Table of Contents
- What is UK Student Visa?
- Who Can Apply for a UK Student Visa?
- Requirement for UK Student Visa
- Living Apart
- Required Document for UK Student Visa
- What Is UK Student Visa English Test
- How to Apply for UK Student Visa
- How Long does the Application process take?
- Student Visa Appeal Process
- How Salam Immigration Can Help
What is the Student Visa UK?
A Student Visa UK allows you to study at a UK educational institution for the duration of your course. This visa is designed to facilitate international students in obtaining quality education in the UK.
The Student Visa can be extended if you meet certain eligibility conditions and wish to continue your studies. Holding a Student Visa can also pave the way to other long-term visas, should you meet the criteria.
To apply for a UK Student Visa and enter the UK, you must have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. The main eligibility criteria include providing proof of acceptance, meeting financial conditions, and satisfying English language requirements.
If you hold a Student Visa in the UK, you have the right to work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays. However, you cannot claim most benefits, such as public funds, housing allowance, or tax credits.
Get in touch with Salam Immigration to receive professional advice on your UK Student Visa case and learn how you can pursue your education in the UK.
Who can apply for a Student Visa?
You can apply for a UK Student Visa if you are:
- Have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
- Are able to provide proof of acceptance on the course
- Meet specific financial conditions
- Satisfy the English language requirements
- Are 16 years or older
Need a UK Student Visa? Contact Salam Immigration!
Requirements for a Student Visa
Before you submit your application for a UK Student Visa, you need to:
- Be accepted onto a course by a licensed student sponsor
- Have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Prove you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course
- Meet the English language requirements
- Provide a valid passport
- Complete a tuberculosis test (if applicable)
- Show proof of relationship with your parents (if under 18)
Genuine Student Test
The UK Student Visa applicant needs to be able to prove they are a genuine student committed to pursuing studies in the UK. You will need to prove your intention to study. Send evidence in your application that:
- You have a genuine intention to study
- You have prepared for your course
- You meet the academic requirements
Satisfying the Student Requirement
There are lots of different types of evidence you can send to the Home Office, such as:
- Academic qualifications
- English language test results
- Financial evidence
- Previous educational certificates
- CAS from your educational institution
- Proof of accommodation arrangements
- Personal statements detailing your study plan
- Evidence of paying tuition fees
If you do not have any evidence that meets these criteria, there is other evidence you may be able to provide, in some circumstances, instead, including:
- Letters of recommendation from teachers
- Proof of extracurricular activities
- Communication records with the educational institution
Living Apart
If you are under 18 and not living with your parents, you’ll need to prove that you have adequate accommodation and welfare arrangements. You can do this by providing evidence that you:
- Have a guardian in the UK
- Have a suitable place to live
- Have written consent from your parents
Final Preparation for Application
Before you submit your application for a UK Student Visa, you need to:
- Ensure all required documents are complete and accurate
- Meet all eligibility and financial requirements
- Provide evidence of a genuine intention to study
Contact Salam Immigration for expert UK Student Visa advice!
Financial Requirements for Student Visa
The UK institution sponsoring your education must meet specific criteria. First, you will need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course without claiming public funds.
- The minimum amount required depends on your course fees and living expenses..
Meeting Financial Requirements
If you don’t have enough money from the listed sources of income to meet the mandatory Student Visa financial requirements, or you are unsure about your finances, seek the advice of our specialist immigration lawyers, as exceptional circumstances may apply.
Sources of Income to Meet Financial Criteria
To meet the minimum income requirement for your UK Student Visa application, you can use:
- Employment income
- Self-employment income
- Pensions
- Rental income
- Verified investment dividends
Savings
Any savings between £16,000 and £88,500 can contribute to meeting the financial criteria for the Student Visa, effectively reducing the salary requirement you face. If your savings are less than £16,000, then there is no benefit, and it will not help you meet the financial requirements. If savings are over £16,000, you will begin to reduce the amount you need to prove by other means.
