Hey guys, as the years go by the difficult and quite frustrating process of getting your student visa to study in the UK faces changes to the process too. This post is an update to the Visa application following the last post in 2015 on this topic.
What’s the visa application process like?
*Please note that the information below is solely based off my personal experience with the application and there might be slight changes depending on your own circumstance.*
With all the emails you will be receiving from the university, do look out for one that tells you to set your student portal details (e:Vision). This is the portal where you will be able to request for your required Visa documents.
As one of the key documents of the Visa application process, you need to request a CAS number form. In the requesting process you will need to provide a scan of your passport with your biometrics (the photo page). Don’t request for the CAS number too early as it’ll expire in 6 months.
Next you’ll have to register on the VISA4UK website and create an account with an email you check because it will be the main mode of communication until you collect your visa unless you opt for SMS updates. (for more information on short term visa https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa; for more information on Tier 4 Visa https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa)
Don’t apply for your Visa too early since it will expire in 3 months. Follow the instructions given on the application page and when required to select the type of Visa you wan it should be the Tier 4 PBS.
Fill up the personal details and travel history form. Its very long so just go through it slowly. Your travel history list doesn’t have to include every single time you’ve travelled in your life but at least try to include all that is in the current passport you will be applying with. Here is a walkthrough to help you. The Visa application is expensive (£384) so don’t worry when you see the price you are paying, it isn’t a scam.
You will also be charged for the healthcare surcharge of £300 a year for each year that you will be studying in the UK.
Make your appointment to submit the documents (submit only the photocopied versions of the acceptance letters) and get your biometrics collected at the center. Make sure you don’t have any intentions to travel within 15 working days of submitting the Visa application since they will also be collecting your passport.
The nearest MRT station is Raffles Place MRT take the exit for Lau Pa Sat. There will also be a bag check so just bring the necessary documents.
when submitting the forms you can opt to get SMS notifications or express service or other add ons that you may require (extra charges added on to the application charge)
Wait for the Immigration office to contact you to collect your documents. Go to the same place to collect your passport and they will give you a brief of what to do with the documents when you pass UK immigration and collection of your BRP card. Check that all your details are correct and you’ll be good to go.
scan your visa and upload it onto your e:Vision portal.
When passing through immigration in the UK just bring the forms they told you to bring with the Visa application as well as your passport. The immigration officers will ask you a few questions about where you’re studying and what you’re studying but thats just normal procedure don’t stress.
Just follow all the instructions on the official pages and it will all work out :))
All the best,
Charmaine W.
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