Checklist and Requirements for Student Visa of the UK
International students can take study opportunities in the UK but they have to fulfill certain criteria to become international students in the UK. The entry requirements have to be met to get offer letter from the UK universities.
Tier 4 (General) student visa is a type of visa which can be applied by those students who are above 16 or over and applying for the course which lasts more than 6 months.
English Language Requirements:
Proficiency in English Language is very essential to be eligible applicant for Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. English language test shows a proof of having four skills (read, listen, write and speak).
IELTS is very appropriate for undergraduate and postgraduate course whilst IELTS for UKVI is suitable when applying for foundation course/ pre-sessional course progressing to undergraduate or postgraduate course. IELTS for UKVI is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by UK government. This test is secure test in support of the UK Visa and Immigration.
The entry requirements of undergraduate and postgraduate degree are described briefly below: –
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants with the mentioned below qualifications can apply for an undergraduate course:
- Higher Secondary Education Board Examination (10+2) is 65% or above.
- IELTS/IELTS for UKVI score is 6.0 or above overall and not less than 5.5 in each band.
- IELTS for UKVI score is 4.5 overall and not less than 4.5 in each band for pre-sessional English language course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants with the mentioned below qualifications can apply for a postgraduate course:
- Higher Secondary Education Board Examination (10+2) is 50% or above.
- IELTS/IELTS for UKVI score is 6.5 or above overall and not less than 5.5 in each band.
- IELTS for UKVI score is 4.5 overall and not less than 4.5 in each band for pre-sessional English language course.
Note:
- Duration of Pre-sessional English language course is from 8 weeks to 12 weeks.
- Few Universities accept students by considering English score of Higher Secondary Education Board Examination (12/both 11 and 12; which should be 65% or above i.e., B+)
- Academic/IELTS score may slightly differ in some universities.
- Gap should not be more than 2 years for undergraduate course.
- Gap should not be more than 5 years for postgraduate course.
- In case of gap, it should be clarified well.
After the entry requirements has met, the students become eligible applicant to apply for Tier 4 Student Visa. Unconditional offer letter should be obtained on the course which have licensed Tier 4 sponsor. Likewise, proof of financial support should be provided for the course as well as the living expenses.
Documents Checklist
Documents required for Tier 4 Student Visa from initial stage (issuance of unconditional offer letter) to final stage (apply for visa) are given below: –
Unconditional Offer Letter Documents:
- Academic Documents along with Recommendation Letters.
- IELTS Score
- Passport
- Statement of Purpose
Universities issue Unconditional offer letter only if the student fulfills all the conditions of the course and the university. Academic and IELTS score should be met to get unconditional offer letter from the university. Most of the universities take a credibility interview after providing conditional or unconditional offer letter while some of the universities directly provide unconditional offer letter without taking interview. Also, there are some universities which take interview while issuing CAS letter. A credibility interview will be taken by the member of the international team of the university.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Letter Documents:
- Fee Payment Receipt
- Tuberculosis Screening
- Bank Statement of past 28 days
- Bank Balance certificate in GBP
After successfully passing the credibility interview, the university will issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter which provides basic information of the student such as student name, date of birth, university name and address, license number, course title, level, start and end date of the course, tuition cost, CAS reference number, accommodation details and so on.
Visa Application Documents:
- Covering Letter
- Academic Documents
- IELTS Score
- Financial Proofs: Bank Statement and Bank Balance Certificate
- CAS Letter
- Tuberculosis Screening Report
- Visa Application Form
- Visa Application Checklist
- Appointment Confirmation
Note: – In case of any supporting documents are not in English, translation should be done confirming that the translated documents are accurate and mentioning translator’s name and signature and date.
Applying Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
Tier 4 student visa can be applied online from the official site of British Government https://www.gov.uk website. Student can apply visa three months’ beforehand. When completing visa application online, student has to make the payment of Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Fees on the basis of duration of leave granted on visa. IHS payment provides access to the free National Health Service (NHS) treatment excluding eye, dental treatment and medicines.
Application will not be submitted online unless full payment of IHS is made. IHS fees will be refunded if the visa application is refused. Application fee has to be paid at the VFS office. Student has to pay GBP 348 as visa application fee at the counter of Standard Chartered Bank in the VFS office. Finger prints and digital photos will be taken at the VFS office.
Students may have to attend personal interview at the VFS office. Questions that will be asked in the interview are related to the course, university, financial sponsor, accommodation, etc. Student will usually get a decision on visa within 3 weeks. Also, visa decision can be received on priority basis if it is urgent.
Arrival in the UK after Visa Granted
Once the visa is granted, the student whose course duration is more than 6 months can arrive a month before the course start date.
The student can bring their family members as dependants if only the student is studying the course of at least Level 7.