UK Student Visa

Because of its top-notch colleges and high-quality education, the United Kingdom has always attracted students from all over the world. The nation provides excellent educational options, world-class universities, and infinite research facilities that support students' professional development. Every year, the kingdom welcomes thousands of international students who want to spend time preparing for their future careers.

The UK Government provides an opportunity to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a UK student visa first. This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa. The visa you need depends on your age and the type, of course, you wish to pursue. Here’s an overview of UK student Visa application requirements.

UK Visa Fees

Types of UK Visas	Visa Validity	Stay Period	Entry Type	Visa Fees
6 Months Short Term UK Visa	6 Months	6 Months	Multiple Entry	INR 13,999/-
2 years Long Term UK Visa	2 Years	6 Months	Multiple Entry	INR 47,899/-
5 years Long Term UK Visa	5 Years	6 Months	Multiple Entry	INR 88,799/-
10 Years Long Term UK Visa	10 Years	6 Months	Multiple Entry	INR 1,09,899/-

UK Student Visa Eligibility:

• You must have an unconditional offer from an educational institute on a course with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor. You must apply online for a Tier 4 (General) student visa which is replaced by a UK student visa.

• Have sufficient money to support yourself and pay for your course

• Be able to speak, read, write and understand English

Note: If you are over 18 years old and you are studying a short course, you may be eligible for a short-term study visa. This is valid for up to six months for most short courses. You can extend your visa for a stay of up to 11 months for English language courses.

UK student visas depend on a points-based rating system. In order to meet all the UK Student Visa Requirements, you will need to provide:

• Current valid passport
• Passport size photograph.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and documents used to obtain CAS.
• Proof of adequate English language skills (demonstrate skills by passing one of the secure English language tests). You do not have the need to provide this if you are from an English-speaking country such as the United States or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in an English-speaking country.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course.
• Assessment documentation.
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate (if required).

When to Apply for UK Student Visa

You can apply for your visa up to 3 months before the start date of your course. It’s a good idea to start preparing for your visa application early to make sure you have all the necessary documentation ready. Important: You should not book your biometrics appointment before receiving your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the school. We also advise that you don’t arrange your flights to London until you have your visa.

English Language Requirement for UK Visa

You must provide evidence of your knowledge of the English language when you apply for your visa. This usually means passing a secure English language test. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have minimum English language requirements for reading, writing, listening, and speaking according to your level of study.

Your university or school (sponsor) may have different English language requirements. There is a chance you may be interviewed by a UKVI officer as part of the visa application process. If you cannot hold a simple conversation without an interpreter, you may be refused entry to the UK, regardless of your English language results.

Biometric Residence Permit for UK

As part of your application, you must also obtain a biometric residence permit (BRP) from UKVI. You will need to make an appointment with UKVI to have your fingers and thumbs scanned and a digital photo taken of your face.

Applying for your UK Student Visa Online

You must apply for your student visa application online using the British Government’s official Gov. UK website (unless you are applying from North Korea, in which case you can use a hardcopy form).
You can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel to the UK. Your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.

UK Visa Processing Time:

Be sure to allow extra time for your visa application. Immediately after you have been accepted to and enrolled in the University of your Choice, you can already start your application for the British Tier 4 (General) student visa. You should apply at least 3 months before your university degree program starts. After you have applied, you can expect that you will wait about 15 to 20 days for the decision.

Receiving your UK Student Visa

After the Entry Clearance Officer has finished assessing your visa application, your passport will be returned with a decision letter. If your application is successful, your passport will contain a vignette (sticker). This vignette is valid for 30 days and you must enter the UK during this period.

Make sure that you check the following information is correct on the vignette: • Valid from the date (up to one month before the CAS start date)
• Valid until date (30 days from the 'valid from' date)
• Type = TIER 4 (GENERAL) STUDENT
• Your name, passport number, and date of birth
• The sponsor license number (you can find this on your CAS Statement) If any of the above is incorrect, please contact your visa application center immediately.

The decision letter will give the type of visa you have been issued and details of the post office where you will need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival in the UK. Make sure that you keep this letter safe, as you cannot collect your BRP without it. For courses lasting 6 months or more, you can normally travel to the UK up to a month before your course start date. Do not travel before the start date on your visa as you will not be allowed to enter the UK.

FAQs

Q.Where can I apply online for a UK student visa in India?

Ans - It is highly recommended that you must apply for your UK student visa from India via an authorized visa agent like Akbartravels.com which ensures that you get a successful UK visa on your first attempt.

Q.How long does it take to process the UK student visa?

Ans - It normally takes 10 to 15 days to process your UK student visa from India after you have submitted your UK visa application.

Q.Do I need to purchase flight tickets while applying for my UK Visa application from India?

Ans - No, you are not required to purchase the confirmed return UK flight tickets while applying for the UK visa application from India, however, you are supposed to submit the entire travel itinerary which will explain your UK tour.

Q.When should I ideally apply for a UK student visa from India?

Ans - You must ideally apply for your UK Student Visa 3 months prior to your course commencement to avoid any last-minute hurdle for the visa process.

Q.How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa?

Ans - The minimum bank balance you are required to apply for a UK visa from India is approximately INR 2,00,000 to 3,00,000/- per person.

Q.Can a student in the UK invite their parents on a student visa?

Ans - Yes, a student can surely invite their parents or family members to the UK, however they must apply for the UK Standard Visitor Visa before planning the UK trip.

Q.Is IELTS mandatory for a UK student visa from India?

Ans - Yes, students must make sure to attend an "IELTS for UKVI" exam at one of the UKVI locations as it is a mandatory part of their UK visa application.

Q.Can I get a UK student visa from India without biometrics?

Ans - No, your UK student visa application won’t be processed without the biometric information, your fingerprints will be scanned along with your digital photographs.

Q.Can I enter the UK before my course starts on a UK student visa?

Ans - Yes, you can enter the kingdom before your course commences under the following situation: ● You can arrive up to 1 week before the course starts if the course is for 6 months. ● In case your course lasts for more than 6 months, then you can arrive 1 month before.

Q.What are the documents required to apply for a UK student visa?

Ans - There are several documents required to apply for a UK student visa from India, they are as follows: ● A Passport with at least 6 months of validity. ● Letter of acceptance from the university on the official letterhead with details of course and duration. ● Proof of sufficient funds. ● Details of your accommodation in the UK. ● Contact details of parents/guardians (in case of minors). ● Academic transcripts (diplomas, degrees, certificates).

Q.Can I work in the United Kingdom with a UK Student visa?

Ans - All EU, EEA, and Swiss students can work while studying in the UK. Students of publicly funded education institutions on Tier 4 student visas are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during their semester and can work full-time during semester breaks.

How Akbar Travels will help you?

With professional services delivered by our experienced Visa experts, Akbartravels.com provides its customers with swift and effortless visa processing. With 40 years of experience in the Travel & Tourism sector, we have helped a significant number of individuals in getting a successful UK visa on their first attempt. Moreover, from cheap flightstoUK, visa to accommodations,UKtour packages and everything in between, we can handle it all.

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