TL;DR
- The Student Route visa is required for most non-UK nationals studying a course longer than 6 months in the UK
- You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor (your university) before you can apply
- The application costs: GBP 490 visa fee + GBP 1,035/year Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- You must demonstrate proof of funds: first-year tuition + living costs (GBP 1,023–1,334/month for up to 9 months)
- Standard processing time is 3 weeks from biometric appointment; priority (5 working days) and super priority (next working day) available at additional cost
- Common reasons for refusal: insufficient financial evidence, CAS errors, credibility interview failures, and document format problems
Step 1: Receive Your CAS
What Is a CAS?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number issued by your university. It’s not a physical document—it’s an electronic record in the UKVI system that links to your application. You cannot apply for a Student Route visa without a CAS number.
When You’ll Receive It
Universities begin issuing CAS numbers from June onward for September/October course starts. The timing varies:
- Students with unconditional offers typically receive their CAS first
- Students with conditional offers receive their CAS after meeting conditions (exam results confirmed)
- Clearing students receive their CAS after their place is confirmed, typically August–September
CAS issuance is not automatic—some universities require you to complete a CAS request form, upload specific documents, or pay a tuition deposit before the CAS is issued. Check your university’s international student portal for the CAS request procedure.
Check Your CAS Statement
When you receive your CAS, you’ll get a CAS statement (a summary of the information the university has submitted to UKVI). Check every detail:
- Your name (must match your passport exactly)
- Date of birth
- Course title and dates
- Tuition fees and any payments made
- Accommodation payments (if applicable, these can reduce your financial evidence requirement)
- English language qualification details
- Any document numbers referenced (passport, qualifications)
Errors in the CAS are one of the most common causes of visa delays. If you spot an error, contact your university immediately to request a correction. Do not submit your visa application with an incorrect CAS.
Step 2: Prepare Financial Evidence
How Much You Need to Show
You must demonstrate you have enough money to cover:
- First-year tuition fees (as stated on your CAS), minus any payments already made (which must be recorded on the CAS)
- Living costs: GBP 1,023 per month (outside London) or GBP 1,334 per month (inside London) for up to 9 months
Example calculation (student at University of Manchester, outside London):
- Tuition: GBP 25,000 (first year, as stated on CAS)
- Living costs: GBP 1,023 × 9 = GBP 9,207
- Total to demonstrate: GBP 34,207
What Counts as Acceptable Financial Evidence
1、 个人银行对账单 · 要求：账户在本人名下；显示所需资金已连续持有 28 天；对账单截止日期不得早于申请日期前 31 天 2、 父母/监护人银行对账单 · 要求：账户在父母/监护人名下，另需附上一封确认亲属关系并同意将资金用于你学习的信件 3、 官方财务赞助 · 要求：由赞助机构出具的信函，确认赞助金额和期限 4、 学生贷款信函 · 要求：由政府或政府资助的贷款机构出具，确认贷款金额及可用于你的学习
Common financial evidence mistakes:
- Bank statement older than 31 days (the closing balance date must be within 31 days of your application)
- Funds not held for 28 consecutive days (a single day below the required amount breaks the 28-day period)
- Bank statement in a foreign language without a certified translation
- Joint account without additional documentation proving your access to the funds
- Using a parent’s bank statement without a consent letter and birth certificate
The 28-Day Rule in Detail
The required funds must be held in your (or your parent’s) account for 28 consecutive days. This means:
- The closing balance on the statement must be dated within 31 days of your visa application date
- On every single day of the 28-day period, the balance must not fall below the required amount
- If the balance dips below the requirement on day 14 and recovers on day 15, the 28-day period resets from day 15
Differential Evidence Requirements
Students from certain countries (listed in Appendix ST of the Immigration Rules) are not required to submit financial evidence with their visa application. However, UKVI may request this evidence during processing. These “low-risk” nationals should still prepare financial evidence—you just don’t need to upload it unless asked. The differential evidence list includes nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United States, and several other countries. Check the current list before deciding not to prepare financial documents.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Where to Apply
The application is submitted online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. You’ll create an account, complete the form, pay the fees, and book a biometric appointment.
