Personal Immigration Service
We offer a range of services suited to your personal immigration situation, including preparing and submitting visa applications, immigration reviews or representing you in your appeal or challenge of a refusal decision.
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Applying for a Student Visa
Secure your student visa in the UK and simplify the application process with expert guidance from our immigration lawyers.
Documents for a Student Visa
If you are eligible for a student visa, you will need to demonstrate you meet the requirements for the visa. This can be done by providing supporting documentation with your application including:
- Your current passport or travel document.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your chosen education provider
- Evidence you can pay for your studies and financially support yourself (for example, bank statements or written consent from your sponsor if they have agreed to financially support you for your course fees and living costs).
- An Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate if your chosen course requires it.
- Tuberculosis test results, if you are from a national of a country that necessitates having one.
- Parent consent If you are under 18, for your visa application and your arrangements in the UK.
The UK government may also require additional information or documentation from you depending on your circumstances. It’s important to carefully review the UK student visa requirements and guidelines on the UK government’s visa website.
How to apply for a UK Student Visa
The main steps for UK student visa application from outside the UK are:
- Check the visa requirements on the UK government's official visa website.
- Prepare your documents to support your visa application, including your passport, CAS number, financial documents, English language proficiency certificate, and academic qualifications.
- Complete the online visa application form on the UK government's official visa website. You will need to provide your personal details, travel history, and information about your course and educational institution.
- Pay the visa application fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee amount varies depending on the length of your course and location. The student visa costs vary, check before paying.
- Book a biometric appointment to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a UK visa application centre in your home country.
- Attend the biometric appointment at the visa application centre with your passport, visa application confirmation page, and all your supporting documents.
- Wait for a decision after submitting your application and providing your biometric information. You can check the status of your application online using your application reference number.
- Collect your visa if your application is approved. You will receive a vignette in your passport that allows you to travel to the UK. You'll need to collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) from a designated Post Office in the UK within 10 days of your arrival.
Please note the UK student visa process and processing times can vary depending on your circumstances, so it’s important to apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel date. If you are not sure of the best time to apply, please book a consultation with us.
Tips to apply for a Student Visa
- Financial preparation: You need to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself (and any dependents) during your stay. This usually means having a specific amount of money in your bank account for a set period of time.
- Health and insurance: Depending on your country of residence, you may need to have a tuberculosis (TB) test. You will also need to pay the immigration health surcharge as part of your application.
- Apply on time: The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your course starts so apply as soon as possible. UK student visa processing times can be delayed during busy periods and a delay could mean you miss the start of your course.
- Choose your course carefully: The UK Home Office can reject an application if they don't think the student is genuinely intending to study. Make sure the course you choose aligns with your previous studies and future career goals.
- Understanding academic progression rule: If you are applying for further studies in the UK, the course must be at a higher academic level than your previous course or study unless there’s a credible professional or academic reason.
- Maintain communication with your university: Your university, as your sponsor, has obligations to the Home Office. Keeping them informed of any changes or problems can help prevent misunderstandings that could affect your visa status.
- Take advantage of the graduate route: the graduate visa route allows international students to stay in the UK for 2-3 years after graduation to work or look for work. Plan your post-study options early.
We’re here to help you
When it comes to obtaining reliable legal advice, Seraphus is your dedicated source of expert guidance.
We specialise in providing personalised support to help you navigate the complexities of the application process, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Contact us today using the contact us form.
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"We did an online 30 minute consultation with a Seraphus lawyer, the process was very easy to set up and the video call worked very well. We were able to ask all our questions and get insights into the visa process. It really helped us in making our application."