For many, getting a UK student visa is a goal worth working hard for since the UK has so many things to offer to international learners: high quality of education, excellent learning facilities and experiences, and a safe and green environment, to name a few.
Applying For a Tier 4 Visa
To be granted a UK student visa, your application needs to get a total of 40 points. This is because the UK Home Office operates on a points-based system and nearly all entry visa categories are covered by this scheme. If you fail to get the required score, your visa application will be denied and you will have to go through the grueling and expensive process of applying again.
If you are applying for a UK student visa, you have to know that getting one will depend greatly on how hard you work to prepare for the whole application process. Below are some essential steps you need to take before applying for your student visa:
1. Double-check your CAS
The most important document you have to submit when applying for a Tier 4 visa is your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS. This a letter issued by your chosen college or university stating that you have met the requirements they set for your selected course and you have been accepted.
When going over your CAS, make sure:
- All your personal details match the details on your passport
- The CAS number and letter was released no more than six months before the date of your application
- Your university or college is still on the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) list of approved educational institutions
2. Check the course start date on your CAS
Aside from double-checking the important personal information on your CAS, check the date when your course will begin. You can apply for a visa up to three months in advance as long as you have all the requirements. It is important that you apply as early as possible because in the event that your first application is denied, you will still have enough time to get another CAS letter (they can only be used once) and go through the process again.
3. Make sure you have all the right requirements
Aside from the CAS letter, you will need to submit some other documents to support your application. These include:
- Proof of your educational attainment or background
- English language test certificate
- Evidence of your good moral character
- TB certificate (this will not be required if you will only be taking up a six-month course)
If you’re not sure which documents to submit to support your application, you can always get advice from a trusted online immigration consultant to make sure you are preparing all the right requirements.
Proof of funds
To be awarded the remaining 10 points (and get a visa), you need to show that you are financially capable of living and studying in the UK without being a liability to the state.
This amount will depend on your remaining course fees, the duration of your course, and where you will be studying.
If you have already paid the full course or tuition fee, you have to show that you have £1,265 per month for living costs if you will be studying in London and £ 1,015 per month if you will be studying outside London or anywhere else in the UK for a maximum of nine months. If you only paid a deposit or initial fee, you will need to add the remaining fee to your living expenses.
You need to submit original financial documents which can include bank statements, bank letters, or bank books. You also have to hold the required funds for a minimum of 28 days and your bank documents should be no more than 31 days old on the date you submit your application online.
It is important to make sure your that financial documents are genuine and they meet the required guidelines so that your student visa application will be approved.
4. Go over your online visa application form before submitting it
To submit your visa application, you have to answer or complete an online application form. Make sure all the information you place is correct before submitting it, and choosing an appointment date at the local visa application centre. Even if you completed the form online, you will still need to head to the local visa application centre to submit your documents and have your biometric information taken.
5. Prepare for the credibility interview
You will also have to undergo an interview with a UKVI staff so that they can check if you are indeed a genuine student and have an adequate level of English-speaking ability. Make sure you are familiar with your course, have good reasons why you want to study in the UK and your chosen school, know your future plans, etc. since the interviewer will want to know these details. The report of the interview will be sent to the Entry Clearance Officer who will make the decision on your application.
Once you get your visa, coordinate with your college or university representative to let them know that you will be in the UK soon. Also, make sure you arrange your accommodation before your flight. All universities and big colleges in England have halls of residences and self-catered halls where international students can stay. If you choose to stay in such accommodation options, consider your budget and the amount of privacy you want (you can stay in your own room or live with one or more students). Alternatively, you can consider renting a flat or house if you want more privacy or freedom, but this entails higher expenses and more responsibility since you will need to sign a tenancy agreement. Preparing for the whole student visa application process is the best way to be assured that you will be granted permission to study in the UK. It is also a good prelude to having a wonderful and memorable stay overseas.
AUTHOR: Bevan Berning is an Immigration professional and owner of Pathway Visas, an Immigration Agency dealing mostly with skilled immigration to Canada and Australia. Bevan’s enthusiasm for the industry has kept in the Immigration field for the past seven years. Bevan is South African by birth and has been residing in Dubai for the past eight years.