The United Kingdom is the land of Royals. Its breathtaking landscapes, quality of life, booming economy, and quality of education have always been highlighted. The UK has the world’s sixth-largest economy but constantly growing career opportunities for its inhabitants and immigrants.
The UK welcomes thousands of students every year. It expects to enrol more than 600,000 International students annually by the end of 2023. It is also working on increasing the job opportunities for overseas students after graduation. Every year, new incentives are introduced to attract international students.
If you are interested in pursuing your education in the UK, consult your UK study visa consultant for the best advice and start your visa application process at least six months before your course starts. Getting a study visa is a simple yet complicated process; therefore, consulting an expert for a seamless process is recommended. It would be best to keep yourself updated with all the new announcements and changes so that you never miss a chance to study at the best universities.
Steps For Student Visa Application.
Before starting a visa application, a student must go through all the essential steps involved in the procedure. All the steps are listed below for general awareness.
Choosing The University
Selecting the best institution to study in the UK is a significant decision that needs much consideration and planning. There are many things to consider, including the expenses of living, the credibility, the location, the amenities, the curriculum, and the entrance criteria.
Analyse evaluations and testimonies from students. Speaking with students is one of the finest methods to understand what it’s like to be a student at an institution. On blogs, social media, and the university website, you may find student testimonies and reviews.
Acceptance Letter From University
It is evident that international students choose multiple institutes and apply to the courses that look more interesting. Once you complete your applications, you will get an acceptance letter from the university. The acceptance letter is the base of your visa application.
International students can start a visa application only when they have a valid acceptance letter from a university. Often, universities give certificates of acceptance of studies (CAS) to international students once they get accepted into any university in the UK.
Start The Visa Application
Once you get the CAS, start your visa application six months before your course starts. It is important to note that students must have a valid passport before they apply for a student visa. Make sure to complete your documents before the visa processing starts.
Other than a valid passport, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), depending on your nationality or course of study. If you are under 18, a consent form of guardian will also be submitted with the visa application. Once your documents are completed, submit the visa processing fee to start your process ASAP.
Get A Health Insurance
An International student has to apply for an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) if their course duration is longer than six months. Students are recommended to use IHS with their visa application. Health insurance for overseas students in the UK costs £470 a year. When you apply for a student visa, you must also pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and the visa application price.
Additionally, if any dependents are travelling with you, you must pay a separate IHS for each one. Every person moving to the UK must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to be eligible for NHS benefits. The fee is merely £235 if your study course is less than six months long.
English Proficiency Test
You must pass a secure English language test (SELT) from an authorised provider to demonstrate your English language proficiency to apply for a UK student visa. The type of study you are doing, and the visa application method you choose will determine the degree of testing you require.
Most overseas students choose to take the IELTS exam. However, checking with your university is crucial to see if an English Proficiency Test is necessary. Some universities don’t require a language proficiency test from International students.
Final Thoughts
As an international student, you need to apply for your Visa with a gap of six months before your course starts. Sometimes, visa applications get delayed, which can cause issues for students. Still, applying at least six months ago will help you tackle any rough situation expected in the future.
If you do not proceed with your visa application on time, you may miss some critical initial classes, which will cause trouble for you throughout the semester. So try to stay ahead of time to avoid any problems. Discuss your course and its starting date with your consultant for the on-time application process.