Clarimove

Student Visa - Complete Immigration Plan

Category: student

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Not Legal Advice— This is informational guidance only

Overview

The UK Student visa is the main immigration route for international students aged 16 or over who wish to study at a licensed UK education provider. It allows students to live in the UK for the duration of their course, work limited hours during term time, and in many cases progress to post-study work or long-term immigration routes such as the Graduate visa or Skilled Worker visa.

Typical Profile: International students accepted by UK universities, colleges, or schools for undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies. Also suitable for foundation or pathway programme students, pre-sessional English course students, and mature students reskilling in the UK. Common applicants include those planning to work in the UK after graduation or individuals switching from another UK visa into study.

Detailed Eligibility Requirements

Hard Requirements (Mandatory)

Nationality:

Non-UK nationals who require permission to study in the UK. Irish citizens do not need a visa. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals without pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may need this visa for study.

Age Limits:

Minimum: 16 years

Income Threshold:

Varies (see notes below)

Financial maintenance requirements are based on location and course duration. Must show funds for tuition fees (amount on CAS minus any paid) plus living costs: £1,334/month in London or £1,023/month outside London, for up to 9 months. Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before application.

Work Allowed:

Yes

Limited work permitted during studies. Degree-level students may work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Below-degree students may work up to 10 hours per week during term time. Full-time work permitted during official vacation periods. No self-employment, professional sport, or permanent full-time positions allowed.

Accommodation:

Not required

No formal accommodation requirement for the visa application. However, practical housing arrangements should be made. Many education providers offer or require confirmation of accommodation arrangements.

Health Insurance:

Not required

No private insurance required. Applicants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at a reduced student rate, which grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as UK residents.

Sponsor Required

institution

Additional Considerations (Discretionary)

Common Exceptions:

Nationals of majority English-speaking countries are exempt from proving English language ability. Applicants who have completed a UK degree may not need additional English evidence. Financial evidence not required if sponsor certifies maintenance or applicant has been in UK for 12+ months.

Discretionary Factors:

Genuineness of student intent may be assessed, including credibility interviews. Academic progression and course coherence. Immigration history, including previous refusals or overstays. Consistency between qualifications and chosen course.

Alternative Proofs:

English language can be proven through: approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), UK degree or GCSE/A-level in English, degree taught in English from majority English-speaking country, or passing a test set by the education provider (if allowed). Financial requirement can be certified by sponsor or through official financial sponsorship.

Common Edge Cases:

Applicants with gaps in education history. Those changing academic field significantly. Students on repeated pre-sessional courses. Applicants whose English test scores are near minimum threshold. Distance learning courses (generally not eligible). Part-time courses (generally not eligible).

Complete Document Checklist

Mandatory Documents (5)

  • Valid Passport or Travel Document

    Current passport with at least one blank page for the visa vignette. Must be valid for the duration of intended stay.

    If passport expires during planned stay, visa will be issued until passport expiry date. Old passports with previous UK visas may be helpful to include.

    Official source →

  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

    Unique reference number provided by your education sponsor. Contains details of your course, tuition fees, any amounts paid, and study start date.

    CAS is an electronic record, not a physical document. Your institution assigns this through the Sponsor Management System. CAS is valid for 6 months from date of issue. You must apply within 6 months of CAS assignment.

    Official source →

  • English Language Evidence

    Proof of English ability at the level required for your course. Typically B2 CEFR for degree-level courses, B1 for below-degree courses.

    Accepted evidence: IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert, Trinity ISE, or equivalent approved test. UK degree, GCSE/A-level in English, or degree taught in English from approved country also accepted. Nationals of majority English-speaking countries are exempt.

    Official source →

  • Proof of Financial Maintenance

    Evidence showing you can pay course fees and support yourself. Must show: outstanding tuition fees (amount on CAS minus any paid) plus living costs (£1,334/month in London, £1,023/month outside London) for up to 9 months.

    Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before application date. Not required if: sponsor certifies maintenance on CAS, you have official financial sponsorship, or you have been in UK with valid visa for 12+ months. Statements must clearly show: name, account number, date, financial institution details, and balance.

    Official source →

  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate

    Certificate from approved clinic showing you are free from infectious TB.

    Required only if applying from or resident in a listed country. Valid for 6 months from issue date. Must be from an approved clinic. List of countries requiring TB test available on gov.uk.

