How to Relocate to the UK with a Student Visa.

One easy way to relocate to the UK is by getting a student visa.

By the way, we have a step-by-step guide on the various ways to legally relocate to Canada. You will also want to read it.

Now, we go on to the steps you need to take to obtain your student visa. You must follow these steps. People have been denied visas even with a fully funded scholarship.

Relocating to the UK with a student visa is not as complicated as you think. However, if you are not well-informed, you are bound to make mistakes. That is why we’ve written this article to educate you on how to relocate to the UK with a student visa.

Let’s get into the crux of the matter.

READ: How to Migrate to the UK

Guidelines on How to Relocate to the UK with a Student Visa 

If you want to relocate to the UK with a Student visa, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Apply to a UK University and Get Your Acceptance Letter

First, you have to choose your preferred institution and apply for admission. Your choice will depend on some factors, which include;

• Course of Study
• School Profile and Reputation 
• Your Finances
• School Location
• Admission Requirements 
• Course Requirements 
• Learning Facilities 
• Career Support 

You can check the list of top-ranked universities in the United Kingdom. Ensure you meet the school’s eligibility requirements and strictly adhere to the admissions procedure. Some documents you will be required to submit are; 

• Transcript of your academic results. If you are still an undergraduate and you don’t know how to calculate your GPA, please, read our well-written piece on how to calculate GPA and CGPA and also download our GPA calculator.
• Statement of purpose
• CV or resume or let our friends at Resume.io help you out.
• Reference letter
• Passport photograph
• Proof of English Language. 

You must get admission into a UK university before relocating to the UK with a student visa. Applying for admission is where the bulk of the work lies, so you must take it seriously. If your application is accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter which you will use for your visa application.

Step 2: Find Out the Type of Visa You Need

Depending on the duration of your study, you may need a short or long-term visa. You can apply for one of these visas:

i. Short-Term Study Visa

This type of visa is ideal for a short-term course as it is valid for only 6 or 11 months. 

ii. Student Visa

If you are enrolling for Bachelor, Master’s, or Ph.D., this is the best visa option. This visa is ideal for a long-term course of one year and above.

iii. Child Student Visa

This visa is only for students between the ages of 4 and 17. 

Step 3: Apply for Your Visa

Now you know the type of visa you need, the next step is to apply for your visa. You can apply at the UK embassy in your country, or you can do it online on the official UK Government website. 

You will be required to submit some essential documents during the application process. Let’s talk about them.

Requirements for UK Student Visa

To apply for your student visa, you must submit these documents.

1. International Passport

The first thing you need is a valid international passport with an extended expiry date.

2. Proof of Funds

You will be required to prove that you have sufficient funds to pay your tuition fees, pay your living expenses and support yourself in the UK. Your proof of funds could be an account statement, employment letter, payslip, or sponsorship letter. 

3. Get a scholarship Instead

If you absolutely need scholarships, and who doesn’t, please, check out this piece, Universities in the UK offering fully funded scholarships to international students like you. These scholarships cover your travel, tuition, and living expenses while studying in the UK. It’s a must-read.

4. Academic Qualifications

You will also be required to show evidence of your academic qualifications. Depending on your educational level, it could be a WAEC certificate or university transcript.

5. Tuberculosis Test Results 

To get a UK visa of any kind, you will need to take a tuberculosis test at a UK-approved testing centre if you live in certain countries or have lived in these countries in the last 6 months. Check the affected countries here.

6. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

This document shows you have received an unconditional offer from a UK university. The document has a 14 digits reference number called a CAS number. It should also contain your passport number, sponsor license number, tuition fee, and start and end date of your study program. Some universities require you to pay a minimum tuition fee deposit before issuing your CAS number. 

7. Sponsor Letter

Is there someone sponsoring your studies in the UK? If yes, you have to submit a letter from your sponsor. This letter should state that they are aware of your study in the UK and will be responsible for paying your bills.

8. Birth Certificate 

If your parents are your sponsors, you must also submit a birth certificate showing your full name, date, and place of birth. Another alternative is to submit an affidavit stating your relationship with them.

How to Process Your Visa Application 

Once you have all these documents, submit your visa application and a recent passport photograph. While filling out the form, include an address where you will collect your biometric residence permit (BRP). It’s a card that contains your biographical details and immigration status.

Make sure you take your time and fill out the application correctly. You don’t need to complete the form in one sitting. If you apply online, you can save your draft and continue later. 

After completing the form and submitting the documents, you will be required to pay for two things:

i. Immigration Health Surcharge

You will be required to pay this compulsory fee if you intend to stay in the UK for more than six months. The health surcharge gives you access to NHS healthcare services in the UK.

ii. Visa Application Fee

As the name implies, this fee is compulsory as it will be used in processing your visa application. 

After making payments, visit a UK visa application center to provide your biometric information (fingerprint and photograph).

The UK embassy may take 15 working days or more to review your application. While waiting, you can check the government website for relevant information and updates. 

If your visa is approved, you will receive a confirmation email. Also, your passport will be returned with a vignette (sticker) pasted on a blank page. This vignette allows you to enter and stay in the UK for the duration of your study. 

Congratulations! You are ready to relocate to the UK with your student visa. Remember to collect your biometric residence permit (BRP) within 10 days of your arrival in the UK. Now, you can settle in and focus on your studies. 

Conclusively,

Relocating to the UK with a Student visa may seem like a tedious process. However, following the guidelines outlined in the article will make it a lot easier. If you need further guidance, schedule a call with our career advisors.