Student visa

UK Student Visa is part of the Points-Based System (PBS) and is designed for international students who wish to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom. The specific visa category has undergone changes, and as of my last update, the main student visa category is the Student route.

Here are key features of the UK Student Visa:

• Student Route (formerly Tier 4 Visa):

  1- The Student route is the primary visa category for international students coming to the UK for higher education. It has replaced the Tier 4 (General) visa.

  2- The Student route is divided into several subcategories, including Student (for adults), Child Student (for children aged 4 to 17), and Student Union Sabbatical Officer.

• Eligibility Criteria:

  1- To be eligible for a Student route visa, applicants must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course offered by a UK institution that holds a valid Student route sponsor license.

  2- Applicants are also required to demonstrate proficiency in English, provide evidence of financial ability to support themselves, and meet other requirements.

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):

  1- Before applying for a Student route visa, applicants need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their sponsoring institution. The CAS includes details about the course of study and the applicant's personal details.

• Financial Requirements:

  1- Applicants are required to show that they have enough money to cover their tuition fees and living expenses in the UK. The specific financial requirements depend on the level of study, location, and other factors.

• Biometric Information:

  1- Applicants are usually required to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, as part of the application process.

• Working While Studying:

  1- Student route visa holders are generally allowed to work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays. The exact working conditions depend on the level of study and the type of course.

• Dependants:

  1- Eligible dependants, such as spouses or children, may apply to join or accompany the student in the UK.

• Post-Study Work:

  1- The Student route includes the Graduate Route, which allows international students who have completed a degree at a UK institution to stay in the UK and work, or seek employment, at any skill level for two years (or three years for doctoral students).