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Top tips for UK student visa applicants

In order to smooth your visa application, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) has listed out suggestions for students who are making a Tier 4 visa application.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
UK student visa

Are you planning to study in the UK this year? In order to smooth your visa application, UK Visas & Immigration, UKVI has listed out suggestions for students who are making a Tier 4 visa application.

First of all, student visa applicants should read the guidance on Tier 4 student visas website, and apply as early as you can up to 3 months in advance.

Secondly, applicants should complete their Tier 4 student visa application form, pay the visa fee and book an appointment at a visa application centre online, check what additional supporting documents required for the application and allow plenty of time to get all documents together. Applicants will also need a certificate of acceptance for studies (CAS) from their chosen place of study before making an application. The application form shall be completed in English and certified translation of any documents that are not in English is also required.

For Taiwanese passport holders who are applying in Taiwan, they do not need to provide education certificates or bank statements with the application, although they must be provided if asked at a later date. Some applicants might need a Secure English Language Test certificate and/or an ATAS certificate.

Finally, for the visa application centre appointment, a printed copy of the application form, passport, a passport photo and any supporting documents required shall be presented. Applicants should expect the visa to be processed within 15 working days. The 3-5 day priority visa service is available if needed.

New policy from UKVI

Effectively from 7 July 2014, all applicants, including children under 5 years old, who booked appointments (other than those exempt) must attend in person. Applicants who booked their appointments prior to 7 July will not have appointments for their under 5s and their applications can be accepted whether the infant is present or not.

If you have any visa enquiries, please go to UK Visas & Immigration for further guidance and the visa enquiry centre contact details.

Published 18 July 2014