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UK Student Visa Process - Complete Details

Written by  Piyush Bhartiya

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read

UK Student Visa Process - Complete Details

Written by  Piyush Bhartiya

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read
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UK Student Visa Process

Visa is an official document essential for traveling overseas. It is usually stamped or glued on to the passport. It allows the bearer of that passport to legally enter a foreign country. Visa can be of many types: Tourist visa, Student visa, etc.

Student Visa is the visa issued to those applicants whose primary purpose of visiting the country is to pursue education. It is one of the most important documents while getting admission to any foreign University. Each country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding immigration. They could vary in terms of documents required to the funds acceptable as proof. 

Studying abroad requires intensive planning. Students should always plan their admission keeping in mind the admission process, various deadlines, eligibility requirements, etc. It is advisable to start the planning as early as 3-4 months from the actual time of admission. Thus, obtaining a student visa should be also taken care of before the due time. Student visas can also vary on the basis of the level of degree (undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral), course applied for, or even the tenure of the tenure. 

Key Points:

  • Visa is an official document essential for traveling overseas.
  • Can be of many types: Tourist Visa, Student Visa, etc.
  • Student Visa is the visa issued to those applicants whose primary purpose of visiting the country is to pursue education.
  • Each country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding immigration.

UK Visa Process 2020

For applying for a UK visa, the first thing you need to check is the type of visa you would require. Furthermore, you would require some documents. The documents required may vary as per the type of visa. You would also be required to translate the documents if they aren’t in the former language.

Given Below is the step-by-step process of applying for UK Visa:

  1. Check your visa type.
  2. Apply for your visa through Gov.uk
  3. Book an appointment.
  4. Pay your visa fees.
  5. Choose your services.
  6. Visit the application center.
  7. Track your application.
  8. Receive your visa documents.

UK Student Visa Process Step By Step

UK is considered as the Prime location for quality education globally. Needless to say, a large crowd of students applies for a UK visa to enroll in a reputed University of UK. When you apply in a UK institution and get selected, it sends you a reference number known as Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). It contains all the confidential details regarding the applicant. Once you get CAS, Follow these further steps:

  1. Complete your application process online.
  2. Pay the fees.
  3. Visit a UK Visa application center and get your photograph and fingerprints taken.
  4. Collect supporting evidence and print out the application.

There are 2 types of UK Student Visa: Student Visitor Visa (for a program whose duration is less than 6 months) and Student Route Visa (for program duration longer than 6 months). A credential interview is also taken in the case of Student Route Visa.

UK Student Visa Processing Time

Every year, around 26000 students apply for a UK Student visa in India. This proves the popularity of UK institutions in the country. UK Student Visa applications are usually processed within a time period of 3 weeks i.e. 15 working days from the application completely lodged. Students can also contact VFS, who manages visa center application centers for the UK Border Agency in India for sorting out any query regarding the delay. Applicants can also track their visa application to the VFS SMS alert services or by simply using the online tracking system.

UK Student Visa Priority Service Processing Time

Applicants can also opt for priority service to make the visa processing time faster. It requires a payment of additional charges. The availability of this service depends on the country from which the applicant is applying. By choosing this service, the applicant will get his visa application processed within 5 working days. This option is available in most of the countries.

UK Student Visa Processing Fee

There is a certain amount payable by the applicant while applying for UK Student Visa. The processing fee applies to most of the countries is €348. It is charged under the visa category of Tier 4(General). The short term study visa costs €97 for 6 months option and €186 for 11 months option.   

UK Without IELTS Study Visa Process

Generally, IELTS is compulsory for a UK student visa. Hence, they invest their time in order to grab high scores in IELTS. However, the reality is quite different. Many top institutions of UK like Hertfordshire University, Portsmouth University, and Birmingham University offer admission to the students on the basis of their marks in English as per their class X & XII scorecard. The minimum percentage required to be eligible is 60-70%. Alternatively, some institutions might accept admission on the basis of telephonic or personal interviews.

UK Tier 4 Student Visa Application Process

UK Tier 4 Student Visa is a visa category is for students coming to the UK for higher education. The applicant of this visa category must be 16 years of age. The application is carried out in online mode. Documents like completed student visa application form, letter of acceptance on the course (CAS), and proof of funds are required to be submitted. The processing fee applies to most of the countries is €348. Check out the full process below:

  1. Collect the documents required to support the application.
  2. Complete a Tier 4 application online.
  3. Register with UKVCAS and upload the documents.
  4. Attend your appointment. 

UK Student Visa Processing Time Fast Track

The applicant might also opt for yet another priority processing service. The applicant can avail of the service of fast-tracking his application processing using this service. However, the service charges an additional cost of €956. The applications for Tier 2 work, Tier 4 student, and Tier 5 visa get processed within 1 day (24 hours) under high priority processing service.

UK Student Visa Interview Process

Usually, when the applicant visits the UK Visa center for providing his biometric details, a round of interviews takes place. The questions asked are generally related to the course, reasons for studying in the UK, and managing finance during the study in the UK. The interviews are quick and smooth. However, a further round of interviews might happen if the officer thinks it is necessary.

FAQs

Q.1 How many categories are their when applying for UK Student Visa?

Answer: There are generally many categories in which the student can apply for a UK student visa. They vary on the basis of course duration, age, etc. There are 2 types of UK Student Visa: Student Visitor Visa (for a program whose duration is less than 6 months) and Student Route Visa (for program duration longer than 6 months). Moreover, UK Tier 4 Student Visa is a visa category is for students coming to the UK for higher education and having the minimum age of 16 years.

Q.2 Do UK Student Visa applications get rejected?

Answer: Yes, the applications can certainly be rejected due to some reasons. One such reason can be failing to comply with the latest immigration rules set by the UK government. Providing any inaccurate information or any fault in the submitted documents, falling short on academic achievements, lack of interview skills, etc might also lead to rejection of the application. Lack of sufficient funds is also a very common reason for application rejection.

Q.3 What are the UK Student Visa requirements?

Answer: There are a number of things that are required in order to obtain a UK student visa. The first and foremost requirement for getting it is a valid passport of the applicant. Further, proof of having adequate funds is required to be submitted. A letter of acceptance by the respective university is also provided. Lastly, a medical examination report is submitted and a telephonic/personal interview is required to be given.

Q.4 What is the processing time for UK Student Visa application?

Answer: UK Student Visa applications are usually processed within a time period of 3 weeks i.e. 15 working days from the application completely lodged. Students can also contact VFS, who manages visa center application centers for the UK Border Agency in India for sorting out any query regarding the delay. Applicants can also track their visa application to the VFS SMS alert services or by simply using the online tracking system. Moreover, they can also opt for priority processing service to fast track their application processing for an additional cost.

Q.5 Can I apply for UK Student Visa without IELTS?

Answer: Yes, you can definitely apply for a UK Student visa without giving IELTS. Generally, IELTS is compulsory for a UK student visa. Hence, they invest their time in order to grab high scores in IELTS. However, the reality is quite different. Many top institutions of UK like Hertfordshire University, Portsmouth University, and Birmingham University offer admission to the students on the basis of their marks in English as per their class X & XII scorecard. The minimum percentage required to be eligible is 60-70%. Alternatively, some institutions might accept admission on the basis of telephonic or personal interviews.

About the Author
PB
Piyush Bhartiya
Study Abroad Expert & Co-Founder @ AdmitKard
Piyush values education and has studied from the top institutes of IIT Roorkee, IIM Bangalore, KTH Sweden and Tsinghua University in China. Post completing his MBA, he has worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group and focused on building sales and marketing vertical for top MNCs and Indian business houses.