UK Student Visa (Sponsored Tier 4 successor)

Category: Student Β· Processing time: 3 weeks (overseas) / 8 weeks (in-country)

Publisher: MigrantIQ EditorialUpdated 2026-05-073 min readCommunity feedback: open

⚑ Quick Answer

The UK Student Visa lets you study at a licensed sponsor with up to 20 hours/week part-time work. Most graduates qualify for the 2-year Graduate Route afterwards.

Visa record in MigrantIQ database.

Apply through official authority

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-07.

Apply on official site β†’

Visa type

Student

Processing time

3 weeks (overseas) / 8 weeks (in-country)

Fees

PriorityService: GBP 500

Validity

Confirm on official source

Stay duration

Confirm on official source

Entry type

Confirm single/multiple entry rules

Insurance

Confirm if required

Bookmark

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Overview

Long-stay study at a UK education provider with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Allows part-time work during term and full-time work in vacations.

  • Leads to permanent residency: No
  • Requires job offer: No
  • Language required: Yes
  • Minimum education: CAS from licensed sponsor
  • Financial requirement: Confirm current proof-of-funds rules on the official source
  • Accommodation proof: Confirm if accommodation proof is required
  • Return ticket: Confirm if onward/return travel proof is required

Estimated Costs

  • - PriorityService: GBP 500
  • - ApplicationFeeInsideUK: GBP 524
  • - ApplicationFeeOutsideUK: GBP 524
  • - ImmigrationHealthSurcharge: GBP 776/year

Required Documents

  • - Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
  • - Proof of funds (28-day rule)
  • - Approved English language test or exemption
  • - Valid passport
  • - TB test certificate if from a listed country
  • - ATAS certificate (where applicable)

Application Steps

  1. Apply to a licensed sponsor and obtain CAS
  2. Take an approved English language test (where required)
  3. Apply online on GOV.UK and pay fee + IHS
  4. Book biometrics at a VAC
  5. Submit documents online or at the VAC
  6. Receive decision and travel up to 1 month before course start

Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) β†’

Travel Insurance Requirement

  • Mandatory: Confirm with official source
  • Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
  • Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
  • Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority

Embassy, Consulate & Appointments

Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.

Open appointment or official portal β†’

Application checklist

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Benefits & What This Visa Allows

  • - Part-time work during term (up to 20 hrs/week)
  • - Graduate Route up to 2 years (3 years for PhD)
  • - Bring dependants if PhD or government-sponsored

Trust & safety

Before you pay or submit documents

Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.

Official portal β†’

Relevant laws

  • Immigration Status and Overstay Rules

    Immigration Β· Severity: Critical

    Your right to stay in United Kingdom depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admis

  • Work Authorisation Rules

    Employment Β· Severity: Critical

    In United Kingdom, a visa that allows entry does not always allow work. Paid employment, freelancing, remote work, internships, and trial shifts may each have different permission rules.

  • Housing Contract and Deposit Rules

    Housing Β· Severity: Medium

    Rental contracts in United Kingdom may require written terms, legal deposit handling, inventory records, notice periods, and landlord registration. Never rely only on informal chat messages f

Active scam alerts

  • Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for United Kingdom, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.

  • Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter United Kingdom, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track bo

  • Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for United Kingdom through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa

  • Scammers advertise fake apartments in United Kingdom, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.

Quick Eligibility Check

Use this self-check for Student Visa. It does not replace official legal assessment.

Result: Requirements appear incomplete

Common Rejection Reasons

  • - Incomplete or inconsistent documents
  • - Insufficient financial evidence
  • - Unclear purpose of visit or weak ties to home country
  • - Missing translations, signatures, appointment confirmations, or required forms

Application Tips

  • - Start with the official checklist before paying any third party.
  • - Keep bank statements, employment letters, travel plans, and accommodation details consistent.
  • - Book appointments early and keep copies of every submitted form, receipt, and confirmation.
  • - Do not use agents who guarantee approval or request payment to personal accounts.

Sources & References

Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.

  • UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

    Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.

  • MigrantIQ visa record

    Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.

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