UK Student Visa

Navigating the UK Student Visa Process: Requirements and Eligibility

Pursuing an education in the UK presents many opportunities, enriched by the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse educational system. To fully enjoy these opportunities, you need a UK Student Visa, which replaced the previous Tier 4 Student visa you may have heard about. At Immtell, we have the expertise to guide you seamlessly through the application process, ensuring that all the requirements are met and the eligibility criteria are understood.

Understanding the Criteria for a UK Student Visa

The first step towards acquiring a UK Student Visa is understanding the criteria. You must have:

A Course Confirmation

You must have been offered a place on a course by a UK licenced student sponsor.

Sufficient Financial Support

You must have sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for your course.

Proficiency in English

You must demonstrate that you can read, write, speak, and understand English.

The specific details of these requirements may vary depending on various factors such as your nationality, the type of course you’re planning to undertake, and your circumstances. It’s essential to seek expert advice to clarify these details before starting your application.

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A Step-By-Step Guide to UK Student Visa Application

Navigating the application process for a UK Student Visa can be a complex process. However, understanding the steps involved can make the process more manageable:

Accepting a Course Offer: First, you’ll need to receive and accept an offer for a course from a licensed student sponsor in the UK. This will provide you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Preparation of Required Documents: You’ll need to gather various documents to support your application, including your passport, evidence of financial capability, academic qualifications, proof of English language proficiency, and your CAS reference number.
Completing the Application: The application for the UK Student Visa is completed online. You can do this from your home country up to six months before your course starts.
Paying the Visa Fee: You must pay the application fee and, if applicable, the healthcare surcharge.
Attending an Appointment: Depending on your location, you may need to attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric information.
Receiving the Decision: Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll typically receive a decision within three weeks or faster if you opt for Priority Service (available in most locations for an additional Home Office fee).

FAQs

How long are Student visas valid for?

The visa duration issued to holders of UK Student Visas varies depending on the course length stated on the Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and the UK education establishment.

If you have a Student visa, can you work whilst studying?

If you have been issued a UK student visa, part-time work may be permitted depending on the type of educational establishment you are studying at and the course level. It should be printed on your Student visa if you can work while studying in the UK. Work permission during term time is 10 or 20 hours if permitted. You may work full time during holidays but only if work is stated as being allowed on your Student visa.

Does a UK Student visa lead to ILR?

Unfortunately, the UK Student visa does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. At the end of the course, you must usually enrol in a higher course or PhD programme or switch to a different visa type, for example, a Skilled Worker or Graduate visa, if you wish to work for a UK company or leave the UK.

Can your family accompany you as dependents?

Your partner and children (‘dependants’) may be able to come to the UK; however, this is now limited.

You must be one of the following:

a government-sponsored student starting a course that lasts longer than six months
a full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts nine months or longer

Where should you apply for a Student visa?

It is permitted to switch to the Student visa type from within the UK if you were last granted a visa in accordance with specific visa categories.

In most circumstances, initial UK Student visa applications must be from abroad, either from your country of nationality or legal residence.

Can you switch into this visa from within the UK?

It is possible to apply to switch visa category from within the UK into this visa type if you are not currently in the UK holding one of the following visa types:

Visitor visa
Short-term student visa
Parent of a Child visa
Seasonal Worker visa
Domestic Worker visa
Any Discretionary visa

How long does it take for a Student visa to be processed?

UKVI aim to process Student visas as follows:

Visa applications submitted outside of the UK:

Standard processing: 15 working days
Priority Service processing: 5 working days

Visa applications submitted inside the UK:

Standard processing: 8 weeks
Priority Service processing: 5 working day

Important: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) does not guarantee processing times, and delays do occur. We advise that you only book non-refundable travel once your visa has been approved and your work visa is in your possession. Priority services can be suspended without notice and may not be available during application.

How much does the UK Student visa cost?

The UKVI application fee for a Student visa is £490 if applying inside or outside the UK. In addition, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which is £776 per year of your student visa duration.

Our professional fee will depend on the level of service you require.

Pricing

At Immtell, we understand the excitement and challenges of pursuing education in the UK. To support your journey, we offer three tailored service packages for your Student Visa application, each designed to meet different needs and preferences.

Comprehensive End-to-End Support: This package is ideal for students seeking complete guidance through the Student Visa application process. From the initial assessment of eligibility to the final submission, our team of experts ensures that every detail of your application is thoroughly managed, adhering to all the requirements and regulations.
Fast Track Service: Our Fast Track option offers expedited handling for students needing a quicker application process. We guarantee responses within one working day and prioritise your application submission using the Home Office Priority Service, subject to an additional fee. This service is perfect for those looking to accelerate their visa acquisition.
Application Review and Feedback: Tailored for students who have prepared their application but seek expert review, this service provides a detailed assessment and feedback. We focus on enhancing the strength and compliance of your application, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the criteria for a UK Student Visa.

💡 Transparent and Customised Pricing: We offer clear, upfront pricing for each service package, enabling you to make an informed decision that suits your budget and timeline.

📘 Looking for Additional Insights? Our FAQ section is valuable for more information on the Student Visa process and related queries.

📞 Start Your Educational Journey with Expert Guidance: Whether you need full support, fast-tracked processing, or a professional review, our services are designed to meet your specific requirements. Contact us to discuss how we can assist in making your Student Visa application process efficient and successful.

Immtell's Typical Professional Fees

£ 1,500 + VAT

Eligibility assessment
Help in understanding the CAS requirements
Advice on English language and TB test requirements (if applicable)
Application preparation and online submission
Appointment booking
Responding to queries from the Home Office
Review of issued documents
Post-arrival Biometric Residence Permit accuracy check

£ 1,700 + VAT

All the features of the Full Service
Guaranteed response to your queries within 1 working day
Expedited review of your documents and information
Speed through Home Office processing with Priority Service, subject to an additional fee. Quick, efficient, effective.
Review of issued documents and feedback provided within 1 working day