Student Visa
Student Visa for the UK
The Student Visa is designed for foreign students who wish to study in the UK. To be eligible for a Student Visa, you must meet certain requirements and accumulate at least 70 points under the UK’s points-based immigration system. These points are awarded based on factors such as having an offer from a licensed education institution, demonstrating English language proficiency, and meeting financial requirements.
If you have questions or need assistance with your Student Visa application, you can contact us at 0333 0124 253 for help and guidance. We can provide advice, explain the requirements, and assist you in preparing and submitting your application correctly.
Key Requirements for a UK Student Visa
To apply for a UK Student Visa, you need to meet specific requirements and accumulate at least 70 points through the points-based system. Here’s a summary of the key requirements:
Unconditional Offer of Study: You must have received an unconditional offer of study from an approved sponsoring institution.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): You must obtain a CAS from your sponsoring institution.
Point Requirements: To meet the 70-point requirement:
- 50 points for having a CAS.
- 10 points for meeting the financial requirements.
- 10 points for demonstrating your English language proficiency (at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR).
- 50 points for having a CAS.
- 10 points for meeting the financial requirements.
- 10 points for demonstrating your English language proficiency (at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR).
Academic Qualifications: You should have the necessary academic qualifications required for your chosen course.
Financial Support: You must be able to financially support yourself and any dependents who will be joining you in the UK.
Both EEA and non-EEA nationals must meet these requirements in the post-Brexit environment. If you meet these criteria, you can proceed with your Student Visa application to study in the UK.
Eligible Courses for a UK Student Visa
To be eligible for a UK Student Visa, your course must meet certain criteria. Here are the eligible course types:
Full-Time Course Leading to a Qualification at Below Degree Level (RQF level 3, 4, or 5):
- The course should consist of at least 15 hours of organized daytime study per week.
- The course should consist of at least 15 hours of organized daytime study per week.
Full-Time Course Leading to a Qualification at Degree Level or Above (RQF level 6, 7, or 8).
Full-Time Course at Degree Level or Above (RQF level 6, 7, or 8) Equivalent to a UK Higher Education Course Delivered as Part of an Overseas Course.
Part-Time Course Leading to a Qualification Above Degree Level (RQF level 7 or above).
A Recognized Foundation Programme for Postgraduate Doctors or Dentists.
An English Language Course at Level B2, as set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
English Language Requirement for Student Visa
The level of English proficiency required depends on the level of your chosen course:
1
2
To demonstrate your English language proficiency, you can take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at one of the approved test centers worldwide. The four approved SELT test providers are:
Trinity College London
IELTS SELT Consortium
LanguageCert
Pearson Education Ltd
Exemptions from the English Language Requirement:
If you have previously studied a course in English at undergraduate or postgraduate level at an approved educational provider.
If you have previously proven the required level of English in another visa application.
If you are applying for a study abroad program as part of a university degree course in the USA.
Nationals of majority English-speaking countries are also exempt from this requirement. These countries include:
Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, and USA.
Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, and USA.
How Push Legal Services Can Help ?
If you are applying for a UK Student Visa, our team can assist you with:
Understanding the requirements and ensuring that you meet the criteria for the visa.
Reviewing your application to ensure it is completed accurately.
Providing guidance on how to demonstrate your English language proficiency.
Advising on the necessary financial documents and supporting evidence.
For advice and help with your Student Visa application, please contact us at 0333 0124 253 or submit an online enquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Dependents with Me to the UK?
As of January 2024, international students studying in the UK will face certain restrictions regarding bringing their dependents. Here are the conditions under which you can bring your dependents:
1. Government-Sponsored Students: If you are a government-sponsored student starting a course that lasts 6 months or longer, you can bring your dependents with you.
2. Postgraduate Research Programs: If you are enrolled in a postgraduate research program (such as a PhD or a master's program with a significant research component that requires original work), and the program lasts 9 months or longer, you may bring your dependents.
However, international students who do not meet these criteria will not be eligible to bring their dependents with them to the UK. This restriction applies to all international students starting courses in the UK from January 1, 2024, onward.
1. Government-Sponsored Students: If you are a government-sponsored student starting a course that lasts 6 months or longer, you can bring your dependents with you.
2. Postgraduate Research Programs: If you are enrolled in a postgraduate research program (such as a PhD or a master's program with a significant research component that requires original work), and the program lasts 9 months or longer, you may bring your dependents.
However, international students who do not meet these criteria will not be eligible to bring their dependents with them to the UK. This restriction applies to all international students starting courses in the UK from January 1, 2024, onward.
Does the Student Visa Count Toward UK Residency Requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain?
