How to Apply for a United Kingdom Student Visa (Student Visa (formerly Tier 4))

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. CAS Issuance: Receive an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor (university) and accept it to get your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number.
2. Apply Online: Apply online via the official GOV.UK website up to 6 months before your course starts.
3. Pay Fees: Pay the visa application fee (£490 for applicants outside the UK) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your online application.
4. Prove Identity: You will either use the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app to scan your biometric passport OR attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give your fingerprints and a photograph.
5. Submit Documents: Upload your supporting documents online or bring them to your VAC appointment.
6. Visa Decision: You will typically get a decision within 3 weeks. You will receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport to travel.
7. Collect BRP: After arriving in the UK, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days, or use your digital immigration status if applicable.

Required Documents Checklist

• Valid Passport (with a blank page for your visa).
• CAS Reference Number from your university.
• Proof of Financial Support (Bank statements or sponsor letter).
• ATAS Certificate (if your course and nationality require it).
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results (if you are coming from a country where you must take the test).
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (e.g., IELTS for UKVI, or equivalent assessed by your university).
• Written Consent from Financial Sponsor (if you received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months).

Financial Requirements (2024/2026 Guidelines)

You must prove you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK.

• Course Fees: You need enough money to pay for your course for 1 academic year (up to 9 months). The amount is stated on your CAS.
• Living Costs (Maintenance):
  • In London: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) = £12,006 total.
  • Outside London: £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) = £9,207 total.
• The 28-Day Rule: The money must have been held in the account for 28 consecutive days, and the end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of your application date.
• Exemptions: You don't need to prove funds if you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months prior to applying, or if you are from an exempt country (though you must still hold the funds in case asked).

Sponsorship Guidelines

• If using parents' or legal guardians' bank accounts, you must provide their birth certificate/adoption certificate to prove the relationship, and a signed letter confirming you have their permission to use the funds.
• If you have an official financial sponsor (government or international scholarship agency), you need a letter from them detailing the financial support.

Accompanying Family Members

• Strict Limitations (2024/2026 Rules): You are generally NOT permitted to bring dependents unless you are on a research-based postgraduate course (e.g., PhD) OR you are a government-sponsored student on a course lasting longer than 6 months.
• Dependent Funds: If eligible, you must show additional maintenance funds for each dependent:
  • In London: £845 per month (up to 9 months).
  • Outside London: £680 per month (up to 9 months).

Working While Studying

• Work Limits: If studying at degree level or above at a higher education provider, you can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
• During Breaks: You can work full-time during official university vacation periods.
• Post-Study Work: Upon successful graduation, you can apply for the Graduate Visa, allowing you to stay in the UK and work (or look for work) for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates).