How to get a UK student visa?

All students from outside the UK need a student visa if they will be studying for more than six months in the UK. This includes students who are:

• Attending a school or college in the UK
• Studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree
• Studying an English language course
• Taking a foundation course

EU and EEA nationals, Swiss nationals, and those from Andorra, Vatican City, San Marino, and Monaco do not need a student visa to study in the UK for up to 6 months. However, they must register as ‘European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss nationals’ with the UK Visa and Immigration system (UKVI) within seven days of arriving in the UK.

Students from other countries may be excused from the 6-month rule if they are:

• Studying a PhD
• Studying an English language course that is no more than 11 months long
• Taking a course that is part of a recognized exchange program
• Studying at a Commonwealth university

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply for your Student visa, you must provide:

• A recent passport
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your school or university

You may be required to provide the following:

• Proof you have enough funds for your living expenses and tuition fee – this may vary depending on your occasions
• A valid ATAS certificate if your nationality and program of study require it
• Confirmation of parental or other legal guardian permission if you’re under 18
• Evidence of relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re below 18
• your tuberculosis test results
• Written authorization from your financial supporter if you’ve received sponsorship for your course and living costs in the last 12 months

Step 1: Start the visa application process: Complete a visa application on the official UK Government website. (Here) Review the eligibility criteria and collect all essential documents.

Step 2: Calculate and pay the visa application fee: The current student visa application fee is £490. You are able to pay online via a credit or debit card. (If you are from Iran, you can quickly pay your application fee through this website)

Step 3: Schedule biometric appointment (if required): Depending on your nationality, you may be required to attend a biometric meeting to provide fingerprints and facial images. Book an appointment at a UK Visa and Immigration Application Centre (VFS Global) office.

Step 4: Submit visa application: Submit your completed application, along with all supporting documents and payment confirmation, to the appropriate UK Visa and Immigration Services.

Step 5: Attend interview (if required): In some cases, you may be invited for an interview at the VFS Global office to verify your identity and visa application details.

Step: Awaiting decision: The processing time for student visas typically takes three weeks, but it may vary depending on the individual circumstances. Check the online application status tracker for updates.

Step 7: Receive visa: Once your visa is approved, you will obtain a vignette in your passport. This vignette permits you to enter the UK within the validity period.

Step 8: Register with the UK Border Agency: Within seven days of arriving in the UK, register with the UK Border Agency using your biometric residence permit (BRP).

Can I get a partner visa for the UK?

Yes, you can get a partner visa for the UK as an international student. The partner visa is also known as the Spouse or Unmarried Partner visa. It allows your spouse or unmarried partner to join you in the UK if you are a UK citizen, settled in the UK, or have pre-settled status.

Eligibility requirements:

• You must be a British citizen, settled in the UK, or have pre-settled status.
• Your partner must be a non-UK national.
• You must be in a genuine and subsisting relationship. This means you have lived together in a relationship leading to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years.
• You must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• You must meet the financial requirements. This means that you must be able to support your partner and yourself without relying on public funds.
• You must have suitable accommodation for your partner and yourself.
• You must meet the English language requirements. This means that you must be able to speak and understand English to a certain level.

Document requirements:

• Completed visa application form
• Passport or travel documentation
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of relationship (such as joint bank statements, utility bills, or rental agreements)
• Evidence of financial support (such as bank statements, payslips, or tax returns)
• Confirmation of residence (such as a residency agreement or property purchase documents)
• Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable)
• A letter from your partner’s sponsor (if applicable)

Application process:

1. Start the online application process on the UK government’s website.
2. Gather all required documents.
3. Calculate and pay the visa application fee.
4. Schedule a biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Immigration Application Centre (VFS Global) office.
5. Submit your application to VFS Global, along with all supporting documents.
6. Attend your biometric appointment.
7. A decision will be made on your application within eight weeks.

Cost:

The current visa application fee for a partner visa is £1586.

Processing time:

The processing time for a partner visa is usually eight weeks. However, it can take longer in some cases.