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United Kingdom Student Visa Guide

Student Visa (formerly Tier 4)

For full-time courses at UK Higher Education Providers with a Track Record. Decision is largely document-based; biometrics are required.

Application fee
~$600
Processing
3 weeks standard; 5-day priority service available
Validity
Course length + 4 months
Work rights
20 hrs/week during term; full-time in vacations. Graduate route: 2 years post-study.

Document checklist

  • ✓CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
  • ✓Valid passport
  • ✓Financial proof — 28 consecutive daysTuition + £1,334/mo (London) or £1,023/mo (rest) for up to 9 months.
  • ✓Tuberculosis (TB) test certificateFor most South / Southeast Asian, African nationals.
  • ○Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (optional)Only for some sensitive STEM PhDs.
  • ○Parental consent (if under 18) (optional)
  • ✓Previous qualifications listed in CAS

Step-by-step process

  1. 1

    Receive CAS

    University issues a CAS number after deposit + ID checks.

  2. 2

    Apply online

    Complete the Student visa application on gov.uk.

  3. 3

    Pay fees

    Visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year).

  4. 4

    Biometrics

    VFS appointment for fingerprints + photo.

  5. 5

    Submit documents

    Upload or take to centre — based on country.

  6. 6

    Decision + collect

    BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) collected after arrival in UK.

Interview tips

  • A credibility interview may happen — be ready to explain course choice, university, fees, post-study plans.
  • Don't over-prepare — speak naturally about your interest in the program.
  • Be clear about who is funding you and how the funds were earned.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Not maintaining 28 consecutive days of required funds.
  • Submitting a TB certificate from a non-approved clinic.
  • Inconsistent answers between CAS, application, and interview.

📅 When do you need this visa by?

The checklist above is the same for everyone. Your timeline isn’t — a United Kingdom decision takes 3 weeks standard; 5-day priority service available, so the date you have to file by depends entirely on your intake. Tell us the intake and we’ll work backwards, and flag any step that has already passed.

Planning guidance only — not legal or immigration advice, and not a visa guarantee.

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Official source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa. General guidance only — verify current requirements before applying.