Student Visas

Applying for a Student Visa

If you are an international student (EU and non-EU), you may need to apply for a student visa to study at LST. Find out what you need to do before you arrive.

The UK has introduced a new Points-Based immgration System (PBS) for students. This replaces the Tier 4 visa system for studying.

EEA nationals outside the UK can apply under this route for entry to the UK from 1 January 2021. EEA nationals already in the UK, or entering before 2021, should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

EU Settlement Scheme

The UK has now formally left the EU. This could mean that you need a visa to continue to study at LST. To help you understand your immigration status, please read this information carefully.

EU Nationals who arrived in the UK by 31st December 2020

As an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, if you are already living in the UK or arrived in the UK by 11pm 31 December 2020, you are eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. As long as you arrive in the UK by 31 December 2020 the deadline to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme to remain resident in the UK is 30 June 2021.

As an EU national, most people will be able to complete their application, including identity verification, using a smartphone app. Some applicants may need to attend a Visa Application Centre, if they are unable to access the app, or if they do not have a biometric passport. More details on the application process are available on GOV.UK.

EU Nationals arriving in the UK from the 1st January 2021

From 1 January 2021, the UK will have a new immigration system and any EU/EEA/Swiss citizen not eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme will require a Student Visa to enter after 1 January 2021.

As a student, this means that to enter the UK on or after 1 January 2021, you must apply for a Student visa. To apply for a Student visa,

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

The Student visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

Making a student visa application outside the UK

Where and how to apply

You apply in the country where you are living. Most applicants must still attend at a visa application centre for a Biometrics appointment. The only exception is EEA nationals who have a biometric chip in their passport.

Check which centres have actually opened again using Find a visa application centre. Alternatively, for applications in Europe, Africa and parts of the Middle East visit uk.tlscontact.com. For all other countries, visit VFS Global.

You apply online. The only exception to this is if you are applying in DPRK (North Korea). You can apply for a student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

When to apply

You should apply:

  • before you have travelled to the UK
  • no more than six months before the start date of your course.
  • no later than six months after your CAS was issued

Application fee

The application fee is £348, paid as an equivalent in your local or alternative currency.  Some Visa Application Centres (VACs) may charge an additional ‘User pays fee’.

Immigration health charge

The immigration health surcharge is £470 per year of your visa. You should also use the Immigration Health Surcharge tool on the Home Office website to check how much you will have to pay. The Student application form will calculate the amount that you need to pay and ask you to pay it before you can complete your application. After you have done this you will receive an email containing your IHS reference number.  This number will automatically be included on your application form cover sheet.

Interview

The Home Office intends to interview Student applicants before granting them immigration permission to come to the UK. Therefore you might be sent an email asking you to attend an interview as part of the application process. Please check your email (including the ‘junk’ folder) regularly as your application will be refused if you are asked to attend an interview and you do not do so without providing a reasonable explanation.

During your interview you will be asked about your course, where you want to study and your reasons for studying in the UK. The report of the interview will be sent to the caseworker who makes the decision on your Student Visa application. They must be satisfied that you are a genuine student, and that your English language ability is at the correct level, otherwise you might be called for a further interview and/or your entry clearance application may be refused.

If you are asked to attend an interview, please contact UGRegistry@lst.ac.uk for more advice.

Medical check

If you have been in one of the countries listed in Appendix T of the Immigration Rules for more than six months immediately preceding your Student application then you will need to provide a medical certificate from an approved clinic confirming that you are clear of tuberculosis (TB).

More information, including the location of approved clinics and how to book a TB test can be found on the Home Office website

Preparing your Student Visa Application

This summary and checklist is designed to help you with the stages and timeline of application process.

  • have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), issued by LST once you have received and accepted an unconditional offer based on our entry requirements.  You can only use your CAS only ONCE for a visa application.
  • Must pay the application fee of £348, paid as an equivalent in your local or alternative currency.  Some Visa Application Centres (VACs) may charge an additional ‘User pays fee’
  • Must pay the immigration health surcharge – you can use the Immigration Health Surcharge tool on the Home Office website to check how much you will have to pay.

