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Table of Contents
Eligibility Requirements of UK Student Visa
If you want to advance your career by studying in the UK, you must fulfil the following criteria before applying for a student Visa. 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 specific criteria.
- The United Kingdom mostly allows students older than 16 years to study in the UK through a study visa. A general student visa is a Tier 4 visa, but if you are 16, you will apply for a Child Student Visa.
- You need a valid identity document, such as a passport or an ID card, which shows your nationality and date of birth.
- You should be enrolled in a course and have a confirmed acceptance letter from your sponsor/university, aka the CAS letter.
- You have all the means to cover the financial expenses. It includes your tuition fee, living expenses, transportation, etc. You may also show your scholarship award (if you have any). You can use the online student visa calculator to estimate your needs. Evidence can be shown by bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor letters.
- You need to understand English before studying in an English-speaking country. Pass IELTS or TOEFL (whatever is required by your university) with enough grades to get accepted.
- Your parents should permit you to study in the UK. If you are younger than 18, you have to show a NOC from your parents.
- If you are coming from a country where TB is prevalent, you need a valid tuberculosis (TB) test result.
NOTE: You must also ensure that your documents are valid and current.
Costs and Financial Requirements
To get a student visa, you must show financial capability to pay for your expenses. As stated earlier, you can show this through a bank statement or a sponsor letter. Per the UK government’s policy, you should have at least nine months of expenses in your statement before applying for a visa.
Some of the expenses include:
- The visa application fee (varies with nationality).
- The course tuition fee (depends on the type of course you choose, plus the university rankings). 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.
- 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.
Application Process for a Student Visa
General Student Visa Application
- First of all, check the eligibility criteria and make sure you fulfil every point.
- Apply on the UK government website and complete an online application with all the supporting documents. Every type of visa has a specific fee you need to pay with the application. You can pay this fee online through digital banking.
- Visa fee will vary with nationality.
- Book your appointment at the Visa application centre (every country has a Visa application office for other countries). Visit the office on your appointment day and submit your biometric information. This includes your fingerprints and photographs. They may also conduct a short interview to understand your plans for the UK.
- Wait for their response. The response time varies by country. You can also check the UK government’s website for your country’s response time.
- Once you receive your visa (with approval), you can now travel to the UK. Approval means you will receive your passport with a vignette (sticker) that shows the permit to enter the UK.
- You will also receive a letter with a CAS number, i.e. Confirming Acceptance for studies.
- 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.
The application process is generally simple, as stated, but it may slightly vary depending on your location.
Applying from Within the UK
If you are already staying in the UK on some other visa type, you can apply for a student visa before the expiration of your current visa or 3 months before the start date of your course. Here’s how:
- Apply online and upload all the necessary documents.
- Book your appointment at the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) and visit to provide your biometric information.
- Response from the Visa Office takes around 8 weeks.
Student Visa Application Process from Outside the UK
Availing a student visa from outside the UK can be a bit tricky, but it is certainly achievable. The UK welcomes thousands of foreign students every year. This step is taken to promote their culture, produce genius minds, and create a strong impact worldwide. Plus, foreign students add a lot to the country’s economy.
- If you are applying from outside the UK, make sure to complete your application at least 6 months before the start of your course, as the visa processes can take longer than expected.
- Complete your application online using the guidelines on the website.
- Make an appointment and visit the visa application centre in your country to provide your biometric information.
- Submit all the required documents to the visa office.
- Wait for a minimum of 3 weeks until you get your response from the Visa Application Centre.
How Long Can You Stay in the UK with a Student Visa?
A student visa allows you to stay in the UK throughout your study period. Once you have completed your studies, you may have to convert it to a work visa or another visa type.
Some student visas permit a few months of stay after course completion, which is called a post-study work permit. You will usually be granted extra time before and after your course to prepare for your studies, arrange your departure, or extend your stay.
If you are 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 will be given one month before your course starts and up to four months after it ends.
If you are 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 will be given one month before your course starts and two months after it ends.
Switching to Another Visa Type
If you are willing to stay in the UK after your studies, you need to switch your visa to a Work visa or family visa. Most people switch to a work visa. You need to apply for a new visa before the expiration of your current student visa. 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 will need a valid Student visa, and you will get a new visa to stay in the UK.
Post-Study Work Options
Graduating from a prestigious country and then starting your career there could be the best option for your future. After completing your degree, the UK offers certain routes for graduates to stay and serve in the UK. The following are some options for graduates:
The Graduate Route
Before your student visa expires, you can apply for a graduate visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for 2 to 3 years after completing your studies. This is a post-study work visa option. You do not need to secure a job or have a sponsor to apply for this visa. During this period, you can apply for a job and show your expertise to avail yourself of a sponsored visa job until it expires. This visa option is a fast-track way to permanently settle and work in the UK.
NOTE: A Graduate visa comes with a fee and a health surcharge. The amount depends on the duration of your visa.
The Skilled Worker Route
This is a simple work visa that lets you work and stay in the UK. This also works with the point system, which includes getting a job that matches your skillset and salary requirements. Make sure to secure a job with a licensed sponsor first.
The Global Talent Route
This is a premium visa that allows you to work as a leader in your field. You must be endorsed by a recognised organisation in your field, such as the arts, sciences, engineering, humanities, or digital technology.
Note: There are multiple other types of visas as well with varying fees and requirements, and all depend on your choice and circumstances. These visas include a family visa, a visit visa, or an ancestry visa.
Guidelines and Rights of a Student Visa Holder
A student visa gives you some level of liberty whilst you are in the UK. Here’s a quick guide on what you can and cannot do whilst staying in the UK.
Here’s what you can do:
- Study diligently from world-class professionals
- Participate in discussions and healthy conversations with peers
- Join societies and leadership activities in your university
- Work part-time as per your university permit.
Here’s what you cannot do in the UK:
- Claim public funds such as pensions and other benefits designed for UK residents
- Work in specific industries such as entertainment or sports
- Start your own business
- Study at a community centre or public school
Note: You will receive further details on your visa approval.
How Legend Consults Can Ensure Your Visa Approval?
Applying for a visa can be quite stressful and daunting. However, with the right UK Student visa guide, you can rest assured about your studying plans in the UK. Our team at Legend Consults have helped hundreds of applicants worldwide who dreamt of studying in the UK. Some of them are settled, work in important positions, or own their businesses after completing their studies in the UK.
From student visa to switching, Legend Consults is here for you every step of the way. Talk to our UK immigration lawyers today!
Just like other visas required to visit any other country, you need a student visa to begin studying in the UK. A student visa is more like a permit to stay in the country for study purposes. This UK student visa guide will show you all you need to know, including the requirements, application procedure, financial evidence and cost, and what you can do in the UK with a student visa.
