UK Student Visa Application: Everything You Need to Know

This guide is for US citizens applying for a student visa in the UK. 

There’s a lot to keep track of when moving to the UK from the US. First off, if you’re planning to move across the pond for your studies… congratulations! Moving abroad is an amazing, courageous experience. But, there are quite a few steps in the visa application process to get done before you make the move. 

Before you embark on your studies, you’ll need to prepare for the big move. Things like setting up health insurance and submitting your finances are a part of the visa application process. Don’t worry— it sounds overwhelming, but as long as you stay on top of things, you’ll be packing your bags in no time.

This guide is for those of you moving to the UK on a student visa. I’ll try to simplify the process and help you understand everything you need and why you need it. Use this guide to help navigate your application and check big things off your to-do list!

Best of luck xoxo

Everything you need to apply for a Tier 4 UK Student Visa as a US citizen

A student visa in the UK is also referred to as the Tier 4 visa. Here’s everything you need in order to apply once you’ve been accepted to your university or school program.

What you need:

Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) Number

Your CAS number is a unique 14-digit number that confirms your study acceptance.

You cannot apply for your student, Tier 4, visa until you’ve been confirmed as a student at your educational institution and been given your CAS number.

Your passport

Obviously, you need a valid, up-to-date passport when moving abroad for your studies. For your visa application, you’ll need to turn in your physical passport to receive your visa. 

You’ll receive your passport back within a couple weeks, as processing usually takes 7 to 10 days.

Once you receive your passport back, it’ll have a visa sticker placed inside. In order for your visa sticker to be placed correctly inside your passport, you’ll need at least one blank passport page— front and back. Make sure your passport has one page blank or you’ll need to get your passport renewed immediately.

Proof of finance

You need to prove to the UK government that you can pay for your studies and living costs during your studies. The most common reason that Tier 4 visas are denied is because financial documents are incorrect. 

How much money do you need to show?

Tuition

You need to turn in documentation that proves you’re able to pay tuition costs for the first year of your course.

Your proof of tuition can be in the form of a student loan or the appropriate amount in your bank account. Again, you can submit your tuition finances by:

• Submitting bank statements in your name or your legal guardian’s name
• Submitting a loan confirmation or letter from an Official Financial Sponsor

Living costs for the first 9 months of study

You must submit proof that you can afford to live in the U.K. for at least 9 months. 

The U.K. government has estimated this amount as £1334 per month of your course. So, if your course is 9 months or more, you’ll need £1334 multiplied by 9 months, AKA £12,006.

Okay, one more rule (I know, there’s a lot of rules). You must show proof that you’ve held this amount in your bank account for at least 28 days. This is done through submitting bank statements. In the month leading up to your bank statement closing, your account cannot drop below the total amount needed.

If another person, such as a parent, is funding your studies, then they will need to provide additional documents:

• An original birth certificate
• A letter confirming that you’re their child and consent to use their money for your studies

Visa Payment

The visa application cost varies from year to year. Currently, a student visa application in the U.K.costs £383, or $480. You must apply for your visa from within your home country.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

If your course is longer than 6 months, you’re obligated to pay a Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

As part of your visa application, a mandatory fee is set in place for the National Health Service (NHS). This means you’ll have full access to health insurance in the U.K. 

At the time of application, it may seem frustrating to pay for yet another expense. But, health insurance is important. And if you get sick while abroad, you don’t have to worry about the high out of pocket costs for a doctor’s visit (looking at you, American health insurance). The cost of the NHS fee is roughly £470 ($590) for one year.

Applying for your visa

Book an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Center. I used VFS Global for my visa application. VFS Global has locations all over the US. Using a service such as this one is convenient because it’s a smooth process once you’ve turned in all your paperwork and paid your fees. You can digitally upload your documentation and track your application once it’s submitted. In addition, they handle your passport shipping and return it straight to your home address once you’ve been accepted.

For your appointment, bring your passport, printed visa application form, and any other supporting documents. 

You’ll be leaving your passport at the center. But, don’t worry! You’ll get it shipped back with your visa sticker placed inside.

Pick up your Biometric Residence Permit

Pack your bags and an umbrella— it’s time to move to the UK! Once your visa is accepted, there’s not much else for you to do. All you’ll to do is pick up your Biometric Residence Permit in the UK.

Once you’re inside the UK, you’ll need to pick up your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Your BRP is your visa permit in I.D. card form, different from your visa sticker within your passport. 

The location where you’ll pick it up varies; for example, I collected mine at my school campus.

Congratulations! Now, you’re all done with your Tier 4 visa application. Subscribe to the sophiehappyhour.com newsletter for more tips on visa application and all things moving abroad!