Applying for a Student route visa outside the UK

STEP 1: Familiarise yourself with the application process and guidance

Applications must be submitted through either TLScontact (for students applying from Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East) or VFS Global (for students from all other countries). Visit the website concerned and read through all the available information about how to apply in your country. You can also find comprehensive information on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Student visa website, including a link to the full Policy Guidance for caseworkers.

It is important that you submit all the documents required. For a full list of required documents, including information about the acceptable document formats, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

STEP 2: Request a CAS

If you are applying for a new course of study at the university, you will have been instructed to request a CAS as part of the admissions process. For further information please visit the Requesting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) page.

STEP 3: Complete the online application process and book an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre

You will need to submit your application online.

If you wish to submit your visa application via a premium route, please check that such an option is available by contacting the relevant Visa Application Centre direct. You’ll need to find the opening times, address and contact details for UK Visa Application Centres near you.

STEP 4: Attend your appointment and submit your documents

At the appointment you will need to:

• Submit your passport
• Have your fingerprints and photograph taken – known as ‘biometric information’
• If instructed to do so, undergo a brief ‘credibility interview’ using video conferencing software (for more information about these interviews, please see our Frequently Asked Questions)

STEP 5: Receive and check your visa

You will initially be issued with a vignette (sticker) in your passport that is valid for a 90 day period starting on your proposed date of travel. You will also be emailed a letter detailing your full grant of leave, and guidance on how to prove your immigration status. It is important that you check all the information on your letter, your vignette, and your UKVI account are correct. In particular, you should check:

• Your name and date of birth
• That you have been granted leave as a Student
• The Sponsor Licence Number (SLN) reads 8DHV1QR87
• The start and end dates of the leave
• Work conditions

If any of these details are incorrect, you should contact the Visa Application Centre and request they are corrected before travelling to the UK.

Need more help?

If you have further questions about applying for your visa, you may find they are covered in our Frequently Asked Questions. For anything else, please email [email protected].