If you are applying for a Student visa overseas, you need to submit your visa application in the country where you are living. In this context, "living" somewhere means that you are there lawfully for a reason other than for a short-term visit.
You can also apply in any other country whose passport you hold.
If you are applying in a country that you do not hold nationality for, you may be asked to prove your immigration status for that country.
In preparation to Student visa application outside the UK, please read guidance on submitting your entry clearance visa application here and eligibility requirements here.
As soon
as you have your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the University, start preparing your documents for
your UK Student visa. You can apply up to 6 months before your course start
date.
- Start
your UK Student visa journey with the right documentation.
- Take
the time to check your information and spelling before you submit your UK
Student visa. If you make an error, your application will take longer to
process.
- Accuracy matters! Double-check your application to ensure all required
documents are included. Mistakes can lead to delays in processing your
application.
- Do
you have gaps in your studies? It may be helpful to include a supporting letter
with your Student visa application to explain any gaps in your study (these
gaps don’t include official holidays).
- Are
you waiting until closer to your course start date to apply for your Student
visa? Remember paying for Priority or Super priority service does not guarantee
success and some applications can take longer to consider.
- Avoid
visa delays by making sure to regularly check your registered email including
the junk folder as UKVI may write to you for more information.
- Summer is the peak period for Student visa applications. UKVI is currently
experiencing high global demand so there may be delays to receiving a decision.
The latest visa processing times can be found on: gov.uk/visa-processing-times
- UKVI
are aware a small number of applications are taking longer to process. Your
visa application may take longer if:
- the information in your application is not accurate
or requires further consideration.
- you need to provide further evidence, for example
evidence of funds.
- your supporting documents need to be verified.
- you need to attend an interview.
- further information is required on your personal
circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)
- You will be contacted by letter or email if we need more information on your
visa application or if your application is complex.
- If
you have provided the contact email for a representative or agent when you
applied, please check with them to see if they've received any correspondence
on your behalf.
- If
you are waiting for a decision on your application, you do not need to go to
the VAC to inquire until your passport is ready for collection. You will
receive an email once a decision is made and your passport is ready for
collection.
- UKVI
aim to ensure there are available appointments at the VAC within 5 working
days. However, it is possible that the most convenient timeslots for you are
unavailable when you book your appointment. This may lead to delays in meeting
our target timescales.
- The
introduction of eVisa is on the way! The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are
currently in process of rolling out a digital immigration system. This means
UKVI are replacing physical documents with an online record of your immigration
status. For further information please visit: gov.uk/onlineimmigration-status-evisa
