Student Visa is suitable for students over 16 with a minimum of 70 points on the points-based immigration system and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. The Tier 4 (General) Student visa became a "Student Route Visa" on October 5, 2020. EU/EEA nationals who entered the UK after January 1, 2021, must apply for a Student Visa.
What is a Student Visa?
Student Visa is suitable for students over 16 with a minimum of 70 points on the
points-based
immigration system and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
The Tier 4 (General) Student visa became a "Student Route Visa" on October
5,
2020.
EU/EEA nationals who entered the UK after January 1, 2021, must apply for a Student
Visa.
An unconditional offer from a licenced sponsor is essential for applicants to be
eligible for
this
visa. A potential term for students to live, work, and look for work in the UK up to
two
years
for
graduate students
and up to three years for PhD graduates.
Student Visa: requirements
Typical requirements for Student Visa are:
- ★ Minimum 70 points on the points-based system;
- ★ Relevant academic qualifications with genuinely intend
to study
in
the UK;
- ★ An unconditional study offer from an approved sponsor;
- ★ A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a
sponsor;
- ★ Financial independence in the UK.
Point-based System
Students must achieve at least 70 points to qualify for
this type
of
visa:
- ★ Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies - 50 points;
- ★ Financial requirement - 10 points;
- ★ English language proficiency - 10 points
Student Visa: Courses
Eligible courses for this type of visa must meet specific
requirements,
including the
minimum qualifications:
- ★ Full-time courses with qualifications at degree level
or above:
- ★ RQF level 3, 4 or 5 with a minimum of 15 hours
a week
of daytime
study;
- ★ RQF level 6, 7 or 8;
- ★ RQF level 6, 7 or 8 (equivalent to a UK higher
education course as
part
of an overseas course);
- ★ Part-time course with further qualification that is
above
degree level:
- ★ RQF level 7 or above;
- ★ A foundation programme for postgraduate doctors
or
dentists;
- ★ An English language course (B2 level within the
CERF).
Finances
You need to provide sufficient funds to maintain yourself in the
UK
without financial
pressure. The financial requirements are:
- ★ £1,334 per month for courses in London for up to 9
months;
- ★ £1,023 per month for courses outside London for up to 9
months;
- ★ £2,668 per month - Doctorate Extension Scheme in
London;
- ★ £2,046 per month for courses outside London, if based
outside
London.
You must have this money for a minimum of 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28
days is within 31 days of the visa application date.
English language
For this type of application, you must show English language
ability at:
- ★ CEFR level B2 (a course at degree level or above);
- ★ CEFR level B1 (a pre-sessional course or a course below
degree
level)
There are four test providers throughout the world:
English language exemptions
International students are exempt from the English language
requirement
if:
- ★ the required level of English has already been proved
in a
previous visa
application;
- ★ they graduated with a completed course in English at
the
undergraduate
level at
an approved educational provider;
- ★ they graduated in English at the postgraduate level at
an
approved
educational
provider;
- ★ the application to the UK study abroad programme is a
part of a
university
degree course in the USA.
Nationals of the following English-speaking countries are exempt from the
English
language:
- ★ Antigua and Barbuda
- ★ Australia
- ★ the Bahamas
- ★ Barbados
- ★ Belize
- ★ Canada
- ★ Dominica
- ★ Grenada
- ★ Guyana
- ★ Ireland
- ★ Jamaica
- ★ Malta
- ★ New Zealand
- ★ St Kitts and Nevis
- ★ St Lucia
- ★ St Vincent and the Grenadines
- ★ Trinidad and Tobago
- ★ UK
- ★ USA
Student Visa: documents
You need to submit certain documents to demonstrate that you meet the criteria as
part of the Student Visa application process.
Mandatory documents:
- ★ Current passport or another valid travel document;
- ★ Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS);
Additional documents (if applicable):
- ★ Proof of financial requirement;
- ★ Consent letter from your sponsor about financial
support to
cover living
costs
and study fees;
- ★ Tuberculosis test;
- ★ Academic Technology Approval Scheme ATAS
certificate;
Student Visa: under 18
Besides documents required for adults, students under 18
need
to deliver the following:
- ★ A letter from parents or legal guardians giving their
consent
to the
application;
- ★ A letter from your parents or legal guardians giving
their
consent to your
care
arrangements and your living and travelling independently in the UK;
- ★ A legal document confirming your relationship with
parents
or
legal
guardians
Application Procedure
You can apply this type of application from inside the UK or
outside,
as most
applicants decide
to
do. Each person will need to complete the application form online and, after
that,
pay the
application fee in the following size:
- ★ £490 to apply from outside the UK;
- ★ £490 for applications made inside the UK;
- ★ £490 to extend or switch from inside the UK.
Processing times for the UK Student Visa depend on the location
chosen to apply:
- ★ Within three weeks - applying from outside the UK;
- ★ Eight weeks - applying from inside the UK.
Student Visa: extension
For the UK Student Visa extension, you need to show the
following:
- ★ the current Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student
Visa;
- ★ an unconditional offer on a course with a licenced
student
sponsor;
- ★ a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies;
- ★ a higher academic level course than your previous
course.
Graduate Visa
A Graduate visa permits former students to stay in the United Kingdom for at least
two years
after
completing a UK course.
Depending on your course, the Graduate Visa permits you to stay
in the
UK:
- ★ for up to three years for PhD students;
- ★ for at least two years after completing an
undergraduate or
master's
degree.
Documents you'll need to apply for this type of visa:
- ★ You are going to apply from the UK;
- ★ The current applicant's visa is a Student visa or
Tier 4
(General)
student
visa;
- ★ You studied a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate
degree or
other
eligible
courses;
- ★ Your education provider has confirmed to the Home
Office
you've
completed
your course.