Student route
United Kingdom
The UK is a documents-first route: your CAS plus a 28-day maturity on funds decides the outcome. No interview in most cases, but credibility questions can be triggered.
- Visa type
- Student visa
- Processing time
- 3 weeks standard, 5 working days priority
- Government fees
- £524 application + IHS £776/year
- Funds required
- Tuition balance + £1,483/month (London) or £1,136/month
Document checklist
8 items the mission expects with your application.
- 1
CAS statement
Issued by your university with the CAS number and course details.
- 2
Passport with 2 blank pages
Valid for the full course duration where possible.
- 3
28-day bank statement
Funds held unbroken for 28 consecutive days.
- 4
Tuition deposit receipt
Any amount already paid is deducted from the maintenance.
- 5
ATAS certificate (if required)
For certain science and engineering programmes.
- 6
TB test certificate
From an approved clinic, valid 6 months.
- 7
Academic documents listed on the CAS
Exactly the ones the CAS references.
- 8
Parental consent + birth certificate
If you are under 18 or funds are in a parent's name.
Step by step
- 1
Secure the CAS
Confirm your place, pay the deposit and check the CAS for spelling errors.
- 2
Mature your funds
Hold the exact maintenance amount for 28 unbroken days before applying.
- 3
Submit the online form + IHS
We review every answer before payment.
- 4
Biometrics at VFS
Book the slot and upload the document set.
- 5
Decision and eVisa
Set up your UKVI account and share code for travel.
Appointments
One biometrics appointment at a VFS centre
Avoid these mistakes
- The closing balance must never dip below the required amount inside the 28 days.
- Apply no more than 6 months before the course start date.
- Priority processing is worth it for late July and August intakes.