The United Kingdom stands out for providing world-class education with reputed institutions globally. Studying in the UK can be a key to exploring a diverse range of academic programs along with a vibrant student community. The country is famous for its multicultural environment, scenic views, and epicentre of top industries. Thus, it offers an exciting venture for students coming from overseas. So, as an international scholar, you’d need a UK student visa first to enter the country. For that, the UK government provides access to Indian students to enter England via a Tier-4 Study visa. If you’re unsure of it, don’t worry, as this article is all about how to get your UK study visa hassle-free. Besides, if you’re Thrissur-based, fetching professional guidance from top study abroad consultants in Thrissur might be a clever choice. Thus, let’s get started!

Overview of Tier-4 General UK Study Visa

If you’re 18 or over, you are eligible to apply for a Tier-4 visa to study in the UK. It is a general student visa designed for international students seeking to study in the United Kingdom. To get early approval, apply 3 months prior to your course start date. Moreover, if you’ve enrolled for a degree-level course, the maximum you can stay in the UK is for up to 5 years. The Tier-4 UK student visa costs £490 if you’re applying from outside the UK. Further, let’s go through other requirements before stepping on the visa process.

UK Tier-4 Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for a UK Tier-4 visa, you must have:

• Scored above 60% in the previous course.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificate from previous study.
• An unconditional offer letter from your applied institute on a course.
• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) obtained from the UK college.
• Acceptable English proficiency scores, e.g. IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, as demanded by the university.
• Medical insurance proof
• Financial proof, i.e. how you would support your tuition fee and other expenses.

Let’s move on to the mandate documents required for a UK student visa from overseas!

UK Tier-4 Visa Required Documents 

Applying for a UK study visa? Arrange the following papers prior to it:

• A Valid and Updated Passport
• A Confirmation of Acceptance For Studies (CAS) from the Applied UK-based College
• Finances Proof
• Passport-sized Coloured Photographs
• Tuberculosis Test Results (Required if you’re coming from any South Asian Country)
• If your finances are sponsored, then written consent is required from your funding source.
• A Valid ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) Certificate.

With this, prepare yourself to learn the UK student visa process in the upcoming section.

10 Easy Steps to Acquire Your UK Study Visa as an International Student

Check out the steps below to apply for the Student route or Tier-4 visa from outside the UK.

Prepare Your Finances

Start planning your finances at an early stage. If you or your parents are going to pay the tuition fee, prepare your bank statements accordingly. Thus, show you’ve enough funds to cover your expenses for at least 28 days. Also, you shouldn’t make any transactions within 31 days before submitting the visa application. Moreover, according to UKVI, your funding evidence should enclose:

• Firstly,tuition fee for the 1st year or the complete course (if the program duration is just 1 year or shorter).
• Secondly, living expenses of at least £1,023 / month for at least nine months of your program if your course length is more than a year.

Further, if you’ve already paid your tuition fee to the university, it’ll be included in your CAS. But make sure to give proof of your remaining fees and living costs.

Arrange Other Supporting Documents

Next, prepare other documents right after arranging your financial proofs. These papers include-

• Academic Transcripts and Certificate
• English Language Test Score
• ATAS Certificate
• Tuberculosis Test Result

Also, make sure to translate your documents into English before submitting them.

Accept Your Unconditional Offer

Before receiving a CAS, you must accept the offer letter received from the institute. It is a vital part of your visa application process. The UK colleges only issue a CAS if you’ve firmly agreed with their offer letter and paid the required amount to secure your place. Besides, it’s not your move to apply for a CAS. Once your institute gets your details, they will start preparing for it.

Pay Required Amount to Secure Your Seat

Applicants who applied for a PG or any foundation course have to pay £2,000 to receive a CAS. This deposit is a part of your tuition fee. Thus, it will be deducted from your final payable tuition fee amount. Ignore if you’re sponsored through any grants or loans.

Verify Your CAS Details

Now, the college you’ve applied to will start preparing your CAS. You will get an email when your CAS details are ready. Also, you can verify your details in the university student portal hub. Thus, check the data and follow further regulations to confirm that every point mentioned is correct. Further, your CAS contains the following information:

• Your CAS Number
• Start & End Date of Your Course
• Personal Details
• Course Details
• College Sponsor License Number
• Record of Any Payment Made
• English Language Skills
• Your Passport Number
• Your Scholarship or Loan Details (if any)

Moreover, are you unsure of what these details are? Taking expert guidance from the nearest study abroad consultants in Thrissur could be a brilliant step.

Complete Your Visa Application

At this step, you must have arranged all the documents. Now, apply for the study visa through the UK govt website. You need to give your unique CAS number and the institution’s sponsor license number. Also, provide details about yourself, your studies and funding source. Submit the visa fee online. The standard cost of a UK student visa is £490. Then, schedule your appointment to attend your visa interview.

Choose a Spot to Collect Your BRP

After submitting the final visa application, confirm the location to collect your BRP card. BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) is an essential immigration card. You will get your BRP from the institution.

Attend Your Visa Interview

Attend your interview at your nearest visa application centre. Make sure to be available at the scheduled time. Don’t forget to bring your passport and all the verifying papers. Further, staff at the centre will take your biometric details: A Face Photo and Fingerprints. These data will be forwarded to UKVI to assess your visa application and they get back with a final result. Also, to get an idea of common visa questions best study abroad consultants in Thrissur can help you with the same.

 Receive Entry Vignette or VISA

After processing the visa application, UKVI will send your passport with a vignette (sticker) adhered over a blank page. A letter will also be included with your passport. It would be a decision letter via UKVI regarding your visa application success. Moreover, it also mentions your visa duration and your BRP collection zone.

Collect Your BRP in the UK

Lastly, with a UK visa stamped on your passport, you’re welcome to England. Then, within 10 days of arrival collect your BRP card from your institute. So, have a safe and happy UK journey ahead! Hence, these are the complete steps to get a UK study visa successfully. Moreover, if you’re lacking more visa details, seek guidance from an experienced study abroad agent. To Sum Up Hopefully, you get your doubts cleared regarding the UK Tier-4 visa. Like, how these steps could be beneficial to achieve this visa easily. Moreover, for more detailed information, some of the best study abroad consultants in Thrissur are just one call away. With their expert guidance and quick updates, you will get your visa stamped in no time. Besides, for better clarity, a counselling session with Gradding.com experts won’t take much time.