LET’S DO BUSINESS
The quickest way from A to B is usually a conversation. So, if you want to find out more about how Legend Financial can boost your business, get in touch. We’ll give straight answers so you can make a confident decision, fast.
[ninja_form id=’38’]
Table of Contents
UK Student Visa
The student visa is a type of visa that allows international students who are 16 or older to study in the UK. To qualify for this visa, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You have a confirmed place on a course from a licensed student sponsor.
- You have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and tuition fees. The exact amount depends on your situation.
- You have the required level of English language ability.
- You have your parent’s permission if you’re 16 or 17; you must provide proof of this when you apply.
If you’re 16 or 17 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be able to apply for a Child Student visa instead. This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.
When To Apply for a UK Student Visa
The application process and timeline for a student visa vary depending on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
Applying From Outside The UK
You can apply for a student visa up to 6 months before the start date of your course. You should apply as early as possible to avoid visa processing delays.
After you submit your online application, you must make an appointment at a visa application centre in your country to provide your biometric information and supporting documents.
Applying From Inside The UK
You can apply for a student visa up to 3 months before the start date of your course. You must apply before your current visa expires and meet the eligibility requirements for a student visa. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
You’ll need to complete an online application form and upload your evidence. You’ll also need to book and attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center to provide your biometric information. You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within eight weeks of your appointment.
How Long Can You Stay?
The length of your student visa depends on the duration of your course and your earlier studies in the UK. You’ll usually be granted some extra time before and after your course to prepare for your studies, arrange your departure, or extend your stay.
If you’re 18 or over and your course is at a degree level or higher, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years with a student visa. You’ll be given one month before your course starts and up to four months after it ends.
If you’re 18 or over and your course is below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years with a student visa. You’ll be given one month before your course starts and two months after it ends.
Staying Longer in the UK
If you want to stay longer in the UK after your course ends, you may be able to switch to a different type of visa, such as a work visa or a family visa. You must meet the eligibility criteria and apply before your student visa expires.
You may also qualify for the Graduate route, which lets you work or look for work in the UK for up to 2 or 3 years after finishing your studies, depending on your qualifications. When you apply for the graduate route, you’ll need a valid Student visa, and you’ll get a new visa to stay in the UK.
You may be able to:
- extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example, to continue your studies in the UK.
- switch to a student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK.
- switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after completing your course.
When To Travel to the UK
You can come to the UK before your course begins, depending on the duration of your course. The following rules apply:
- If your course is 6 months or less, you can arrive up to 1 week before your course start date.
- If your course is over 6 months, you can arrive up to 1 month before your course start date.
Do not travel to the UK earlier than the start date on your visa, even if your course starts later.
UK Student Visa Requirements
As of 1 January 2021, the UK has a new points-based immigration system for all students, regardless of where they come from. To get a student visa, you must score 70 points by meeting certain criteria. Here are the main ones:
- You need a confirmed place on a course with a licensed student sponsor.
- You need a valid identity document, such as a passport or an ID card, which shows your nationality and date of birth.
- You need enough money to cover your UK course fees and living costs. The amount you need depends on your course and where you will study. You can use the online student visa calculator to estimate your needs.
- You need to prove your English language skills at the required level for your course. You may need to take an approved English language test and provide the results with your application.
- If you are under 18, you need consent from your parents or guardians.
- If you are coming from a country where TB is prevalent, you need a valid tuberculosis (TB) test result.
Application Process
To apply for a UK student visa, follow these steps:
- Check if you are eligible and meet the criteria for your course and institution.
- Apply online on the UK government website. Create an account, complete an online form, and pay the fee. The fee depends on your nationality and course duration. See the visa fees on the UK government website.
- Book and attend an appointment at a visa application center in your country. Submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph), identity, and supporting documents. You may also have an interview about your course and plans in the UK.
- Wait for a decision. The processing time varies by country and visa type. See the processing times on the UK government website.
- Collect your visa and travel to the UK. You will receive a decision letter telling you whether your visa was approved. If approved, you will receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport to enter the UK.
