Student visa For England

England is an excellent choice of location for studying abroad.  To enter the country for pursuing your further education, you will require to obtain a Student Visa for England. Don’t know the procedure of obtaining the visa? We are here to help you with complete information.

Here are the Highlights of the content

1. Types of student visa for England
2. How to get a student visa for England
3. When should I start the student visa application process for England?
4. Where can I apply for a student visa for England?
5. Requirements for England study visa
6. English language requirements for a student visa for England
7. Financial requirements for a student visa for England
8. England Visa Application Fee
9. What to do if your student visa for England is rejected
10. Can I Work in England with a Student Visa?

If you are a resident of any country belonging to EE, EEA, or Switzerland, you will not need an England student visa. However, for non-EU students, an English visa is mandatory.

Types of England study visa

There are three types of visa. They are

• Short-term study visa: It is for students who want to study a short summer course or a short research project as a part or in addition to their coursework for a tenure of a maximum of 11 months.
• Tier 4 (Child) student visa: Students who are between 4 to 17 years of age and wishing to study in a school in England should apply for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa.
• Tier 4 (General) student visa: Students who are above 18 years of age and want to earn a bachelor or a master’s degree at a university in England should apply for this particular visa.

How to get a student visa for England

The visa application process for England is not so complicated as it seems to be. You are not permitted to start your Tier 4 (General) visa application more than 3 months before your semester begins. Once you receive an offer letter from your university, follow the steps given below to apply for your UK student visa:

1. Accept the offer letter: You have to accept your offer and pay any necessary deposits for your course or accommodation to the university. In return, you will receive a unique Confirmation as Acceptance of Studies (CAS) reference number.
2. Assemble your documents: Next, you have to collect the documents required for the visa application. For this, you will need proof of funds available to support yourself, your CAS details, and an ATAS certificate if asked.
3. Complete the online application: Fill the application form and book your appointment at the visa application centre for your biometrics and to present your documentation.
4. Attend your visa appointment: Visit the centre and submit your supporting documents. 
5. Get your result: The decision on your visa application will be out in around 3 weeks. However, this differs depending on your home country.
6. Collect your BRP: Once you arrive in England, within ten days you will need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) which contains your full visa.

When should I start the student visa application process?

A Tier 4 (General) student visa generally takes 3 weeks to process but it is always recommended to start the procedure at least 3 months before the study program starts in any scheduled place. 

Where can I apply for the student visa?

You can start your visa application procedure with any of the following methods:

• You can apply for it at your nearest British embassy or consulate.
• You can also apply for it online through the official website of the British government.

England student visa requirements

UK student visas are approved on a points-based system. To meet all the UK student visa requirements, you’ll need to provide: 

• Completed Tier 4 student Visa Application form
• A valid passport 
• Passport size photographs
• Evidence to prove your funds to support yourself financially during your stay in England.
• Proof of your consent from your parents in case you are under 18
• Self-assessment form appendix 8 
• Other documents can be asked specifically to your home country

English language requirements for a student visa

Your British visa application must need proof of your competency in the English language. You need to qualify for a secured English language test or SELT. If you want to study at any higher education institution in England, you must secure the CEFR B2 level of English language proficiency. This is not necessary if you have already obtained a degree that is equivalent to an England degree.

The IELTS band requirement for England study visa depends on the requirements of your chosen university. If you are successful in gaining admission to the universities in England. You will get the letter of acceptance, and based on that, you can obtain the Visa.

UK student visa financial requirements

You can prove that you have enough funds to help you stay in the UK for your studies with the help of the following: 

• bank statements
• Letter from your financial sponsor, presenting the proof that they can cover your tuition fees, accommodation and living costs in the UK. 

You must prove at least £1,015 (US$1,300) per month for living costs if studying outside of London. If you are studying in London, you must show £1,265 (~US$1,600) per month for living costs.

England study visa cost

For the England visa application, you would require to pay some fees. You also need to pay for a healthcare surcharge, which is included in your visa application. You should check the official website of the British Government for the details related to fees of the application process.

• Tier 4 (General) student visa  costs £348 (US$440)
• The Short Term Study Visa for the six-month option is  £97 (US$120).
• The Short Term Study Visa for the eleven-month option is £186 (~US$240).
• An additional £348 fee per person is for any dependents. 
• You will also need to pay a healthcare surcharge of £300 per year (~US$380) to access the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

Being refused a UK student visa

The main reasons for UK student visa rejections are insufficient financial proof. You may not have proved that you have sufficient financial source for the expenses while you stay in the UK for your studies.
 
If you can solve the problem of the reason you were rejected, you can apply for the visa again. You will need to get a new Confirmation as Acceptance of Studies (CAS) number from your chosen university and pay the visa fees again.

UK student visa working hours

On Tier 4 (General) UK student visa, international students studying at University in England can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. However, during vacation, they can work full-time. But for those coming from the EU, EEA and Switzerland are permitted to work in the UK with no time limitation.