    Official source →

Conditional Documents (5)

  • ATAS Certificate

    Required if: Required for specified postgraduate courses in subjects like engineering, science, technology, or medicine that could be linked to weapons programmes

    Check if your course requires ATAS before applying. Processing typically takes around 20 working days but can take longer. Your CAS will indicate if ATAS is required. Apply through the FCDO website.

    Official source →

  • Parental or Guardian Consent

    Required if: Required if applicant is under 18 years old

    Must confirm: relationship to applicant, approval of application and living/care arrangements in UK, and consent to travel. May need to be notarised or certified depending on country of origin.

    Official source →

  • Academic Qualifications

    Required if: Required if your CAS was assigned based on these qualifications

    Include original certificates or certified copies. Foreign qualifications may need ENIC-NARIC statement of comparability. Translated documents may need certified translations.

  • Previous Immigration Documents

    Required if: Required if switching from another visa category within the UK

    Helps demonstrate continuous lawful residence if claiming exemption from financial evidence requirements.

  • Official Financial Sponsorship Letter

    Required if: Required if relying on official financial sponsorship for maintenance

    Must confirm sponsor's name and contact details, your name, amount of support, and that support covers both fees and living costs.

Optional Documents (4)

These documents may strengthen your application

  • Accommodation Confirmation

    Evidence of housing arrangements in the UK, such as university accommodation offer or rental agreement. Not required but may support application.

  • Curriculum Vitae / Resume

    Academic CV showing educational history and any relevant experience. Helpful if questions arise about academic progression.

  • Academic Reference Letters

    Letters from previous educational institutions confirming study history and academic standing.

  • Personal Statement

    Explanation of academic goals and reasons for studying in the UK. Some institutions may have already required this for admission.

Step-by-Step Process

Before Arrival in the UK (8 steps)

  1. 1

    Receive Unconditional Offer and Accept

    Receive an unconditional offer of a place from a UK education provider licensed as a Student sponsor. Accept the offer and complete any required procedures such as paying deposits.

    Home country / Online
  2. 2

    Institution Issues Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

    Once you meet the institution's requirements (academic, financial, and any other conditions), they issue your CAS through the Sponsor Management System. The CAS contains your unique reference number and course details.

    2 weeksUK (institution action)
    Official source →
  3. 3

    Obtain ATAS Certificate (if required)

    If your CAS indicates ATAS is required, apply through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website. You cannot submit your visa application until you have your ATAS certificate.

    3 weeks0Online
    Official source →
  4. 4

    Gather Required Documents

    Collect all required documentation: passport, CAS reference number, English language evidence, financial evidence (if not exempt), TB test certificate (if applicable), ATAS certificate (if required), and any qualifications referenced in your CAS.

    2 weeksHome country
  5. 5

    Complete Online Application

    Submit your visa application online through the UK government website. You will need your CAS reference number, personal details, travel history, and details of any dependants. Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) online.

    1 dayOnline
    Official source →
  6. 6

    Attend Biometrics Appointment

    Book and attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph). Bring your passport and supporting documents. Some locations offer priority services for faster processing.

    2 weeksAppointment requiredVisa Application Centre (VAC)
  7. 7

    Wait for Decision

    Standard processing time is approximately 3 weeks from biometrics appointment when applying from outside the UK. Priority service (5 working days) may be available at additional cost in some locations. You may be contacted for additional documents or a credibility interview.

    3 weeksHome country
    Official source →
  8. 8

    Receive Decision and Collect Passport

    If approved, you receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport. The vignette is valid for 90 days (or until your course end date if sooner) to enter the UK. Your full eVisa or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will be available after arrival.

    5 daysVisa Application Centre

After Arrival in the UK (5 steps)

  1. 1

    Enter the UK

    Travel to the UK within the validity period of your entry vignette. You can arrive up to 1 week before your course starts (if course is 6 months or less) or up to 1 month before (if course is more than 6 months).

    UK
  2. 2

    Collect Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Access eVisa

    If you have a BRP, collect it from the Post Office or location specified in your decision letter within 10 days of arrival. Alternatively, access your eVisa online through the UKVI online service. Your immigration status is linked to your passport.

    1 weekPost Office or online (UK)
    Official source →
  3. 3

    Register with Education Provider

    Complete enrolment with your education provider. They are required to monitor your attendance and engagement. Keep your immigration documents safe.

    UK
  4. 4

    Open UK Bank Account

    Open a UK bank account if needed. Many banks accept Student visa holders. Your education provider may provide letters to support account opening.

    2 weeksUK
  5. 5

    Register with GP (General Practitioner)

    Register with a local GP surgery to access NHS healthcare. Your IHS payment entitles you to NHS services on the same basis as UK residents.