You should also make sure that you have all of the necessary supporting documents, including:

  • Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course and submit the correct documents and financial evidence when you apply
  • Meet other eligibility requirements as set out by the UK Government.
  • Have a valid passport
  • Have a valid TB test certificate showing you do not have TB (if required)
  • Evidence that shows you meet the English language requirement, or that are exempt from having to meet it
  • If you will be under 18 on the date that you apply for your visa, you will need a letter from your parent/legal guardian confirming their relationship to you and that they consent to your study and living arrangements in the UK and your travel arrangements. You will also need evidence of your relationship with your parent/legal guardian (e.g. birth certificate, certificate of adoption).
  • Translations of any documents that are not in English

 

Additional Documentation

The LST is listed on the Register of licensed sponsors: students as  a “Student sponsor – Track record”, you are therefore not required to submit evidence of your qualifications or references if you are applying to study at degree level or above.  You must confirm on your application form that you have these documents but you do not need to submit them with your application. However you might be asked to provide them at a later date and therefore you should have ready the following evidence:

  • Evidence that you can meet the strict financial requirements
  • Evidence of qualifications listed on your CAS,
  • Receipts for any tuition fees and/or accommodation costs that you have already paid to your institution, if this information is not included on your CAS (*)

 

Finally, do check the visa process in your country of residence and the current visa processing times.

And do wait until you have obtained your Student visa before you book any non-refundable tickets for travel.

Making a student visa application inside the UK

Where and how to apply

You might be able to apply for a student visa inside the UK if you’re:

  • currently studying at LST and need to extend your visa (such as starting a new course), or
  • repeating a year or getting an extension to your course, or
  • planning to study at LST and are yet to start your course.

However, you cannot apply inside the UK if you have:

  • a standard visitor visa or short-term study visa – this includes EU students who have not applied for the EU Settlement Scheme and enter the UK after 11pm on 31 December 2020
  • a parent of a child student visa, seasonal worker visa or domestic worker in a private household visa
  • a visa that expires more than 28 days before your new course starts
  • a visa outside the immigration rules
  • left a previous course in the UK without completing it
  • temporarily withdrawn from your course
  • overstayed your visa.

In any of these cases, you must return to your home country to get a new visa.

When to apply

You should apply:

  • 3 months before your course starts – this is the earliest you can apply.
  • Before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.  If you need your visa quickly, you can pay more money to get it sooner.

Important: You cannot leave the UK or Common Travel Area while your application is being processed. Don’t make any travel plans until you get your new visa.

Application fee

  • The standard application fee is £475 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK

You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.

Immigration health charge

The immigration health surcharge is £470 per year of your visa. You should also use the Immigration Health Surcharge tool on the Home Office website to check how much you will have to pay. The Student application form will calculate the amount that you need to pay and ask you to pay it before you can complete your application. After you have done this you will receive an email containing your IHS reference number.  This number will automatically be included on your application form cover sheet.

Interview

You may need to do a credibility interview with UKVI (using a video link) as part of your visa application..

If you don’t attend your interview, your visa application may be refused.

During your interview you will be asked about your course, where you want to study and your reasons for studying in the UK. The report of the interview will be sent to the caseworker who makes the decision on your Student Visa application. They must be satisfied that you are a genuine student, and that your English language ability is at the correct level, otherwise you might be called for a further interview and/or your entry clearance application may be refused.

If you are asked to attend an interview, please contact UGRegistry@lst.ac.uk for more advice.

Preparing your Student Visa Application

This summary and checklist is designed to help you with the stages and timeline of application process.

  • If you are applying from within the UK, you must have been in the UK for at least 12 months with valid permission on the date of application
  • have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), issued by LST once you have received and accepted an unconditional offer based on our entry requirements.  You can only use your CAS only ONCE for a visa application.
  • Must pay the application fee of £475 plus £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.
  • Must pay the immigration health surcharge – you can use the Immigration Health Surcharge tool on the Home Office website to check how much you will have to pay.
  • Meet other eligibility requirements as set out by the UK Government.

You should also make sure that you have all of the necessary supporting documents, including:

  • Have a valid passport
  • Evidence that shows you meet the English language requirement, or that are exempt from having to meet it
  • If you will be under 18 on the date that you apply for your visa, you will need a letter from your parent/legal guardian confirming their relationship to you and that they consent to your study and living arrangements in the UK and your travel arrangements. You will also need evidence of your relationship with your parent/legal guardian (e.g. birth certificate, certificate of adoption).
  • Translations of any documents that are not in English

 

Additional Documentation

You will automatically meet the financial requirement for a student visa or Doctorate Extension Scheme visa if you:

  • are applying for a student visa inside the UK, and
  • have been in the UK for at least 12 months with valid permission on the date of application.