Student Visa Requirements in the UK

At the stage of applying for the visa, you are done with almost all of the thoughtful decisions. You have an impressive IELTS score, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your college-to-be, financial aspects all ticked and, perhaps, discussions with 10 people who have been to the UK. Now bring up your swords (documents) and chaaAARGGEE!!

But, hold on, tiger. Do you have your student visa requirements in the UK checked?

UK Student Visa

A student aged 16 or above could be eligible for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. You can apply for a Student (ST) Visa against the CAS generated by your university. It is important to confirm whether your chosen institution is approved by the UK government as a ‘licensed Tier 4 sponsor’ at the UK Government’s official website. Students can also bring an immediate family (dependant) with them.

If your course is only for 6-11 months, you can apply for a short-term study visa. Students flying to study English often apply for short-term visas. These visas restrict students from changing courses, studying at a state-funded school, working or even extending their visa.

Eligibility

An unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor or a CAS, a valid IELTS score and financial proof(s) of maintenance funds are all you need to be eligible for a UK study visa.

Documents Required

While filling for a Tier-4 visa for the UK, present the below documents:

• Passport-size coloured Photographs
• A Passport with an expiration date past 5 years
• A CAS from your university
• Your tuberculosis test results
• A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the UKVI that holds your biographic details, biometric information (facial image and fingerprints) and immigration status and entitlements
• Assessment documentation
• An Academic Technology Approval Scheme ATAS Certificate, if required by your course or/and nationality
• Financial proofs such as personal bank statements or building society statements, bank letters and official loan letters. Your bank account must reflect the maintenance fund required of approx. £1,023 per month, for up to 9 months. Furthermore, for a school in London, the amount rises up to £1,334 per month due to.

Additional Documents

Some of these documents, additionally, could be requested in conditions such as:

Documents submitted are in a language other than English

• Translated copies of all documents with validity, contact details and date from the translation company

Involvement of an official financial sponsorship

• A consent letter from the sponsor on the visa application

Candidate is below 18 years of age

• Consent letters from both parents or legal guardian(s) on the visa application, your travel to the UK as well as your living and care arrangements when in the United Kingdom.
  Birth certificate or any other proof of relationship with the parents or legal guardian

The candidate has a family, or dependent, travelling along

• Dependents submit the same documents as the candidate

Charges and payment

Visa application costs are 38,629.06 INR for a Tier-4 visa (main and dependents) and 19,794.12 INR for a short-term visa. The payment can be made via MasterCard or Visa Card online. Alternatively, visit the visa application centre or the selected branches of Startards Chartered Bank with a Demand Draft or cash. Additionally, applicants also need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS). The surcharge is 81404.96 INR per year for applicants of a Tier 4 visa and 40702.48 INR for those on short-term visas. These annual charges may vary; visit the UK Visas and Immigration website to calculate.

If you plan to extend or switch your visa in the UK, a procession fee of £490 or 51,402.62 INR will be applicable. However, there are some implications on your Visa you need to adhere to. You may learn about them in our blog – Changing schools after getting the UK study visa.

Timeline

Visa application is a lengthy process and can take up to 3 months. We advise applying with sufficient time in hand so you can plan to reach the UK at least a week before your course starts. If your course is for more than 6 months, consider reaching a month early to pace yourself for the new beginnings.

A Tire 4 visa can be applied for up to 6 months before departure and is valid for 5 years and allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during the term and full-time during the off-term period.

How to apply?

Visit the British Government’s official website to apply for your student visa or connect with a visa consultant to guide you thoroughly and help you speed up the process.

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