Document Checklist
When applying, you’ll need to upload digital copies of:
- Current passport (valid for the duration of your stay; ideally valid for the full course duration)
- CAS statement (the CAS number links your application to your university’s sponsorship)
- Financial evidence (unless you’re a differential evidence national and choose not to submit)
- Academic qualifications listed on your CAS (degree certificates, transcripts)
- English language qualification (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent as listed on your CAS)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (required for nationals of certain countries; see below)
- ATAS certificate (if required for your course—see separate ATAS guide)
- Parental consent letter (if using parent’s bank statements; also required for applicants under 18)
- Certified translations of any document not in English or Welsh
Tuberculosis Testing
Applicants from certain countries must provide a TB test certificate from an approved clinic. The list of countries requiring TB testing includes China, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Russia, and many others. The test must be taken at a UKVI-approved clinic. Results are valid for 6 months.
If you’ve lived in a country not on the TB test list for more than 6 months, and you’ve been away from the listed country for less than 6 months, you may be exempt—but check the specific rules for your circumstances.
Step 4: Biometric Appointment
After submitting your online application, you’ll book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and photograph. The appointment is typically within 1–2 weeks of application submission.
At the appointment, you’ll:
- Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph)
- Submit your passport (if not using the “Keep My Passport” service)
- Have your supporting documents checked (if you haven’t uploaded them digitally)
Step 5: Credibility Interview
Some applicants are selected for a credibility interview—a short video interview with UKVI staff to verify that you are a genuine student. The interview typically lasts 5–15 minutes and covers:
- Why you chose the UK, your university, and your course
- How your course relates to your previous studies and career plans
- Your financial arrangements and how you’ll fund your studies
- Your knowledge of the course content and structure
Credibility interview tips:
- Know your course: be able to name modules, course duration, teaching methods, and assessment types
- Know your finances: be able to state your tuition fee, living cost budget, and funding source
- Be consistent: your answers should match the information in your CAS and application
- Answer directly: don’t volunteer unnecessary information; answer the question asked
A failed credibility interview can result in visa refusal. These interviews are not routine for all applicants but are more common for applicants from certain countries or for certain course types.
Step 6: Receive Your Decision
Standard processing time is 3 weeks from your biometric appointment. You’ll receive:
- A decision letter (email or physical)
- If approved: a vignette (sticker) in your passport allowing entry to the UK (valid for 90 days)
- Upon arrival: you’ll collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the location specified in your decision letter (typically a Post Office or your university)
Priority services:
- Priority: Decision within 5 working days (additional fee: ~GBP 500)
- Super Priority: Decision by the end of the next working day (additional fee: ~GBP 1,000)
Availability of priority services varies by country. Check with your local Visa Application Centre.
Costs Summary
1、 学生路线签证申请费 · 490 英镑 2、 移民健康附加费（每年） · 1,035 英镑 3、 优先服务（可选） · 约 500 英镑 4、 超级优先服务（可选） · 约 1,000 英镑 5、 结核病检测（如需要） · 因国家而异（约 50–150 英镑） 6、 英语语言测试（如尚未参加） · 约 150–250 英镑 7、 总计（标准服务，3 年制课程） · 3,595 英镑
The IHS for a 3-year undergraduate course: GBP 1,035 × 3 = GBP 3,105. For a 4-year Scottish degree: GBP 1,035 × 4 = GBP 4,140. The IHS is paid upfront for the full course duration.
Common Reasons for Refusal
1、 财务证明不足 · 规避方法：确保资金在 28 天内的每一天都满足要求；检查对账单日期在申请前 31 天内 2、 CAS 错误（姓名不符、课程日期错误） · 规避方法：申请前仔细检查你的 CAS 声明；立即要求更正 3、 可信度面试失败 · 规避方法：做好准备：了解你的课程、大学、费用和职业规划 4、 文件缺失 · 规避方法：使用文件清单；在提交前检查所有必需的文件是否已上传 5、 英语语言证明问题 · 规避方法：确保你的资格证书在 CAS 上列出，并且符合 UKVI 的要求 6、 结核病检测证书缺失或无效 · 规避方法：检查你的国家是否在名单上；在 UKVI 批准的诊所进行检测；注意 6 个月的有效期