Documents required for UK Student Visa

Documents for the UK student visa demonstrate your eligibility, financial stability, and your genuine intent to study in the UK. Some of the important documents required include a CAS, a valid passport, proof of funds, passport-sized pictures, and TB test results; missing any of these can result in delay or even rejection of your application. So make sure you have a document checklist as follows:

1. Valid Passport

For a visa, you’ll also need a valid passport or a travel document if you do not have a passport. The passport or travel document must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK. 

2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

You must have a valid CAS issued by your chosen UK university. This document confirms your admission and includes essential details such as your course, start date, tuition fees, and unique CAS number. Your visa application cannot be submitted without it.

3. Academic Documents

You must provide all relevant academic transcripts, mark sheets, and degree certificates that support your admission. These documents must match the qualifications you used during your university application and may also be verified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

4. Proof of English Language Proficiency

As a non-native English speaker, you’ll also need to provide English proficiency test scores.  For this, you may provide your SELT exam passing certificate, GCSE A-level qualification, or a degree-level academic qualification certification. If you are applying for courses which are degree level or above, you’ll need a CEFR level B2 qualification, or a CEFR level B1 qualification for courses below degree level. (You might even get a UK student visa without IELTS, read here to find out more).

5. Proof of Financial Support

You need to show evidence that you can pay for your tuition fees and living expenses in the UK. This may include bank statements, fixed deposits, education loan sanction letters, or financial sponsorship letters. The funds must meet UKVI’s minimum requirement and be held for at least 28 consecutive days.

6. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results

If you are applying from a country where TB tests are required, you must provide a valid TB test certificate. The test must be taken only at a UKVI-approved clinic. Your certificate should be issued within the last 6 months at the time of visa submission.

7. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment

You must pay the IHS fee as part of your online visa application. Once paid, you will receive access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. Keep the payment confirmation, as it is part of the required documentation.

8. Visa Application Fee Receipt

After paying the UK student visa application fee, you must download and keep the payment receipt. This receipt acts as proof of payment and may be requested during biometric submission or document verification.

Suggested: UK Student Visa Requirements

Apart from the primary documents, Indian students may need to submit additional paperwork depending on their circumstances, course type, or country of application to get a UK student visa. These documents help UKVI verify your eligibility and ensure compliance with immigration rules. Let’s discuss them in detail:

1. Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate

If you are enrolling in certain science, engineering, or research-based postgraduate courses, you may require an ATAS certificate. You must apply for ATAS before submitting your visa application, as your visa will not be approved without it.

2. Consent Letter (if you are under 18)

Students under 18 must submit a parental consent form, proof of their relationship (like a birth certificate), and details of their accommodation and guardian in the UK. These documents ensure your welfare arrangements meet UKVI rules.

3. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Appointment Confirmation

If you are required to attend a biometrics appointment, you must carry and upload your BRP appointment confirmation. This document verifies your scheduled appointment and is essential for progressing with your application.

Here is a clear checklist of the documents needed when switching from a Student Visa to a Graduate Route Visa:

• Valid Passport: You must have a passport to confirm identity and nationality.
• Degree Certificate: You must have a degree certificate issued by your university.
• BRP (Biometric Residence Permit): Your BRP is needed during your Student Visa period.
• No CAS Required: You do not need CAS as the Graduate Visa does not require sponsorship from a university.
• Payment Receipts: Make sure you have the payments for IHS and visa fees.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in UK Student Visa Documentation

Some of the common errors that often lead to UK Student Visa delays or refusals are as follows:

• Incomplete/ Fake info: Submitting incomplete or incorrect financial evidence, such as insufficient funds or documents that do not meet the 28-day rule.
• TB results: Providing TB test results from non-approved clinics, which are automatically rejected.
• Wrong information: Mismatch in personal details across the passport, CAS, transcripts, and application form.
• No payment receipt; Not attaching IHS or visa fee payment receipts, leading to application delays.
• Low quality docs: Uploading low-quality or unreadable document scans that UKVI cannot verify.

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