The UK Student Visa, officially known as the Student Route (formerly Tier 4), is the gateway for international students to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom. Navigating this process requires precision and timely action.
1. The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Before you can apply for your visa, you must have a CAS from your chosen university. This is a unique reference number issued once you have accepted an unconditional offer and paid any required deposit. Your CAS is valid for 6 months.
2. Financial Requirements
You must prove you have enough money to pay for your course for one academic year (up to 9 months) and satisfy the monthly living costs. As of current standards, this is approximately £1,334 per month in London and £1,023 per month outside London.
3. Document Checklist
- A current valid passport
- Your CAS from the sponsor
- Proof of finances (bank statements)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (depending on your country)
- ATAS certificate (if required for your course)
4. The Application Timeline
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course if you are applying from outside the UK. You'll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
At Unity Group, we provide end-to-end support for your visa application, ensuring all your documents meet the rigorous standards of the UK Home Office.