- Savings over £16,000 reduce financial requirements
- Combine savings and earnings to meet the threshold
If your financial sponsor is applying from outside the UK, they can use their savings to contribute towards the total income amount – but not their earnings. However, if your financial sponsor is working in the UK, their earnings can count towards the total amount. You must prove you have enough financial support for the entire length of the permit.
Income from Benefits
There are cases where you won’t need to meet the mandatory eligibility criteria, such as if you are claiming any one of the following benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Mobility Supplement or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme
- Police Injury Pension
However, you will need to prove that you have enough money to support your dependents. This is called ‘adequate maintenance,’ and the exact amount you need will depend on your individual circumstances. Typically, you will need at least £120 per week after you have paid for housing. If you have a child or children, this amount will increase.
Reach out to Salam Immigration for expert UK Student Visa guidance!
Required Documents for Student Visa
Having all the correct documents to support your UK Student Visa application will help ensure its success and prevent delays. These are the documents you will need to send to the Home Office to get the right to study in the UK:
- Valid passport
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Financial evidence
- Proof of relationship with parents (if under 18)
- Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs
- Completed application form
- Previous educational certificates
Please note that any documents that are not in English need to be accompanied by a translated version from a professional translator. All evidence must be in the exact format required by the Home Office.
What is the Student Visa English Language Test?
Applicants who wish to study in the UK need to prove that they can speak English. If you must sit an English test in speaking and listening to get the right to study in the UK, your qualification will be valid only if your English exam is taken through an approved Secure English Language Testing (SELT) Provider.
Test Exemptions
You do not need an English Language test if you:
- Are a national of a majority English-speaking country
- Have an academic qualification taught in English
- Are under 18 or over 65
- Have a physical or mental condition preventing you from meeting the requirement
Get pro advice on your UK Student Visa—call Salam Immigration!
Student Visa Accommodation Requirements
You will need to present proof of accommodation that meets UK living standards as part of your UK student visa application. Your educational institution, which acts as your sponsor, will need to show that they can provide adequate accommodation for you during your stay in the UK. This proof of accommodation is crucial to ensure your application is successful and prevent delays.
For proof of accommodation, the Home Office will ask you to provide:
- Tenancy agreement or university accommodation contract
- Proof of payment for accommodation
- Evidence of living arrangements
Qualifying for Accommodation Requirements
To qualify for the Student Visa UK accommodation requirements, your property needs to meet specific standards and provide enough space for you to live comfortably. Each student should have their own living space, however:
- Shared kitchen and bathroom facilities are acceptable
- Accommodation must meet health and safety standards
- The property should not be overcrowded
- Proof of payment or booking confirmation is required
- Evidence of suitability for student living
- Confirmation from the educational institution
This means that shared facilities are acceptable as long as the accommodation meets the required standards.
Get expert UK Student Visa guidance—contact Salam Immigration!
How to Apply for a Student Visa
Applying for a Student Visa UK requires careful preparation ahead of your planned move. It’s essential not to book any flights or travel arrangements until you have received visa approval from the Home Office. The application process can begin online if you are outside the UK. You will need to complete the appropriate forms, including providing your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your licensed student sponsor. You may also need to visit a visa application centre to provide your biometric information as part of the process. Remember that several forms and documents are involved, and they must be accurately filled out with sufficient evidence to increase your chances of obtaining a UK Student Visa.
If you are applying from within the UK, the process is different. You must ensure that you are currently in the country on an eligible visa that allows you to switch to a Student Visa. Not all visas permit this switch, so it’s crucial to confirm your eligibility. Should the Home Office have any doubts about your application, you may be invited for an interview. During this interview, you’ll be asked questions to determine the genuineness of your intention to study and your ability to meet the course requirements.
The Student Visa application process can be lengthy and challenging to navigate alone. We are here to help. Contact us now on 0161 839 7396 or make an enquiry online to speak with one of our immigration lawyers about your Student Visa application.
What are the UK Student Visa Fees?
The Home Office fee for a Student Visa application submitted from outside the UK is £348. If you are applying from within the UK, the cost is £475. These charges will increase if you are including dependents, with additional fees for each dependent added to your application.
