Applying for a Student route visa outside the UK

This summary and checklist is designed to help you with the stages and timeline of application process. It includes links to external websites where appropriate. This checklist by itself does not contain enough information to make a successful application. It is only a summary of the steps involved in applying for a Student visa, and does not contain detailed information about the requirements.

If you want to make a successful application, it is extremely important that you:

• check that you meet all the requirements
• allow time to obtain any supporting documents you need to provide 
• provide your supporting documents in the format required  
• complete all sections of the form, fully and accurately
• follow any specific guidance from your sponsor institution

This is a generic checklist for all applicants. Most universities, colleges and schools publish detailed guidance for their own students on applying for a Student visa, and they may offer individual advice on the application. We strongly advise that you use these resources offered by your sponsor when preparing your Student visa application. You should wait until you have obtained your Student visa before you book any non-refundable tickets for travel. 

1. Choose an institution and course, apply for admission on the course, receive an unconditional offer and accept your offer.
2. Apply for ATAS clearance (if applicable).
3. Request a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from your institution and check the information on your CAS is correct when you receive it. The CAS issuing process can vary between institutions. Note that a CAS is only valid for six months and you must make your visa application within this time. You can only use the CAS for a visa application once.
4. Check the visa process in your country of residence and the current visa processing times. If there is more than one VAC in the country where you live, decide where to apply.
5. Book and take a TB test (if applicable).
6. Check that you meet the requirements.
7. Make sure that you have all of the necessary supporting documents, including:
• Valid passport
• Evidence that you can meet the financial requirements (if required)*
• Evidence of qualifications listed on your CAS (if required)*†
• Evidence that shows you meet the English language requirement, or that you are exempt from having to meet it
• ATAS clearance certificate (if required)
• Valid TB test certificate showing you do not have TB (if required)
• If you will be under 18 on the date that you apply for your visa, a letter from your parent/legal guardian confirming their relationship to you and that they consent to your study and living arrangements in the UK and your travel arrangements. You will also need evidence of your relationship with your parent/legal guardian (e.g. birth certificate, certificate of adoption)
• Receipts for any tuition fees and/or accommodation costs that you have already paid to your institution, if this information is not included on your CAS*
• Translations of any documents that are not in English or Welsh
8. Complete the application form, submit it and pay the application fees, the immigration health surcharge (if applicable), and upload your documents.
9. If required, book a biometrics appointment at the VAC.
10. If an appointment is required, attend at the VAC and pay the application fee (if you haven’t already done so) and provide your biometrics.
11. Attend an interview, if you are asked to do so. You may also be contacted to have a further interview which you must attend.
12. Wait for the outcome of your visa application. Your passport and supporting documents will be returned to you by post (if these were retained at your appointment) or you will be instructed to collect them at the VAC.
13. Wait until your Student visa is issued. Do not travel to the UK and attempt to enter as a Standard Visitor.

* “Low-risk” applicants:
If you are subject to the differential evidence requirement (also known as being “low-risk”), you may not need to submit these documents in your initial application. For details on who may be “low-risk”, see our guide to Evidence. You must confirm on your application form that you have these documents but you do not need to submit them with your application. You might be asked to provide them at a later date.

† Student sponsor - Track record:
If your sponsor is listed on the Register of licensed sponsors: students as "Student sponsor - Track record", you are not required to submit evidence of your qualifications or references if you are applying to study at degree level or above.