UK Student Visa Document Checklist: Everything You Need to Know
The UK is well-known for its top-tier education, having some of the most esteemed universities and academic institutions globally. Attending a university in the UK offers a wide variety of educational programs, opportunities for research and creativity, and a lively student population. The UK Government offers Indian students the chance to study in the country. However, they must first get a UK student visa. The type of visa required in the UK will vary based on your age and the specific course you want to pursue in the country.
In this blog, you will find all the necessary information regarding the UK student visa checklist and the documents required to acquire it.
Overview of the UK Visa
To pursue studies in the United Kingdom, students 16 years of age and above can apply for a Student visa if they meet the following criteria:
- Offer of a Course: You must have received a confirmation for the course offered by an institution that is licensed to sponsor international students.
- Financial Sustainability: You are required to showcase sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses and course fees. The specific amount will vary based on your circumstances.
- English Language Proficiency: You must possess a strong command of the English language, encompassing speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension. This is typically assessed through a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
- Parental Consent: If you are between 16 and 17 years old, written consent from your parents or legal guardians is mandatory for your application. You will need to provide documented proof of this consent when submitting your visa application.
Alternative for Younger Students:
For students aged 16 or 17 who intend to enrol at an independent school in the UK, the Child Student visa might be a more suitable option.
How to Apply for the UK Student Visa?
Getting a UK student visa involves several steps, with some variations depending on whether you’re applying from outside the UK or within the country. Here are the steps to apply for the UK student visa:
Step 1: Completing the Application Form
The application form for a UK student visa differs based on your country. Indian students applying from India will use an online Tier 4 student visa application form and may need to submit biometrics and photographs at a visa application centre. You might also be called for an interview if there are any discrepancies in your application form.
Step 2: Preparing Required Documents
- Proof of Identity: This is the most important document and can be provided through various methods:
- Photographs: Submit them at the visa application centre or when creating a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Once approved, you can use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app to scan your identity documents.
- The UKVI website will confirm additional document requirements after your initial application submission.
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is updated throughout the application process.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): This document, issued by your UK university, is crucial for your visa application.
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate (if applicable): This certificate is mandatory for specific courses and nationalities.
Step 3: UK Student Visa Fees
The visa fee depends on the type of visa you require:
- Tier 4 General Visa (for most international students): £490 (approximately ₹50,000)
- Short-term Study Visa: £200 (approximately ₹20,000)
Additional Fees:
- International Health Surcharge (IHS): This mandatory fee (around £776) grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your studies. The IHS fee is generally non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected. Ensure you are eligible and committed to studying in the UK before paying.
- Other unforeseen charges: Be prepared for potential additional costs.
Payment Options:
You can conveniently pay the visa application fee through your UKVI account using Internet banking or a credit card. Alternatively, payment can be made in person at the visa application centre.
Step 4: Visa Processing
Processing times typically take three weeks for students applying from outside the UK (including India). Once your visa application is processed, you may need to collect documents like your Biometric Residence Permit upon logging into your UKVI account. You can also access proof of your digital immigration status on the UKVI app.
By following these steps and ensuring you meet the English language proficiency requirements, you can apply for the UK student visa application process effectively.
Document Checklist To Apply For The UK Student Visa
Here’s all the documents required for UK student visa:
Mandatory Documents:
- Valid Passport: You must have a current passport or other valid travel document.
Passport Biometric Information
Ensure your passport has a blank page for the visa if you need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be notified if this applies to you during the application process.
Note:
- For under-18 applicants, parental/guardian consent should explicitly state their agreement for your visa application, living arrangements, and UK travel.
- A copy of a government-issued document (e.g., birth certificate) verifying your parents’ names is required.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): This document, issued by your educational institution, confirms your acceptance in a recognised course.
Proof of Financial Resources
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to showcase sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and course fees in the UK. The amount of money you need to have for your UK student visa application depends on two key factors:
1. Your Accommodation:
- Boarding at a Residential Independent School: If you plan to reside at a boarding school, you’ll need to show sufficient funds to cover your boarding fees for the entire academic year.
2. Your Location and Course Length:
For all other types of accommodation, the required funds depend on your study location and course duration (up to a maximum of nine months):
- Outside London: You must showcase access to £1,023 per month.
- London: You must showcase access to £1,334 per month.
