How to apply for a UK Student Visa
UK student visas for Indian students are Tier 4 (general) visas that can be applied for online or at a visa application center near you. Find out the process of application, including how to fill the application form, the interview process and other information.
International students over the age of 16, who want to apply for a student visa to the UK can obtain a General (Tier 4) visa. The procedure for applying for a UK visa is as follows.Eligibility
In order to be granted a Tier 4 Student Visa, you have to meet the following criteria -
The course that you apply for has to be –
For more information on NQF (National Qualifications Framework) visit this website.
In general, before applying for a student visa, you should make sure that you have at least 40 points in your assessment. A valid Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) from an approved educational institution (a Tier 4 sponsor) along with a B2 level in the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) for post graduate or doctoral studies typically wins the student 30 points. As long as the student is able to show enough funds for supporting their next period of study and living expenses of up to nine months, they win another 10 points.Medical tests and biometric exams
Students who are planning to stay in the UK for six months or more should take a TB test (chest X-ray and sputum samples) before they apply for the student visa. Failing to take the test means the student will not be cleared for travel until they are proven to be free of TB. The Embassy has approved hospitals and clinics from where the student must get their medical certificate.
In addition, the student will also have to provide their biometric information before the Embassy will process the visa application. To record biometric information, the student should book an appointment at a visa centre near them. There are no extra fees involved in the process.Application fee payments
The cost of applying for a UK Student visa is currently £322 (which is approximately INR 31637 as of July, 2015). The visa application process involves filling up a form either online or at a visa centre near you. You will also need to take all your original documents, including photocopies of identity and residential proof, work proof, educational proof and a TB test report. After the form has been filled and submitted, the student will be given an appointment date for interview at the application centre. The appointment can only be booked online after the form has been filled. The only exception is in cases of prime time, fast track or premium lounge applications.
The online form can be filled at Visa4UK. After the form has been filled and submitted, an email confirmation along with a GWF reference number will be allotted to you. Print out the application form and sign it on receiving the notification. The visa fees can be paid in cash at the visa application centre, or via Standard Charted Bank (no service charge) or at a national or foreign bank (with service charges) via Demand Draft in favour of The British High Commission.Interview process
The staff at the visa application centre will pick visa awardees based on the applications submitted. Some applicants may be called for a telephonic or face-to-face interview. If you are called for an interview, you will be informed online. In general, a visa can be applied for 3 months in advance, and 3 weeks is the maximum time in which 90 percent of non-settlement applications are processed.Collecting Your Visa
You can collect your original documents submitted along with your visa in person from the VFS Global office where the Embassy sends documents collected, you should request return delivery by courier at the time of application online.
In cases of refusal of visa, the Embassy sends a notice to the applicant, listing the reasons and explaining your rights of appeal. If refusal was under the points-based system, the applicant can apply for administrative review rather than having full right of appeal. Note that it is important to provide truthful and accurate information in support of your application. If you use deception, you will not be allowed to enter the UK and refused a visa for 10 years.
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