<p>The Student Route visa replaces the old Tier 4 (General) student visa. For most international students, it is the document that makes UK study possible—and the most administratively complex part of the pre-arrival process. Getting it right is essential; getting it wrong can delay or prevent your course start.</p> <h2 id="tldr">TL;DR</h2> <ul> <li>The Student Route visa is required for most non-UK nationals studying a course longer than 6 months in the UK</li> <li>You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor (your university) before you can apply</li> <li>The application costs: GBP 490 visa fee + GBP 1,035/year Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)</li> <li>You must demonstrate proof of funds: first-year tuition + living costs (GBP 1,023–1,334/month for up to 9 months)</li> <li>Standard processing time is 3 weeks from biometric appointment; priority (5 working days) and super priority (next working day) available at additional cost</li> <li>Common reasons for refusal: insufficient financial evidence, CAS errors, credibility interview failures, and document format problems</li> </ul> <h2 id="step-1-receive-your-cas">Step 1: Receive Your CAS</h2> <h3 id="what-is-a-cas">What Is a CAS?</h3> <p>A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number issued by your university. It’s not a physical document—it’s an electronic record in the UKVI system that links to your application. You cannot apply for a Student Route visa without a CAS number.</p> <h3 id="when-youll-receive-it">When You’ll Receive It</h3> <p>Universities begin issuing CAS numbers from June onward for September/October course starts. The timing varies:</p> <ul> <li>Students with unconditional offers typically receive their CAS first</li> <li>Students with conditional offers receive their CAS after meeting conditions (exam results confirmed)</li> <li>Clearing students receive their CAS after their place is confirmed, typically August–September</li> </ul> <p>CAS issuance is not automatic—some universities require you to complete a CAS request form, upload specific documents, or pay a tuition deposit before the CAS is issued. Check your university’s international student portal for the CAS request procedure.</p> <h3 id="check-your-cas-statement">Check Your CAS Statement</h3> <p>When you receive your CAS, you’ll get a CAS statement (a summary of the information the university has submitted to UKVI). Check every detail:</p> <ul> <li>Your name (must match your passport exactly)</li> <li>Date of birth</li> <li>Course title and dates</li> <li>Tuition fees and any payments made</li> <li>Accommodation payments (if applicable, these can reduce your financial evidence requirement)</li> <li>English language qualification details</li> <li>Any document numbers referenced (passport, qualifications)</li> </ul> <p>Errors in the CAS are one of the most common causes of visa delays. If you spot an error, contact your university immediately to request a correction. Do not submit your visa application with an incorrect CAS.</p> <h2 id="step-2-prepare-financial-evidence">Step 2: Prepare Financial Evidence</h2> <h3 id="how-much-you-need-to-show">How Much You Need to Show</h3> <p>You must demonstrate you have enough money to cover:</p> <ul> <li><strong>First-year tuition fees</strong> (as stated on your CAS), minus any payments already made (which must be recorded on the CAS)</li> <li><strong>Living costs</strong>: GBP 1,023 per month (outside London) or GBP 1,334 per month (inside London) for up to 9 months</li> </ul> <p><strong>Example calculation</strong> (student at University of Manchester, outside London):</p> <ul> <li>Tuition: GBP 25,000 (first year, as stated on CAS)</li> <li>Living costs: GBP 1,023 × 9 = GBP 9,207</li> <li><strong>Total to demonstrate</strong>: GBP 34,207</li> </ul> <h3 id="what-counts-as-acceptable-financial-evidence">What Counts as Acceptable Financial Evidence</h3> <table><thead><tr><th>Evidence Type</th><th>Requirements</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Personal bank statement</td><td>In your name; showing the required funds held for 28 consecutive days; ending no more than 31 days before your application date</td></tr><tr><td>Parent/guardian bank statement</td><td>In parent/guardian’s name PLUS a letter confirming your relationship and their consent to use the funds for your study</td></tr><tr><td>Official financial sponsorship</td><td>Letter from the sponsoring organisation confirming the amount and duration of sponsorship</td></tr><tr><td>Student loan letter</td><td>From a government or government-sponsored loan provider, confirming the loan amount and that it is available for your study</td></tr></tbody></table> <p><strong>Common financial evidence mistakes</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Bank statement older than 31 days (the closing balance date must be within 31 days of your application)</li> <li>Funds not held for 28 consecutive days (a single day below the required amount breaks the 28-day period)</li> <li>Bank statement in a foreign language without a certified translation</li> <li>Joint