There are additional costs related to your UK Student Visa application that you should consider as you prepare:
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- English language test fees
- Document translation fees
- Biometric enrolment fees
Secure your UK Student Visa with our expert guidance!
How long does the application process take?
Typically, processing a UK Student Visa application takes between 3 to 8 weeks. The processing time can vary depending on the documents provided and the country from which the application is submitted.
What Happens After You Apply?
If your UK Student Visa application is accepted, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport, allowing you to enter the UK within a specified period. Upon arrival, you will have 10 days to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). It’s important to enter the UK within the validity of your visa vignette to avoid any complications. If you cannot enter within this time frame, you may request a new entry permit but will incur additional fees.
What If Your Application Is Rejected?
If your Student Visa application is rejected, you have the option to appeal the decision or submit a new application. This process can be complex and challenging, and it’s advisable to seek assistance from an immigration adviser.
Our team at Salam can help you understand the reasons for refusal and guide you through the appeals process or help strengthen a new application. We have offices located across the UK, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham, ready to assist you.
Let us help you navigate the Student Visa application process—contact us today!
Student Visa Appeal Process
If your Student Visa application is refused, you should act quickly and follow these steps:
- Submit your appeal
- Ensure your grounds for appeal are legitimate
- Prepare your case thoroughly
- Gather supporting documents
- Seek legal advice
- Address all reasons for refusal
- Attend your hearing
- Be patient and persistent
How Long Does the Student Visa Appeal Take?
Unfortunately, the appeal process for a Student Visa UK can be quite lengthy. Some applicants may have to wait up to 12 months or longer for a decision to be made on their appeal against a Student Visa refusal.
Common reasons for refusal include:
- Insufficient financial evidence.
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
- Failure to meet English language requirements.
- Lack of a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).Lack of a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
The best way to avoid having to go through the Student Visa appeal process is by ensuring that your initial application is as accurate and complete as possible.
Renewing or Extending a Student Visa
You can renew and extend your UK Student Visa, provided your current leave to remain hasn’t expired.
To qualify for a Student Visa extension, you must:
- Have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor.
- Meet academic progression requirements by advancing to a higher level of study.
- Obtain a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution.
- Prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.
- Meet the English language requirements for your new course.
There are a few other requirements for a UK Student Visa extension. Kindly reach out to us today on 0161 839 7396 for advice or support with a Student Visa extension application.
After you have completed your studies in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Graduate Visa, allowing you to work in the UK for up to two years.
How Salam Can Help You?
Student Visa applications can be complex, and using the services of an immigration expert is highly recommended. You will need to ensure that you meet all of the mandatory requirements, complete the relevant forms, and collate your evidence for submission. This will need to be extensive and prove that you are a genuine student.
At Salam, we understand the importance of achieving your educational goals, and we make it our priority to maximise your chances of doing this.
Our team of specialist immigration advisers and solicitors can guide you through each step of your application process for a Student Visa in the UK. Our services include:
- Detailed consultation to assess your eligibility and discuss your options.
- Assistance with application forms, ensuring they are completed accurately.
- Guidance on supporting documents to strengthen your application.
- Representation in appeals and administrative reviews if your application is refused.
- Advice on financial requirements and how to meet them.
- Support with English language tests and meeting the language criteria.
- Updates on immigration laws and how changes may affect your status.
Salam has an excellent track record of successful cases, and our immigration solicitors are highly experienced in this field. To apply for a UK Student Visa, contact Salam online or on 0161 839 7396 today for professional, no-obligation advice or assistance.
Was your Student Visa application rejected? Our lawyers can advise on the next best action.
Student Visa Appeal Process:
- Submit your appeal promptly within the specified timeframe.
- Ensure your grounds for appeal are valid and likely to be accepted.
- Prepare a strong case with all necessary supporting documents.
- Address all reasons for refusal provided by the Home Office.
- Seek professional legal advice to strengthen your appeal.
