If you want to study in some of the UK’s top institutions, then you are going to need a UK Student Visa. As you know, the United Kingdom is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. If you dream of studying at any of these universities, one of the first steps is applying for a student visa.
However, navigating the process of a UK student visa application does not come easy. But with the right information, you can have a smooth application experience. At Checklist Visa, we aim to help make the process easier for you by walking you through everything you need to know about getting a UK student visa.
Types of UK Student Visas
The UK offers four different types of student visas. Understanding the specifics of each one will help you choose the visa that best suits your needs.
1. Short-term Study Visa
This visa is intended for those who want to enter the UK for the purposes of learning a short course. These include language courses and other training programs. With this visa, one can study and live in the UK for up to six months, or 11 months if you’re taking an English language course.
You cannot extend your stay in the UK under this visa. A student with this visa is barred from taking work and cannot bring dependents into the UK.
2. Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
Generally called a Student Visa, this is applicable to students over 16 years old who have been accepted for long-term courses at any of the licensed UK learning institutions. You can stay in the UK as long as you need for your course with this visa. Moreover, those holding this visa can take part-time work and may bring dependents under certain conditions. Also, the visa can be extended or changed to other types.
3. Child Student Visa
The Child Student Visa is intended for kids aged between 4 and 17 years. These children are invited to study at independent schools within the United Kingdom and can stay for the duration of the course that has been arranged for them.
In addition, children applying for this visa must have the consent of their parents or guardians. Furthermore, those aged 16 years and above may be eligible to work part-time during their studies.
4. Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route)
Also known as the Graduate Route, this visa allows international students who have completed a degree or higher-level course in the UK to remain and work (or search for work) for up to 2 years after graduation, or 3 years for doctoral graduates. Although this visa cannot be renewed, it can serve as a valuable stepping stone towards transitioning to a skilled work visa.
Eligibility Requirements
Here are the eligibility requirements for a UK student visa:
1. Offer of a place from a licensed UK educational institution
To apply for a UK student visa, you must first have an unconditional offer from a course. This must be from a licensed educational institution approved by the UK Home Office.
Once you’re accepted, the institution will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This document is essential for your visa application for a UK student visa.
2. Proof of English language proficiency
You must show you have strong enough English language skills to study in the UK. For this, you can take an approved test, such as IELTS or TOEFL. Alternatively, you may meet certain exemptions. For instance, if you’re from an English-speaking country or have previously studied in English, you might not need to take these tests.
3. Financial requirements
Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves while studying in the UK. This requirement includes covering tuition fees and living expenses for the entire duration of the course. Additionally, the amount needed depends on your study location. For example, living in London typically requires a higher budget compared to other cities in the UK.
4. CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
The CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is an electronic document issued by your educational institution. It includes a unique reference number that confirms your acceptance into a course. You will need this CAS number to complete your visa application. Additionally, it must be issued no more than six months before you apply for the visa.
5. Health surcharge payment
You will be asked to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when applying for the UK student visa. This fee grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The amount varies depending on the length of your visa. Furthermore, payment is made at the time of your visa application.
Conditions of the UK Student Visa
A UK student visa will let you stay in the UK for the whole length of your course, with the option to extend a little additional time at the end. Usually, you can extend two months more if your courses are less than six months and four months more for courses more than six months.
Some students may be allowed to work part-time, although it must not be more than 20 hours a week throughout term time and full-time during holidays, depending on their courses. However, in some cases, certain conditions may be in place. You can travel in and out of the UK with the visa, as long as it does not expire while you are staying in the UK.
As far as the family dependents are concerned, a Tier 4 (General) visa student is allowed to bring his or her dependents along with them in case their course exceeds over 12 months. Their dependents may include their spouse, partners, or children. However, they will have to apply separately for a visa for each dependent. Moreover, the dependents would be required to satisfy the financial requirements to sustain their living in the UK.
FAQs on UK Student Visa
How long does it take to get a UK Student Visa?
Typically, a UK Student Visa application takes about 3 weeks to process if submitted from outside the UK. If made from within the UK, the processing time may typically take about 8 weeks. Processing times can also vary depending on the individual specifics of an applicant and the volume of applications processed at the time the application is made. So, apply as early as you possibly can ahead of the start of your course date to get your visa on time.
What should I do if my visa application is denied?
If your UK student visa application is rejected, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. Read this letter to know why your application was refused. You might then either reapply, addressing the grounds of your refusal or appeal the decision if you are convinced that the decision made is wrong. If you decide to reapply, ensure you supply additional documentation or clear any misunderstandings. It is also advisable to seek advice from an immigration lawyer or a reputable education consultant in order to improve one’s chances of success in any subsequent application.
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