    2 weeksUK

Timeline & Validity

Typical Processing Time:

21 days

Standard processing is approximately 3 weeks from biometrics appointment when applying from outside the UK. Priority service (5 working days) available at additional cost in most locations. In-UK extensions typically processed within 8 weeks. Peak periods (June-September) may experience delays due to high volumes of student applications.

Recommended Lead Time:

90 days

Start your application this early before planned travel

Permit Validity:

months

Duration of your initial permit

Renewal Possible:

Yes

Visa length matches course duration plus a wrap-up period (typically 2-4 months depending on course length). Extensions possible for continuing or new courses. Must apply before current visa expires. Course must still be with a licensed sponsor.

Regional Variations:

Processing times vary by Visa Application Centre location. Some high-volume VACs may have longer appointment wait times. UK-based switching or extension applications are processed by UKVI.

Common Bottlenecks:

VAC appointment availability during peak student season (summer months). CAS issuance delays from institutions. ATAS certificate processing (if required). Document verification for qualifications. Credibility interviews (if selected).

Fees & Costs Breakdown

Estimated Total Cost

£3,466

Government fees and mandatory costs only

Government Fees

  • Visa Application Fee (outside UK)

    Standard visa application fee when applying from outside the UK.

    £490.00
  • Visa Application Fee (inside UK - extension/switch)

    Fee for extending Student visa or switching to Student visa from within the UK.

    £490.00
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) - Student Rate

    Per year of visa duration at reduced student rate. Paid upfront for entire visa period. Grants access to NHS healthcare. For example: 3-year course = approximately £2,328. Partial years calculated pro-rata.

    £776.00

Service Fees (Optional)

  • Priority Processing (5 working days)

    Optional faster processing when applying from outside UK. Availability varies by location.

    £500.00
  • Super Priority Processing (next working day)

    Optional fastest processing. Very limited availability, mainly at certain UK locations for in-country applications.

    £1,000.00
  • VAC Premium Lounge Services

    Optional premium services at VACs (dedicated counters, assistance). Prices vary by location.

    £0.00
  • TB Test

    Cost varies by country and clinic (typically £50-150 equivalent). Required for applicants from listed countries.

    Varies
  • English Language Test (IELTS for UKVI)

    Approximate cost. Required if not exempt through nationality, previous study, or education provider assessment. Other approved tests may have different costs.

    £210.00
  • ATAS Certificate

    Free to apply. Required for certain postgraduate courses in sensitive subjects.

    £0.00

Other Mandatory Costs:

Tuition fees (varies significantly by institution and course, typically £10,000-£38,000 per year for international students). Accommodation and living costs (budget £1,023-£1,334 per month depending on location). Document translation and certification costs (if applicable). Courier/postage for passport return. Travel costs to Visa Application Centre.

Common Risks & Pitfalls

Common Rejections:

Insufficient or incorrectly held maintenance funds (not held for 28 consecutive days, amounts not meeting requirements). CAS errors or information mismatches with application. English language requirement not properly evidenced (wrong test, insufficient score, expired test). ATAS certificate not obtained when required. Failure to declare previous visa refusals or immigration violations. Credibility concerns about genuine student intent.

Frequent Errors:

Applying with expired CAS (CAS must be used within 6 months). English test taken at wrong level or from unapproved provider. Gaps in 28-day financial evidence period. Wrong calculation of living costs (using wrong location rate). Not including all qualifications mentioned on CAS. Applying too early (more than 6 months before course start) or too late.

Documents Often Requested Later:

Detailed breakdown of financial evidence. Evidence of where funds came from. Additional proof of English if test score near minimum. Explanation of academic progression or gaps in education. Evidence of previous UK study history. Proof of relationship for parental/third-party financial support.

Red Flags:

Course represents academic regression (lower level than previous study). Long gaps between education periods. Multiple previous visa refusals. Course duration seems excessive for qualification. Significant change in field of study without clear explanation. Financial evidence shows recent large deposits without clear source.

Consulate-Specific Notes:

Applications from certain countries may face additional scrutiny. TB test required for residents of listed countries. Some VACs have limited priority service availability. UK-based switching or extension applications have different process (no VAC visit required). Credibility interviews more common for certain nationalities or course types.

Official Sources & References

Government Links

Law References

Official Documents

Important Notice

This plan is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and requirements can change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official sources and consult with a qualified immigration attorney for your specific situation.

Generated on February 15, 2026