You’ve surely heard about the University of Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and LSE, right?
Wouldn’t it be great to study there? Of course!
So answer another question - “What is one of the most crucial things required for studying abroad?” It’s definitely an admit, but what else?
A visa!
To study at the best universities in the UK, you need to obtain a valid UK student visa, and trust us, it can be quite difficult sometimes. But with the right assistance from Yocket Premium, you can get it!
The length of the program you have been offered, as stated in your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), will determine how long your UK student visa will last. However, how long does it take India to complete a UK student visa? Or how does one apply for a UK student visa in India? This blog will provide answers to everything. So, begin perusing!
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Documents Required for UK Student Visa Application
A student's ability to enter another country to pursue higher education is facilitated by student visa paperwork. However, when may the application procedure start? You cannot apply for a Tier 4 student visa in the UK until you have obtained a reference number from your chosen university. This is known as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Applications for Tier 4 student visas from international students must be submitted at least three months before the start of the program or course.
The following documents are needed for a successful application for a student visa to the UK:
- Details of passport
- Tuberculosis test results
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of financial sufficiency
- Parents or legal guardian letters if you are under 18
- Recent passport-size photograph
- English Language Proficiency exam
Also see: Requirements For UK Student Visa!
You might also be required to produce documents showing your academic qualifications to attend an interview or biometric test, including a digital scan of your fingerprints. But what is the right time to apply for a UK student visa? Let’s explore!
When to Apply for a UK Student Visa?
The most crucial question now is: When should I apply for a student visa to the UK? Obtaining a UK student visa normally takes between 15 and 21 days. However, during busy periods, it may take longer. Hence, applying soon is reasonable!
Up to six months before the commencement of the coursework, you can apply for your visa. Applying before this deadline will result in your application being rejected.
If you want to begin your studies online, you must apply for your visa at least two weeks before the commencement of your course. If not, you must apply at least two weeks in advance of when you want to come to the UK.
Make sure you give yourself enough time before the commencement of your course or your intended trip to allow for the processing of the visa.
The processing of your visa application may take several weeks. Due to competition, the time it takes to complete a UK student visa differs country-wise.
Also see: Know The Reasons For UK Student Visa Rejections!
Note: Most international students send visa applications during June, July, and August. So it can take longer to get your visa at these times because of the high demand.
If you are unaware of where to apply for a visa, read the next portion of this blog!
Where to Apply for a UK Student Visa
Obtaining a Tier 4 visa for studying in the UK is done entirely online. Numerous organizations provide this service. It is advised, therefore, to apply exclusively through the official British Government website. If your application for a UK student visa from India is accepted through the official website, you will receive a:
Biometric residence permit in case you provide biometric data at a center for visa applications.
Digital immigration status that, with the use of the "UK Immigration; ID Check" app, you may examine and verify online.
Ensure that you have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university before applying for a student visa.
Also see: Know Everything About The Latest UK Student Visa Measures.
Moving on, we will provide clarity on the Indian process of obtaining a UK student visa. Keep reading!
What is the UK Student Visa Process in India?
Should you possess all the necessary documentation, obtaining a UK student visa should be a straightforward process. Most of the procedure is completed online. The steps to get a UK student visa in India are as follows:
- In the initial step, you must ascertain your eligibility.
- Await the university's Confirmation Acceptance for Studies document for the duration of the course you have chosen.
- As evidence that you have enough money to cover your living expenses and tuition, maintain money in your bank account.
- Register on the official website for UK visas.
- Complete the online application for a UK student visa and select an appointment time on the calendar. You can attach all of your supporting documentation, including your biometric information, the tuberculosis certificate, and English proficiency test results, to your application.
- Pay the £363 (INR 36,893) application cost for your visa.
- During the scheduled period, undertake an interview.
The waiting period begins as soon as your online application for a UK student visa is filed. You can get in touch with your sponsoring institution if you're having trouble completing the online form.
Also see: How To Get A UK Student Visa Without An IELTS?
Next, let’s check the UK student visa decision time or UK student visa processing time in India.
What is the Standard UK Student Visa Processing Time?
How long does it take India to process a UK student visa? The typical processing period for a UK student visa is three weeks (15 days) from the date the completed application is submitted. To find out about any delays, students can contact the British High Commission, or VFS, which oversees the visa application centers for the UK Border Agency in India.
By using their online monitoring system or signing up for the VFS SMS alert service, applicants may also follow the progress of their visa application. If there is a delay in processing your UK student visa application because of complexity, you will be contacted, for example, because
Your corroborating documentation must be verified.
You need to attend an interview about your unique situation (such as if you have a criminal record).
Also see: Is An Interview Necessary For A UK Student Visa?
Lastly, we will unveil the costs involved in obtaining a UK student visa.
UK Student Visa Fees for 2024
The current UK student visa cost for the Tier 4 (General) student visa is £363 (USD 440 or INR 36,893), with an additional £680 (INR 69,059) per person/per month for any dependents.
Let us understand the UK student visa cost for different types of visas available:
|
Visa type |
Visa fee |
|---|---|
|
General student visa (Tier 4) |
£363 or 29,395 INR as the application fee + £680 per person for any dependants |
|
Tier 4 (Child) student visa |
£363 or 29,395 INR as an application fee for a Tier 4 (child) student visa + healthcare surcharge |
|
Short-term study visa |
£200 or INR 16,195 for an 11-month visa and £470 or INR 47,671 surcharge |
Also see: Covid Updates About Studying In The UK.
As an international student willing to study in the UK, you’ll also need to pay a healthcare surcharge of £470 (INR 47,738) per year to access the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. You have two options for paying the UK student visa fee: demand draft or a MasterCard or Visa card. At the visa application center, cash payments are also accepted.
From The Table of Yocket
Obtaining a visa is the most detrimental step when wishing to pursue higher education overseas. The process requires patience, and the stress associated with it is unavoidable.
However, know that you do not have to crack the nitty gritty of attaining a student visa, shortlisting universities, or applying to them alone. By selecting Yocket Premium services, you can get 1:1 assistance from start to finish in your journey of studying abroad.
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