It is important to note that time spent in the UK under the Student Visa route (including the previous Tier 4 General Visa) does not count towards the minimum UK residency requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship.
However, if international students remain in the UK under a Graduate Visa or transition to a work visa after completing their studies, they will start accumulating time toward the residency requirements for ILR and British citizenship from that point onward. This time counts towards your overall period of lawful residence in the UK, which is a critical factor in both ILR and citizenship applications.
However, if international students remain in the UK under a Graduate Visa or transition to a work visa after completing their studies, they will start accumulating time toward the residency requirements for ILR and British citizenship from that point onward. This time counts towards your overall period of lawful residence in the UK, which is a critical factor in both ILR and citizenship applications.
Can I Work in the UK Under a Student Visa?
Yes, international students on a Student Visa can work in the UK under the following conditions:
Term Time: You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
Vacations: There are no restrictions on the number of hours you can work during university vacations.
Volunteering: You can also engage in volunteer work without any restrictions.
However, there are specific employment types that you cannot undertake on a Student Visa:
Self-Employment: You are not allowed to be self-employed or start your own business while on a Student Visa.
1. Business Operations: You cannot operate a business or participate in business activities, including establishing or running a company.
2. Full-Time Employment: You cannot work full-time in a permanent job while studying on a Student Visa.
3. Professional Athlete or Sports Coach: You cannot work as a professional athlete or sports coach, whether paid or unpaid.
4. Entertainer: You are not allowed to work as an entertainer, whether paid or unpaid.
5. Doctor or Dentist in Training: Unless you are on a foundation programme, you cannot work as a doctor or dentist in training.
It’s essential to adhere to these employment restrictions to maintain your legal status in the UK. Violating these rules could result in visa issues or jeopardize your studies.
Term Time: You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
Vacations: There are no restrictions on the number of hours you can work during university vacations.
Volunteering: You can also engage in volunteer work without any restrictions.
However, there are specific employment types that you cannot undertake on a Student Visa:
Self-Employment: You are not allowed to be self-employed or start your own business while on a Student Visa.
1. Business Operations: You cannot operate a business or participate in business activities, including establishing or running a company.
2. Full-Time Employment: You cannot work full-time in a permanent job while studying on a Student Visa.
3. Professional Athlete or Sports Coach: You cannot work as a professional athlete or sports coach, whether paid or unpaid.
4. Entertainer: You are not allowed to work as an entertainer, whether paid or unpaid.
5. Doctor or Dentist in Training: Unless you are on a foundation programme, you cannot work as a doctor or dentist in training.
It’s essential to adhere to these employment restrictions to maintain your legal status in the UK. Violating these rules could result in visa issues or jeopardize your studies.
What Services Does Push Legal Services (PLS) Offer?
Push Legal Services (PLS) provides expert assistance to international students applying for a Student Visa to study in the UK. Our services help make the application process smoother and ensure that you meet all necessary requirements. Here’s what we can do for you:
Documentation Assistance: We ensure that you have all the necessary documents for your application.
University Sponsorship Confirmation: We confirm that your chosen university or institution is eligible to act as your UK sponsor.
Communication with Tier 4 Sponsors: We facilitate communication with your Tier 4 sponsor.
CAS Assistance: We help you obtain your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university.
Letter of Representation: We prepare a letter of representation to accompany your application, detailing your case and referencing relevant UK immigration laws.
Home Office Correspondence: We correspond with the Home Office until your application is completed.
Application Form Preparation: We help you fill out and assemble your application with all required documents to the highest standard.
Whether you are an international student applying to study in the UK or a UK-based student looking to study abroad, PLS is here to provide guidance and support through the immigration and visa process. If you need help or have any questions, you can contact us at 0333 0124 253 or use our online form to get started on your journey to studying in the UK.
Documentation Assistance: We ensure that you have all the necessary documents for your application.
University Sponsorship Confirmation: We confirm that your chosen university or institution is eligible to act as your UK sponsor.
Communication with Tier 4 Sponsors: We facilitate communication with your Tier 4 sponsor.
CAS Assistance: We help you obtain your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university.
Letter of Representation: We prepare a letter of representation to accompany your application, detailing your case and referencing relevant UK immigration laws.
Home Office Correspondence: We correspond with the Home Office until your application is completed.
Application Form Preparation: We help you fill out and assemble your application with all required documents to the highest standard.
Whether you are an international student applying to study in the UK or a UK-based student looking to study abroad, PLS is here to provide guidance and support through the immigration and visa process. If you need help or have any questions, you can contact us at 0333 0124 253 or use our online form to get started on your journey to studying in the UK.