- You will also get a letter confirming acceptance for studies (CAS) number. You need this number to collect your biometric residence permit (BRP), which shows your immigration status and personal details. Collect your BRP within 10 days of arriving in the UK from a post office or your institution.
|
Step
|
Process
|
|---|---|
|
1
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
5
|
|
Required Documents
The documents you need for your student visa application depend on your course situation and institution. Among the common documents are:
- A current passport or other valid identity document
- A CAS letter from your institution confirming your course placement.
- Evidence of your English language ability, such as a test result or a certificate
- Evidence of your financial ability, such as bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor letters
- A TB test result, if needed
- Consent letter from your parents or guardians if you are under 18.
- Any other relevant documents, such as academic transcripts, qualifications, or earlier visas
You must also ensure that your documents are valid and current. The UK government website provides more information about the required documents.
|
Required Documents
|
Details
|
|---|---|
|
Passport/Identity Document
|
A current passport or other valid identity document
|
|
CAS Letter
|
A CAS letter from your institution that confirms your offer of a place on a course
|
|
English Language Proficiency
|
Evidence of your English language ability, such as a test result or a certificate
|
|
Financial Ability
|
Evidence of your financial ability, such as bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor letters
|
|
TB Test Result
|
A TB test result, if needed
|
|
Consent Letter
|
Consent letter from your parents or guardians if you are under 18
|
|
Other Documents
|
Any other documents that are relevant to your application, such as academic transcripts, qualifications, or earlier visas
|
Costs And Financial Requirements
To apply for a UK student visa, you will need to pay for the following:
- The visa application fee depends on your nationality and course length.
- The fee is £490 if you apply outside or inside the UK. You will also need to pay the same amount for each dependent who joins you.
- The living costs in the UK vary by your location and lifestyle. The UK government requires you to have at least £ 1,334 per month if you study in London and at least £ 1,023 per month if you study elsewhere.
- You will need to prove that you have enough money for up to nine months of living costs or the whole course duration if it is shorter. You can use the online student visa calculator to check how much money you need.
- Course fees vary between courses and institutions. You must prove that you have enough money to pay for the first year of your course or the entire course if it is shorter than one year. You can check your institution’s course fees or the UCAS website.
Post-Study Work Options
After you finish your studies in the UK, you should stay and work there. Some of the options for graduates who wish to work in the UK are:
The Graduate Route:
A new visa lets you stay and work in the UK for up to two or three years, depending on your degree level. You do not need a job offer or a sponsor, but you must pay a fee and a health surcharge. You can apply online from the UK before your student visa expires.
The Skilled Worker Route:
A visa that lets you work in the UK for a specific employer who is a licensed sponsor. You need a job offer that meets the skill and salary requirements, and you need to score enough points based on your qualifications, skills, and English.
The Global Talent Route:
A visa that lets you work in the UK as a leader or potential leader in your field of ability. You must be endorsed by a recognized organization in your field, such as the arts, sciences, engineering, humanities, or digital technology.
Other types of visas may suit your circumstances, such as the Visitor, Family, or Ancestry visa. If you haven’t found a solution to your visa problem, let Legend Consults help and guide you with the best solution!
What You Can and Cannot Do Under Your UK Student Visa
As a student, you can:
- learn from world-class teachers and researchers.
- take part in student activities and leadership roles.
- be able to work part-time, depending on your course and the time of the year.
However, you cannot:
- access public funds or pensions.
- work in some professions, such as sports or entertainment.
- start your own business.
- study at a public school
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive more details on what you can and cannot do on a student visa.
If you are an international student who wants to study in the UK, you must apply for a UK student visa. A student visa is a type of permission that allows you to enter and stay in the UK for the duration of your course.
This article will explain the student visa requirements, the application process, the required documents, the costs and financial requirements, and the post-study work options for graduates.
Conclusion
Studying in the UK can be a rewarding experience, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. To apply for a UK student visa, you must meet certain requirements, provide various documents, pay fees, and follow some steps. You must also consider your living costs and post-study work options.