account without additional documentation proving your access to the funds</li> <li>Using a parent’s bank statement without a consent letter and birth certificate</li> </ul> <h3 id="the-28-day-rule-in-detail">The 28-Day Rule in Detail</h3> <p>The required funds must be held in your (or your parent’s) account for 28 consecutive days. This means:</p> <ul> <li>The closing balance on the statement must be dated within 31 days of your visa application date</li> <li>On every single day of the 28-day period, the balance must not fall below the required amount</li> <li>If the balance dips below the requirement on day 14 and recovers on day 15, the 28-day period resets from day 15</li> </ul> <h3 id="differential-evidence-requirements">Differential Evidence Requirements</h3> <p>Students from certain countries (listed in Appendix ST of the Immigration Rules) are not required to submit financial evidence with their visa application. However, UKVI may request this evidence during processing. These “low-risk” nationals should still prepare financial evidence—you just don’t need to upload it unless asked. The differential evidence list includes nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United States, and several other countries. Check the current list before deciding not to prepare financial documents.</p> <h2 id="step-3-complete-the-online-application">Step 3: Complete the Online Application</h2> <h3 id="where-to-apply">Where to Apply</h3> <p>The application is submitted online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. You’ll create an account, complete the form, pay the fees, and book a biometric appointment.</p> <h3 id="document-checklist">Document Checklist</h3> <p>When applying, you’ll need to upload digital copies of:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Current passport</strong> (valid for the duration of your stay; ideally valid for the full course duration)</li> <li><strong>CAS statement</strong> (the CAS number links your application to your university’s sponsorship)</li> <li><strong>Financial evidence</strong> (unless you’re a differential evidence national and choose not to submit)</li> <li><strong>Academic qualifications</strong> listed on your CAS (degree certificates, transcripts)</li> <li><strong>English language qualification</strong> (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent as listed on your CAS)</li> <li><strong>Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate</strong> (required for nationals of certain countries; see below)</li> <li><strong>ATAS certificate</strong> (if required for your course—see separate ATAS guide)</li> <li><strong>Parental consent letter</strong> (if using parent’s bank statements; also required for applicants under 18)</li> <li><strong>Certified translations</strong> of any document not in English or Welsh</li> </ol> <h3 id="tuberculosis-testing">Tuberculosis Testing</h3> <p>Applicants from certain countries must provide a TB test certificate from an approved clinic. The list of countries requiring TB testing includes China, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Russia, and many others. The test must be taken at a UKVI-approved clinic. Results are valid for 6 months.</p> <p>If you’ve lived in a country not on the TB test list for more than 6 months, and you’ve been away from the listed country for less than 6 months, you may be exempt—but check the specific rules for your circumstances.</p> <h2 id="step-4-biometric-appointment">Step 4: Biometric Appointment</h2> <p>After submitting your online application, you’ll book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and photograph. The appointment is typically within 1–2 weeks of application submission.</p> <p>At the appointment, you’ll:</p> <ul> <li>Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph)</li> <li>Submit your passport (if not using the “Keep My Passport” service)</li> <li>Have your supporting documents checked (if you haven’t uploaded them digitally)</li> </ul> <h2 id="step-5-credibility-interview">Step 5: Credibility Interview</h2> <p>Some applicants are selected for a credibility interview—a short video interview with UKVI staff to verify that you are a genuine student. The interview typically lasts 5–15 minutes and covers:</p> <ul> <li>Why you chose the UK, your university, and your course</li> <li>How your course relates to your previous studies and career plans</li> <li>Your financial arrangements and how you’ll fund your studies</li> <li>Your knowledge of the course content and structure</li> </ul> <p><strong>Credibility interview tips</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Know your course: be able to name modules, course duration, teaching methods, and assessment types</li> <li>Know your finances: be able to state your tuition fee, living cost budget, and funding source</li> <li>Be consistent: your answers should match the information in your CAS and application</li> <li>Answer directly: don’t volunteer unnecessary information; answer the question asked</li> </ul> <p>A failed credibility interview can result in visa refusal. These interviews are not routine for all applicants but are more common for applicants from certain countries or for certain course types.