Get in Touch
International Student Visa Requirements
The applicant must:
Be a genuine student.
Hold a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by the sponsor (usually the university).
Have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Demonstrate knowledge of English.
Provide a Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if required (depending on country of residence).
If under 18, provide:
Parental or guardian consent for the visa application.
Details of living and care arrangements in the UK.
Permission to travel to the UK.
Provide written consent from the financial sponsor if the student has been sponsored in the last 12 months.
Genuine Student Test – Relevant Factors
Where the visa officer has reasons to doubt credibility of the student, they have to invite the student for an interview. Visa applications should not be refused on credibility grounds without an interview, unless there are strong reasons for doing so – for example, the student was refused on credibility grounds previously and there has been no change of circumstances and no additional information provided.
Factors that are taken into account in the assessment of credibility include:
- Previous immigration history;
- The applicant’s education history, study and post-study plans;
- Financial and personal circumstances of the applicant and any dependants – credibility of the source of funds, distance between the proposed accommodation and the intended place of studies;
- Course providers and agents – where the sponsor is under investigation or the Home Office has concerns about the agent managing the application, this may shed doubt on the credibility of the student
Interview Guidance:
Attending the interview is very important.
Interviews can be over the phone or in person at a designated location.
If contacted unexpectedly by a caseworker, do not rush to answer questions in a public place or with poor connection.
Arrange a convenient time to ensure clear communication and focused answers.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) – What You Need to Know
Issued by: The sponsoring educational institution.
Format: Electronic document with a unique reference number.
Visa application: You only need to provide the CAS reference number.
Legal representatives: Prefer to see a printout to verify details and validity.
Contents:
Personal details of the student
Course of study
Finances
Confirmation of academic and English language assessments
Validity:
Issued no more than six months before the visa application date
CAS can only be used once.
If a visa application using a CAS is refused, a new CAS is required for a new application, even if the course and other details remain the same (except for the issue date).
Financial Requirements for Student Visa
Automatically met if:
Extending stay after 12 months in UK with valid leave.
Studying a recognised foundation course as a postgraduate doctor/dentist.
Otherwise must show:
Course fees outstanding (as per CAS).
Maintenance funds:
£1,334/month (up to 9 months) if in London.
£1,023/month (up to 9 months) if outside London.
Funds held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
Example:
3-year course in London requires £12,006 maintenance (9 × £1,334).Preferential treatment:
Nationals from certain countries need not prove funds but must confirm meeting requirements; proof may still be requested.
List of countries exempt from the evidential requirement
Australia
· Austria
· Bahrain
· Barbados
· Belgium
· Botswana
· Brazil
· Brunei
· Bulgaria
· Cambodia
· Canada
· Chile
· China
· Croatia
· Republic of Cyprus
· Czech Republic
· Denmark
· The Dominican Republic
· Estonia
· Finland
· France
· Germany
· Greece
· Hungary
· Iceland
· Indonesia
· Ireland
· Italy
· Japan
· Kazakhstan
· Kuwait
· Latvia
· Liechtenstein
· Lithuania
· Luxembourg
· Malaysia
· Malta
· Mauritius
· Mexico
· Netherlands
· New Zealand
· Norway
· Oman
· Peru
· Poland
· Portugal
· Qatar
· Romania
· Serbia
· Singapore
· Slovakia
· Slovenia
· South Korea
· Spain
· Sweden
· Switzerland
· Thailand
· Tunisia
· United Arab Emirates
· United States of America
Who Needs a TB Test Certificate
Required if applying for entry clearance to the UK.
You must have lived in a country on Appendix T list for 6 months or more before applying.
A valid TB clearance certificate must be provided with your application.
English Language Requirement
Levels required:
B2 for degree-level or above
B1 for pre-sessional or below degree level
Ways to meet the requirement:
Secure English Language Test (SELT) at required level
University assessment by a recognized sponsor
Nationality of a majority English-speaking country
UK degree or equivalent from a majority English-speaking country
GCSE or A-level in English (language or literature)
Current Child Student visa holder (extension applicants)
Previously met the requirement in a prior application
CAS details:
Must confirm English proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
SELT reference number and scores included if applicable
Meeting the requirement in one application covers future student visa applications.
Maximum Period of Study
Below degree level: max 2 years (from age 18)
Degree level: max 5 years (except for architecture, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, music at Conservatories, and law)
Above degree level: no maximum period
Let me know if you want this expanded or in a different style!
Most Common Grounds for Student Visa Refusals
Missing documents
Insufficient funds held for 28 consecutive days
Financial documents older than 31 days before application
Unsuccessful credibility interview
Failure to respond to Home Office calls or emails
Challenging Student Visa Refusals
No right of appeal against refusal.
You may request Administrative Review if the caseworker made an error.
Grounds for review include:
Incorrect application of Immigration Rules.
Failure to follow policy or guidance.
Overlooked documents.
Factual mistake leading to refusal.
International Student visa - FAQs
When to apply for student visa
You can apply for the visa not earlier than six months before the course start date indicated on the CAS
Can I switch into international student route in the UK?
You can switch to the international student route in the UK except if you are:
- a visitor;
- a short-term student;
- in the UK as a parent of a child in school, a seasonal worker or a domestic worker in a private household.
Can I extend my student visa if I want to take a new course?
If the start date of the new course is no more than 28 days from the expiry date of your current visa you can apply for further leave to remain in the UK.
If the course start date is more than 28 days from the end date of your visa, you have to apply from outside the UK.
Can I study part-time?
You can study part time if the course you are taking is above degree level and your sponsor is a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance (not a new licence holder).
Part-time students are not allowed to work and not allowed to bring their dependants to the UK.
Can I work as a student?
Your right to work will depend on the type of sponsor and the level of course you are studying. If you are studying full time at a degree level or above at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance
you will be allowed to work full time during vacations and before the course starts and up to 20 hours per week during the term time. If you are studying below a degree level you may be permitted to work up to 10 hours per week during the term and full time during the holiday period. Your right to work should be confirmed on your CAS and BRP card.
Students are not allowed to engage in business activities, which includes working as a self-employed or working for a company where they are a director or where they hold 10% or more shares.
Can students bring their dependants to the UK?
Post-graduate level students can have their dependants in the UK. This includes their spouse or unmarried partner and children under the age of 18.
We are happy to help
Let us know if you need assistance with the visa application, education consultancy or tuition to get entry to the school or University of your choice