1. Choose Your Visa Type
- Student Visa (Tier 4 or Student Route): For students aged 16 or over who wish to study at a UK educational institution.
2. Obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- CAS: Your educational institution in the UK will provide you with a CAS once they have accepted you for a course. You’ll need this to apply for your visa.
3. Complete the Online Application
- Online Form: Fill out the online visa application form (typically available on the UK government’s official visa application website).
4. Pay the Visa Fee
- Fee Payment: Pay the visa application fee. Fees vary based on your country of application and the type of visa you are applying for.
5. Biometric Information
- Biometric Residence Permit: You may need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application center.
6. Required Documents
- Documents Needed: Typically include:
- CAS statement.
- Passport or travel document.
- Recent photograph meeting UK visa photo requirements.
- Evidence of financial capability to support yourself during your studies.
- Academic transcripts and qualifications.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).
7. Attend an Appointment
- Visa Application Center: Schedule and attend an appointment at a visa application center (VAC) in your country. You may need to provide biometric information at this appointment.
8. Visa Decision and Collection
- Processing Time: Visa processing times vary by country, but you can usually check the processing times online.
- Passport Return: If approved, your passport will be returned to you with a vignette (entry clearance sticker) or instructions for collecting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK.
9. Travel to the United Kingdom
- Arrival: Ensure you have all required documents when you travel to the UK, including your passport with the visa and any supporting documents.
For detailed and country-specific instructions, visit the official UK government website for visas and immigration. They provide specific guidance tailored to your location and circumstances.