Guidance for Tier 4 Visa (Student Visa) in UK

When is the best time to apply for a UK student visa? It depends on when the program starts. However, if you apply at least six months before the commencement of the program, you will receive a decision within three weeks.

How to Apply for a Student Visa in the United Kingdom as an Indian Student?

Here are the processes that an Indian student must take in order to apply for a student visa in the United Kingdom.

Find out which visa to apply for: The UK Visas and Immigration website is the best place to start your investigation. It gives students all of the information they need to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom.

Apply for the visa - Follow these steps: By providing all of the relevant documents to gov.uk, one can apply for a UK student visa online.

Pay visa fees - Visa fees can be paid using a credit or debit card in the United Kingdom. However, for a modest cost, one can go to a visa application center to get this done.

Upload all documents: Students can use a visa application center to digitally submit their documents and personal information.

Schedule an appointment at a visa application center: Students must go to the visa application center in person because biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs will be taken.

Wait for a decision on your visa application: It's critical that students stay up to date on their visa application. Regardless, a notification of the decision would be sent to the registered email address. You can also request detailed tracking and receive updates through SMS to your registered mobile number.

Gather the necessary documents: After receiving notification of the decision, the student must go to the visa application center and pick up all of the submitted documents in person.

Also see: 2021-2022 Application Deadlines for Popular UK Universities

An Indian student must submit the following documents when applying for a student visa in the United Kingdom: 

• A valid passport or other travel documents that is current and valid
• A CAS letter (Confirmation of Acceptance) for Studies from the UK institution

• Proof that one has sufficient funds to help themselves and pay for their course and cover living expenses and other expenses.
• If the applicant is under the age of 18, proof of parental or other guardian consent is required. Consent is required for visa applications, living and care arrangements in the United Kingdom, and travel to the United Kingdom. A copy of the applicant's birth certificate with the names of his or her parents may also be requested.
• A valid ATAS certificate 
• If the candidate is under the age of 18, they must show documentation of their relationship with their parents or other guardians.
• Tuberculosis test results
• If the applicant has received financial assistance for tuition and living expenses, a letter from the financial sponsor is required.
• Depending on the circumstances, more documentation may be requested.

Depending on the length of their academic program and their present academic certification, an Indian student in the UK may be able to stay. An applicant can stay in the UK for up to two years if the program is below degree level, and up to five years if the course is at degree level.
According to the new UK student visa route, international students who finish their Ph.D. in the summer of 2021 will be able to stay and work in the UK for three years after graduation.

Also Read: Part-Time Job Options in the UK for International Students

UK Student Visa Fees for an Indian Student

For a UK student visa, an Indian student is required to pay £348 which equals INR 35,992, as per the current exchange rate (25 Sept 2021).