</p> <h2 id="step-6-receive-your-decision">Step 6: Receive Your Decision</h2> <p>Standard processing time is 3 weeks from your biometric appointment. You’ll receive:</p> <ul> <li>A decision letter (email or physical)</li> <li>If approved: a vignette (sticker) in your passport allowing entry to the UK (valid for 90 days)</li> <li>Upon arrival: you’ll collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the location specified in your decision letter (typically a Post Office or your university)</li> </ul> <p>Priority services:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Priority</strong>: Decision within 5 working days (additional fee: ~GBP 500)</li> <li><strong>Super Priority</strong>: Decision by the end of the next working day (additional fee: ~GBP 1,000)</li> </ul> <p>Availability of priority services varies by country. Check with your local Visa Application Centre.</p> <h2 id="costs-summary">Costs Summary</h2> <table><thead><tr><th>Item</th><th>Cost (GBP)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Student Route visa application fee</td><td>490</td></tr><tr><td>Immigration Health Surcharge (per year)</td><td>1,035</td></tr><tr><td>Priority service (optional)</td><td>~500</td></tr><tr><td>Super priority service (optional)</td><td>~1,000</td></tr><tr><td>TB test (if required)</td><td>Varies by country (~50–150)</td></tr><tr><td>English language test (if not already taken)</td><td>~150–250</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total (standard, 3-year course)</strong></td><td><strong>GBP 3,595</strong></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The IHS for a 3-year undergraduate course: GBP 1,035 × 3 = GBP 3,105. For a 4-year Scottish degree: GBP 1,035 × 4 = GBP 4,140. The IHS is paid upfront for the full course duration.</p> <h2 id="common-reasons-for-refusal">Common Reasons for Refusal</h2> <table><thead><tr><th>Reason</th><th>How to Avoid</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Insufficient financial evidence</td><td>Ensure funds meet the requirement for every day of the 28-day period; check the statement date is within 31 days of application</td></tr><tr><td>CAS errors (name mismatch, wrong course dates)</td><td>Check your CAS statement carefully before applying; request corrections immediately</td></tr><tr><td>Credibility interview failure</td><td>Prepare: know your course, university, costs, and career plans</td></tr><tr><td>Missing documents</td><td>Use the document checklist and upload all required items</td></tr><tr><td>TB test missing or invalid</td><td>Check if your country requires TB testing; book at an approved clinic</td></tr><tr><td>English language not meeting requirements</td><td>Ensure your SELT (Secure English Language Test) meets the level and component score requirements on your CAS</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="faq">FAQ</h2> <p><strong>Q: When should I apply for my visa?</strong> A: You can apply up to 6 months before your course start date if applying from outside the UK. You should apply as soon as you have your CAS and have prepared your financial evidence. Do not wait—visa processing times can extend during peak periods (July–September). The earliest realistic application window opens when you receive your CAS (typically June–July for September starters).</p> <p><strong>Q: Can I work on a Student Route visa?</strong> A: Yes. Most students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during university holidays. The specific work conditions are printed on your BRP. Some courses (particularly at degree level and below) have restricted work rights. Check the conditions on your visa decision letter.</p> <p><strong>Q: Can I bring my family?</strong> A: Only if you are: (a) a government-sponsored student on a course of 6+ months, (b) a postgraduate student on a course of 9+ months at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance, or (c) a doctoral student. Undergraduate students generally cannot bring dependants unless government-sponsored. Dependants apply for a Student Dependant visa.</p> <p><strong>Q: What happens if my visa is refused?</strong> A: You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. Common remedies: correct the issue and reapply (if the refusal was due to missing/incorrect documents); request an Administrative Review (if you believe the decision was incorrect in law—but this is a slow process and may not complete before your course starts); contact your university’s international student advice team for guidance on next steps.</p> <p><strong>Q: Can I travel outside the UK during my studies?</strong> A: Yes. Your BRP and passport allow re-entry to the UK. Ensure your BRP is valid for the full duration of your course plus the “wrap-up” period (typically 4 months for courses of 12+ months). If you need to replace a lost BRP while outside the UK, you’ll need to apply for a replacement BRP visa to re-enter—this is expensive and time-consuming.</p>