by the Home Office, you will have to take a Tuberculosis screening. A list of those specific countries is available on the Home Office website. A clearance certificate will be given to you if your result is negative. The TB screening certificate needs to be submitted as one of the supporting documents with your application.
You will then need to submit your biometric information which include your facial photograph and fingerprints at a visa application center (VAC). This is normally done at the time of your visa application lodging. Most of the applicants are interviewed as a part of the process usually done at a visa application center at the time of submitting your application and supporting documents. You will then have to wait for the decision on your application.
What are the information I need to provide on my application?
These are some of the basic information that you need to give:
Personal information
Academic qualification
English language competency
Details of the course and institution you’ll be attending
Maintenance Funds details
UK Accommodation details
What are the visa requirements?
To be eligible to apply for a the UK Tier 4 student visa, you must have the following:
Confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) from an education institution licensed by the Home Office
Minimum required English language proficiency
Sufficient funds for your study and stay in the UK
It’s important that you pass an English language test that is approved by the Home Office. The list of approved English tests can be found on the Home Office’s website. You will be exempted from this requirement if:
you have gained an academic qualification that is an equivalent to a UK degree taught in a majority English speaking country, or
you are from a majority English speaking country such as Australia, New Zealand, and the USA etc. The full list of countries is available on the Home Office website.
You must also present the following documents and evidence to prove your statements on your application:
valid passport (or other travel documents)
passport sized and colored photos (your name must be indicated on the other side)
evidence of funds that will show you can pay for your study and sustain yourself while living in the UK (it can be in forms such as a bank passbook or a bank statement or a loan letter from an approved institution)
others, as needed or required by the office depending on your case
What courses can I apply for?
As a Tier 4 student, you can study at an educational institution that has a Tier 4 sponsor license given by the Home Office. You can also study the following courses, but not limited to:
Degree courses
Below degree-level courses e.g. vocational courses at NQF level 3 or above
Pre-sessional courses
English language programmes
What is CAS?
A CAS or Confirmation of acceptance for studies is an electronic document which contains an individual reference number. Your TIER 4 Sponsor will give you a CAS once you have met all the course entry requirements. It’s a requirement for your student visa application and the reference number must be indicated on your application form. You need to apply for a visa within 6 months after you received the CAS.
Your education provider will usually send a CAS statement which contains information regarding your course and other important information which are needed for your application via email.
What do I need to pay?
For your application, you have to pay the Home Office Visa application fee.The visa application fee depends on where you are applying. You can use the Home Office online tool to determine the amount. You will need to provide information on your location and the type of visa you’ll be applying for.
If you’re required to undergo a Tuberculosis screening, you will also need to pay a separate fee for the test. You need to do the TB test at a Home Office accredited clinic in the country where you’ll be applying. The test fee is varied per country and you will give the payment to the clinic.
How long will the process take?
The length of time depends on several factors which include the country where you make your application. You must apply for a visa before you travel to the UK?. It’s advisable that you apply in advance to allow time for any possible adjustments to be made along the way. As per the Home Office guidance, you can submit your student visa application up to 3 months prior to your course start date. Usually, the result from the Home Office will be available within 15 working days. You can check the Home Office online tool for the usual processing time in your country. Again you will need to enter your location and the type of visa you’ll be applying for to get that information.
Am I allowed to work in the UK as an international student?
Yes, you are allowed to work while you’re studying. However, you will have a limited number of hours you can work. It will also depend on the level of course you’re studying and the institution you’ll be attending.
Can I bring a family member with me while I study?
Yes, you can bring a family member or dependant with you if they’re from a non- European Economic Area (EEA) country. However, there is a condition that must be met before you can bring your dependant in the UK. You should be one of the following:
sponsored by a higher education institution on a course at NQF level 7 or above which could take at least 1 full calendar year or more
new government-sponsored student on a course which could be completed in 6 months or more
a Doctorate Extension Scheme student
As per Home Office, a dependant can be the following:
husband, wife or civil partner
unmarried or same-sex partner
child below 18 years old (includes those born in the UK during your stay)
This only serves as a general guidance for you. It’s still very important that you check the Home Office’ website as it contains all the details relevant to your application. You can check it here: www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa.
There will be a lot of information that you have to bear in mind when applying for a Tier 4 student visa. If you need assistance, we can provide you advice on your student visa application.