ATAS Certificate (if applicable)
This scheme aims to prevent the spread of knowledge that could be misused to create weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The Academic Technology Approval Scheme ( ATAS ) applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and intend to study or research at the postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects. Certain courses and nationalities require a valid ATAS certificate (Assessment for Course Applications from Overseas).
Parental/Guardian Consent (Under 18s)
If you’re under 18, written consent from both parents or legal guardians is mandatory. This should cover your visa application, living arrangements, and travel to the UK. Proof of your relationship with your parents/guardians (e.g., birth certificate) is also necessary.
Tuberculosis Test Results
You might be required to submit tuberculosis test results. To ensure public health, a tuberculosis (TB) test might be mandatory for your UK visa application. Here’s a breakdown of when a TB test is required:
Duration of Stay: You must undergo a TB test if you intend to stay in the UK for six months or more and meet any of the following criteria:
- You have resided in a country with a high TB prevalence for six months or longer (refer to the UK government’s list for details).
- You were living in one of these high-prevalence countries (or another listed nation) within the past six months.
Specific Visa Types: Even with a stay shorter than six months, a TB test is necessary if you’re applying for:
- A Returning Resident visa.
- A family visa as a fiancé or proposed civil partner.
Existing Residents: If you’re already in the UK and applying for or extending a British National (Overseas) visa, a TB test is required if you didn’t provide a TB certificate when you visited earlier.
Financial Sponsor Consent
If you received financial sponsorship for course fees and living costs within the past 12 months, written consent from your sponsor is needed.
Also read – How to Find the Perfect Study Abroad Program
How Long Can You Stay In the UK?
The duration of your stay on a Student visa depends on two factors:
Course Level:
- For degree-level courses (typically undergraduate or postgraduate degrees), you can generally stay for up to 5 years.
- For courses below degree level (such as foundation courses or diplomas), the typical maximum stay is two years.
Extending Your Student Visa
You might be able to extend your visa to continue your existing course or start a new one. This applies even if you currently hold a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
Eligibility Requirements for Extension:
- You should hold a valid student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa in the UK.
- Have an unconditional offer for a place on a course offered by a licensed student sponsor. This will be confirmed through a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) document.
- Your new course holds a higher academic level than your current course.
- If you’ve been in the UK for less than 12 months with a valid visa, you’ll need to prove sufficient funds to support yourself financially.
Meeting the Academic Progress Requirement:
Generally, if you’re already studying in the UK, your new course must be at a higher academic level than your current one. Here are the acceptable new course types:
- Higher Level: This is the most straightforward option – a course preferably more advanced than your current studies.
- Same Level & Related: If your new course is at the same level as your previous studies or career goals, it might be acceptable. However, this applies only to degree-level courses or above offered by a Higher Education Provider (HEP).
- Intercalated Medicine/Dentistry/Medical Science: If you’re currently on a Student visa (including Tier 4) for medicine, dentistry, or medical science.
Exceptions to Academic Progress Requirement:
You don’t need to show a higher academic level if you’re:
- Resetting exams or retaking modules from your present course.
- Applying to a new institution to finish a course you started at a previous one that lost its student sponsorship license.
- Applying after serving as a student union sabbatical officer to complete a qualification you began under your prior Student visa (including Tier 4).
- Completing a PhD or doctorate, you started under your previous Student visa (including Tier 4).
- Continuing your medical, dentistry, or medical science degree after an intercalated course.
- Extending your stay to finish your studies due to a work placement or study abroad program.
Application Window:
The earliest you can apply for an extension is three months before your new course starts. You must submit your application before your current visa expires, and your new course must begin within 28 days of that expiry date.
Application Fee:
The current application fee for a Student visa extension is £490.
Conclusion
Getting a UK student visa requires a lot of planning. Start gathering the necessary documents as early as possible, considering the processing time for each step. Keep your documents organised to avoid losing anything essential, and ensure they meet the required format. You should apply early to ensure you have enough time to travel before your course begins. This way, you can easily get your UK student visa.
FAQs
Can you apply for a student visa without a CAS number?
No, a CAS number is essential to the UK visa application process, so you cannot skip it.
Can you work part-time with a student visa?
Yes, you can apply for part-time work with a student visa, and you don’t need any additional permits for that. However, there are certain restrictions on the job you will do.
When should you start gathering your documents before going to Ireland?
You can apply for a student visa 6 months before the beginning of your course, so it is the best time to start gathering all your documents, which are essential for the student visa application.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
