UK Student Visa Process (Tier 4) – Complete Walkthrough

UK Student Visa Process (Tier 4) – Complete Walkthrough

Planning to study in the UK? Securing your Tier 4 (now called Student Route) visa is one of the most important steps. It may seem complex, but with the right guidance, the process is smooth and straightforward. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step—from getting your offer letter to receiving your visa stamp.

What is the UK Tier 4 / Student Route Visa?

The UK Student Route visa is for international students aged 16 or above who want to pursue higher education in the UK. It’s your legal permission to study, live, and even work part-time while completing your course.

Step-by-Step UK Student Visa Process

1. Receive Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) Letter

Before applying for your visa, you must receive a CAS letter from your chosen UK university. This is a unique reference number that confirms you’ve been offered a place on a course.

• Your CAS includes:
  • University Sponsor License Number
  • Course details
  • Tuition fee and payment status
  • Start and end dates
  • Required English proficiency

🕒 Timeline: You typically receive your CAS 3–6 weeks before the course start date.

2. Gather Your Financial Documents

To prove you can support yourself in the UK, you must show:

• Tuition fees: You must show funds for one year of tuition (or the remaining fee if partially paid).
• Living expenses:
  • £1,334/month (up to 9 months) for London = £12,006
  • £1,023/month for other parts of the UK = £9,207
• Bank Statement Criteria:
  • Funds must be held in your (or your parent’s) account for 28 consecutive days.
  • The statement must be no older than 31 days at the time of visa application.
  • Currency: INR is acceptable but equivalent GBP value will be considered.

3. Pay the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)

You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

• Fee: £776 per year for students (as of July 2025).
• You pay this while filling out the visa application online.

4. Complete the Online Visa Application

Go to the UK Government site: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

You’ll need to fill out:

• Personal details
• Course details
• CAS number
• IHS payment
• Travel history
• Financial information

✅ Tip: Use your official documents to avoid spelling or data mismatches.

5. Book Your Biometric Appointment (VFS Centre)

After submitting your application, book your biometric appointment at a VFS Global center in India. You’ll need to:

• Submit fingerprints and a photograph
• Submit passport and required documents
• Upload supporting documents online or bring them physically

📍 Popular cities with VFS centers: Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and more.

6. Required Documents Checklist

• Valid Passport
• CAS letter
• Passport-size photographs (as per UK standards)
• Bank statements (as explained above)
• Birth certificate (if showing parent’s financial support)
• Parent consent letter (if funds are in their name)
• Educational documents (marksheets, certificates)
• English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE, if not waived)
• TB test certificate (required for India)

7. Wait for a Decision

Visa processing typically takes:

• 15 working days for standard applications
• 5–7 days for priority service (at an additional cost)

🕒 Best time to apply: 3 months before your course starts

Visa Application Fee (as of 2025)

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

1. Insufficient funds or incorrect bank documents
2. Mismatch in academic documents and CAS
3. Low English proficiency
4. Suspicious travel or immigration history
5. Inconsistencies in the SOP or interviews

Tips to Ensure Approval

✅ Double-check that all financial documents meet the 28-day rule
✅ Ensure your SOP aligns with the course and your background
✅ Pay attention to document format and translations (if needed)
✅ Attend interviews confidently (if called)
✅ Apply early to avoid last-minute rejections

Bonus: What Happens After Visa Approval?

• You’ll receive a vignette sticker on your passport, valid for 30 days.
• Once in the UK, collect your BRP card (Biometric Residence Permit) from your university/post office within 10 days.

How Bellview Educator Helps You Succeed

At Bellview Educator, we specialize in end-to-end visa support for UK-bound students:

🎓 Expert CAS and financial documentation guidance
📝 Document checklist, SOP support, and mock interviews
🧾 IHS and visa fee assistance
📈 High success rate with personalized support
📅 Priority visa appointment booking and tracking

✨ Don’t let the visa process hold you back. Let Bellview Educator help you turn your UK dream into a reality!

Want to ensure your UK student visa gets approved on the first attempt?
📩 Contact Bellview Educator today for expert visa guidance and support.