Student Visa
If you are an international student looking to study in the UK, you will need to obtain a student visa. At Legal Pathway Solicitors, we understand that the process can be complex, so we are here to provide expert guidance and support throughout the application process.
Types of Student Visas in the UK
There are two main types of student visas available in the UK:
- Tier 4 Student Visa: This visa is for students who are 16 years old or over and wish to study at a UK university, college, or any other educational institution.
- Short-term Study Visa: This visa is for students who want to study in the UK for a short period, such as an English language course.
Tier 4 Student Visa Requirements:
To be eligible for a Tier 4 Student Visa, you must meet several requirements, including:
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): You need a CAS from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor before applying for a visa.
- English Language Requirements: You must prove your English proficiency by taking an approved English language test.
- Financial Requirements: You must show enough funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
- Academic Requirements: You must prove that you have been accepted onto a course of study at a licensed Tier 4 sponsor.
Short-term Study Visa Requirements:
To be eligible for a Short-term Study Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Confirmation of Enrolment: You must have confirmation of enrolment from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor or an accredited English language centre.
- English Language Requirements: You must prove your English proficiency by taking an approved English language test.
- Financial Requirements: You must show enough funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
Application Process:
The application process for a student visa can be complex, and ensuring you meet all the requirements before submitting your application is essential. At Legal Pathway Solicitors, we can guide you through the entire application process, from assessing your eligibility to preparing and submitting your application.
Our services include:
- Eligibility Assessment: We will assess your eligibility for a student visa and advise you on the best course of action.
- Application Preparation: We can assist you in preparing all the necessary documentation for your student visa application, ensuring that it meets all the requirements of the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department.
- Representation: Our experienced lawyers can represent you in case of any issues that may arise during the application process.
- Follow-up: We will inform you of your application’s progress and any other related issues.
UK Student Visa Eligibility:
Before applying for a UK Student Visa, you must satisfy the following requirements:
- Must have received an unconditional study offer from a licensed sponsoring UK-based institute.
- Must have received a letter of confirmation from a nominated supervisor (from the approved sponsoring organization).
- Must meet the minimum point-based score threshold per the UKVI policy.
- Must have relevant qualifications to enrol in the following study program with a robust and genuine motivation to study in the UK.
- You must be able to support yourself or any joining family members/dependents financially.
Point-based Score Threshold as a Student:
You need to prove the following conditions.
- Received confirmation of acceptance for prospective studies (50 points).
- Satisfied the minimum financial requirements (10 points).
- Meet the minimum English language requirements (10 points). B2 level per CEFR criteria if the course is below degree level, A1, and or A2 for the higher degree programs, i.e. Bachelor, Masters, and PhD.
Financial Requirements:
As with other immigration visa categories, you must satisfy and prove the following financial conditions that you have enough funds to support yourself and any dependents who are joining you at the time of your application. The financial requirements under the Student Visa route are as follows:
- For a London-based course programme, you must have £1,334 monthly for up to 9 months.
- For courses outside London, you must have £1,023 per month for up to 9 months.
Please note that this monetary fund must be maintained for 28 consecutive days within 31 days of applying for the study visa.
Supporting Documents:
To expedite your UK study visa application, providing supporting documentation proof is integral to the smooth running of your application process. With this in mind, you must be able to provide all the prerequisite information and the following documentation:
- A valid passport/any valid and most recent travel document.
- A confirmation letter of acceptance from the nominated supervisor of interest.
- Proof of financial support statement, i.e., bank statements.
- A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate if it is part of your chosen coursework requirements.
- Medical reports, i.e. tuberculosis test results if applicable.
- A written consent from your approved supervisor that he/she is willing and agreed to support you with your studies, living, accommodation, etc.
Moreover, an approved translator must translate documents not in English/Welsh. Be sure to include both the original and the translated versions in your application portfolio.
English Language Requirements
When you plan to study in the UK, as an international candidate, you must satisfy the minimum English Proficiency requirements per CEFR level, which varies. B1 is required for studies below the degree level, while B2, A1, and A2 levels are recommended for higher-level degree programs such as Masters’s and PhDs. You must take these tests from approved SELT centres/English Language test providers worldwide.
Satisfying the English Language Requirements:
The following ways you can qualify and meet the language requirements:
- Your previous education/degree was taught exclusively in English either during an undergraduate or postgraduate level, in which case you may only be required to provide the accredited English proficiency letter/ certificate issued by your previous institute.
- You have already taken and approved the required English level through another immigration visa.
- You are applying for the study abroad programme in the UK as part of the degree course taught at one of the US universities.
UK Student Visa Application Fee
As with other UK immigration routes, you must apply online, whether inside or outside the UK. Be sure to pay the full application fee for the UK Student Visa, which is currently set as follows:
- Applications made from outside the UK: £363
- Applications made within the UK: £490
- Student Visa Extension applications: £490
Student Graduate Route
The UK government has introduced the Graduate Route visa for students to develop their participation in the job market of the UK.
- The Graduate Route is available to international students who have been awarded a degree at the undergraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.
- You must have a valid Student Visa at the time of application.
- If your Student permission expires before 1 July 2021, you will not be eligible to apply (unless you can extend your Student permission first and meet the other requirements).
- You can only apply from inside the UK.
