The student route replaced the previous Tier 4 (General) student visa and includes several categories, such as Student, Child Student, and Short-term Student.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for a student route visa, applicants must have an offer from a UK educational institution, demonstrate proficiency in the English language, and prove they can financially support themselves during their studies.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):
Applicants need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their sponsoring institution before applying. The CAS is a virtual document containing information about the course and the institution.
Financial Requirements:
Students must show evidence of having enough money to cover their tuition fees and living costs. The amount varies depending on the location of study and the duration of the course.
English Language Proficiency:
Applicants are generally required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through recognized tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP):
Successful applicants receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK. This card contains essential details about the individual’s immigration status and conditions.
Work Opportunities:
The student route allows eligible students to work part-time during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks. There are also provisions for post-study work options.
Dependents:
In certain cases, dependents (spouses, civil partners, or children) may be eligible to join the student in the UK.
Healthcare:
Students may need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application, granting access to the National Health Service (NHS).
Application Process:
Applications are usually submitted online, and applicants may need to visit a visa application centre to provide biometric information.
To succeed in your application, it’s crucial that the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) believes you are a genuine student. This determination considers factors such as your qualifications, work experience, any education gaps, your understanding of the course and university, and the reasons for choosing your educational institution.
Student visa applications are often refused after a visa interview if the ECO isn’t satisfied with the answers regarding your genuineness. Therefore, being well-prepared for such interviews is essential to avoid issues with your student visa application.
Note that a student after completing their studies may be able to switch to the Graduate route.
To stay in the UK to work or look for work.
Students can bring their partner and children under 18 years of age if they study in a
researched based course or PhD.
Govt approved scholarship courses.
It’s crucial to check the most recent guidelines and requirements on the official UK government website or consult with the relevant immigration authorities for the latest information on the UK Student route.
2. Graduate Visa UK/PSW (Post-Study Work) Visa
If you’ve finished a degree-level course or higher in the UK and have a good record with your education provider, you can apply to switch from a student visa to a Graduate route visa. This used to be called the PSW (Post-Study Work) visa. You must apply for the Graduate visa from within the UK, and you can only do this while you still have permission to be in the UK as a Student. Once you switch to another visa, you can’t qualify for the Graduate route anymore.
The Graduate visa allows you to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after finishing your course, or 3 years if you completed a PhD. It’s important to know that the Graduate route itself doesn’t lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), but the time you spend on this route counts towards the requirement for settling in the UK based on 10 years of continuous residence.
