UK Visa – Student Matters

Applying for a UK student visa?

Student Matters advisors are here to help!

For the latest news and updates visit https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

The visa you need will depend on your age and the type of study you want to do.

Student Matters advisers are here to help!

There is an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Student Route sponsor. This is called CAS – Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies. Have enough money to support yourself and pay for the course.

Apply for a visa online

You must apply for your student visa online using the UK Government’s official website https://www.gov.uk/student-visa.

You can apply up to three months before you plan to come to the UK. The date of submission of your application is the date on which the application fee is paid. Please check the UK Home Office website for the latest student visa fees. There is also a fast visa application service to get your visa quickly.

Documents required for Student route visa:

When applying for a student travel visa, you will usually need the following documents:

A current passport or other valid travel documentation
Evidence of funds to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and documents used to obtain CAS
Passport-sized color photograph
Tuberculosis screening*
Assessment documentation
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate (if required)
Evidence that you have held the required funds for 28 consecutive days in a suitable bank account (see https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money for details)
Immigration Health Surcharge (if applicable) must be paid prior to the visa application. Please follow this link for more information – gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/overview
You can use the Home Offices Immigration Health Surcharge tool to check how much you will have to pay.
The Student Visa application form will direct you to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) portal where you can pay the required charge.

You may also need additional documents if you have:

you are not a national of the country from which you are applying
you are under 18 years of age
You have a family (dependants)
You will need to choose the post office where you want to receive your BRP card. You need to choose a branch near your university so that we can help you – please follow this link to do so www.cambridgeeducationgroup.com/BRPcollectionOC.
If any of your supporting documents are not in English, you will need to have them translated. Each translated document must be dated and signed by the translator and must certify that it is an accurate translation of the original document.

How to book a tuberculosis screening certificate

Make an appointment in advance by phone.
Visit the clinic indicated by the BHC to obtain a TB screening certificate (check the clinic addresses in web link 6 below).
Bring your passport and two recent passport-size photographs.
TB fees can be deposited at the designated Standard Chartered Bank branches in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Mirpur (Azad Kashmir).
The TB screening certificate is valid for 6 months.
Please follow this link for more information – gov.uk/tb-test-all/countries-where-you-need-a-tb-test-to-enter-the-uk

English language requirements

When you apply for a visa, you must provide proof of your English language skills.
If you are applying to study at a UK university, your level of English will be assessed by the university using exams/internal university tests/online exams or your previous academic grades. Please check with your UK university what evidence they want to see.
If you are applying for lower-level courses such as Pathways ( Foundation/ Pre Master, Pre-Sessional English ), HND, ACCA, Diploma and Certificate courses, the UK Home Office requires you to pass a secure English language test. For more information see.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt
The UK Visas and Immigration Service (UKVI) sets minimum English language requirements for reading, writing, listening and speaking depending on the level of study. Your educational institution (sponsor) may have different English language requirements.

Biometric residence permit

When you apply, you must also obtain a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the UKVI. You will need to make an appointment with the UKVI to have your fingers and thumbs scanned and your face photographed.
The UKVI manages visa applications and you can visit its website https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/pk/en for the latest information on the visa application process, booking an appointment and visa fees.
Take all supporting documents (originals) to the designated VAC (Visa Application Centre).
Pay the visa processing fee. It is non-refundable.
You will be required to provide “biometric” information. This biometric information consists of scans of all 10 fingers and a digital full-face photograph.
The VAC will issue you a receipt as soon as the application is submitted.

UK security interview

The UK Home Office will conduct a credibility interview at the Visa Application Centre when the student applicant arrives to submit their application and biometric information (fingerprints and photograph). An interview may also be carried out by a UK university before the CAS/offer letter is issued to check your suitability. Student Matters can prepare you for this interview so that you can answer all the questions correctly.

Credibility interview process:

The interview will be conducted primarily via video conference. We will also provide suitable telephony as a contingency.

The interview will not be conducted by entry clearance officers but by an interviewing officer based in the UK. The officer will question the applicant about their reasons for wanting to study in the UK. The interview will be conducted in English and will provide reassurance that the English language requirements of the Tier 4 Regulations have been met. The interview report will be sent to the visa officer.

The interview report will be additional information that will be considered by the visa officer at the decision centre along with the application and supporting documents. It will help the visa officer to make an informed and qualitative decision on the application.

If the visa officer needs to verify more genuine points of the student regulations, such as immigration history or finances, then the applicant may be invited for an in-depth interview.

Students under 18 with a Young Savers account

Provide a birth certificate with parental consent (parental consent for independent travel and study in the UK).

Students must also provide an original birth certificate, which must reflect that the consent form has been signed by the parents.

For students aged 18 or over – unless they have an official birth certificate (issued at birth), it is advisable to deposit the amount needed to cover tuition fees and living expenses into their personal bank account.