UK student visa: 11 steps prospective applicants should follow

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Prospective international students seeking to study in the United Kingdom have been advised to prepare their documents, secure an unconditional offer from a licensed education provider and carefully check their information before submitting a Student visa application.

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UK Visas and Immigration gave the guidance in a video shared on its official X account, outlining the application process, required documents, payment, biometric information and what applicants should expect after submission.

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Here are the steps prospective students need to follow.

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1. Check which visa you need

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Before beginning the application, prospective students should first confirm that they need a Student visa to study in the UK.

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UKVI advised applicants to use the visa-checking tool on GOV.UK to determine the appropriate visa.

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Applicants should also prepare their documents and other relevant information before starting the application.

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2. Get an unconditional offer and CAS

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Applicants must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor before applying for a Student visa.

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UKVI said, “You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor before you apply.”

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After accepting the offer, the education provider will send the applicant a reference number known as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, or CAS.

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Those applying for a master’s degree or above may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate, depending on their course. UKVI also said applicants may need a tuberculosis certificate depending on where they are travelling from and how long they have been in a particular country.

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Applicants may also need to provide evidence of their English-language ability.

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3. Know when to apply

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Applicants applying from outside the UK can apply up to six months before the start of their course.

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Those applying from inside the UK can apply up to three months before their course begins. Applicants switching to a Student visa or extending their existing visa must apply before their current visa expires.

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UKVI advised applicants to apply early, saying, “Apply as early as possible.”

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Applicants do not need to book travel before submitting their application or before a decision has been made.

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“You are not required to book any travel before you apply or before a decision has been made on your application,” UKVI said.

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4. Start the online application

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Applicants should use the Student visa guide on GOV.UK, which provides a step-by-step explanation of the application process.

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To begin, applicants should click “Start now” and carefully read the questions before providing the required information.

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At the beginning of the process, applicants will enter their email address and create a password. This will allow them to return to their application later if necessary.

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Applicants will need to provide information including their first and family names as shown on their passport or travel document, details of who they are travelling with and information about their family history.

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5. Prepare proof of funds

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Applicants may need to demonstrate that they have enough money to pay for their course and support themselves while in the UK.

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UKVI advised applicants to provide additional information to explain their funds where necessary, particularly in cases involving large deposits or unexpected funds.

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Applicants under 18 will also need written consent from their parents or legal guardians.

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6. Upload your documents

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Applicants will be required to upload their documents as part of the application.

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UKVI warned that missing or incorrect documents could delay the processing of an application.

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Applicants should therefore check that their documents are complete and that the information provided on the application is accurate.

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7. Check the application before submitting

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At the end of the application, applicants will be required to confirm that they understand and accept the Student visa conditions and have read and accepted the declaration.

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UKVI said applicants should pay particular attention to their personal details before submitting the form.

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“The most common error is entering a name or other personal details incorrectly,” it said.

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Applicants should therefore check their names and other information carefully before paying and submitting the application.

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If a mistake is discovered after payment and submission, UKVI said the applicant would need to cancel the application, apply for a refund and start a new application.

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8. Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

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After completing the application, applicants will be directed to Worldpay to make their visa application payment.

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Those staying in the UK for more than six months will also be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their application.

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The surcharge provides access to National Health Service treatment without charges, according to the UKVI guidance.

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9. Provide biometric information

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Applicants will need to provide their biometric information, including their photograph and fingerprints, as well as their documents.

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UKVI said applicants would either be directed to its suppliers, VFS, to book an appointment or instructed to follow the required steps using the ID Check app.

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At the end of the application, applicants will receive a reference number and an email confirming that the application has been completed.

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UKVI advised applicants to retain the email for their records.

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10. Wait for a decision

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Once the application has been submitted, UKVI will begin processing it.

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Applicants do not need to contact UKVI after submitting their application unless further information is requested.

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“You do not need to contact us once your application is submitted,” UKVI said, adding that applicants would be contacted within the applicable processing times if further information was required.

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Applicants will receive an email when a decision has been made and should also check their spam or junk folders.

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11. Do not travel before your visa starts

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Applicants applying from outside the UK must wait until the start date stated on their visa before travelling to the country.

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UKVI said, “If you are outside the UK, you must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa.”

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For further information, UKVI advised prospective students to search for “Student visa” on GOV.UK and check the latest official guidance before submitting an application.

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