Can I bring my family with me on a UK Student Visa?

Current UKVI rules severely restrict dependents. You can only bring your partner and children if you are studying a postgraduate research program (like a PhD) or a government-sponsored course. Students on standard taught Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees cannot bring dependents.

What is the Graduate Route?

The UK Graduate Route allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible degree at a licensed university to stay in the UK to work, or look for work, for 2 years (3 years for doctoral graduates) without needing a sponsor.

What is an ATAS certificate and do I need one?

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is required for international students studying specific sensitive subjects (often in STEM fields or research) where knowledge could be used in programs of national security concern. Your university will state on your offer letter if ATAS is required.

UKUnited Kingdom · Study Visa

UK Student Visa

Study at a licensed UK institution. Complete guide to CAS requirements, UKVI 28-day financial rules, ATAS, and the post-study Graduate Route.

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Processing time

3 weeks

Overview

The UK Student Visa (formerly the Tier 4 General Student Visa) is the primary immigration route for international students aged 16 or above wishing to pursue full-time academic studies in the United Kingdom. To qualify, you must be sponsored by a UK Higher Education Provider with a valid student sponsor license. Securing a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your chosen university is the foundational step, followed by strictly meeting UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) financial, English language, and Genuine Student requirements.

Key benefits

Gain access to internationally recognized degrees from prestigious UK universities and educational institutions.

Work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during academic terms and full-time during official university vacations.

Access comprehensive medical care through the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) by paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Eligible to transition to the UK Graduate Route post-study, granting a 2-year (or 3-year for PhD) open work permit.

Fee breakdown

Indicative — confirmed after your free assessment.

UK Student Visa Application Fee£558

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)£776 per year of study

Priority / Super Priority Processing£500 / £1,000 (Optional)

GAC Advisors service feePKR — quoted after review*

Visa Validity & Stay

Your UK Student Visa is generally issued for the full duration of your academic degree, plus an additional period (typically 4 months for degree-level courses) to allow time to attend graduation, travel, or apply for the Graduate Route visa. You will receive a 90-day entry vignette in your passport and must collect your physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or activate your eVisa upon arriving in the UK.

Eligibility criteria

✓Must be at least 16 years old with an unconditional offer from a Home Office-licensed student sponsor.

✓Hold a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number issued by your university.

✓Meet the UKVI English language requirements (usually via IELTS UKVI, PTE Academic, or university assessments).

✓Fulfill the strict financial requirement (maintenance funds) to cover the first year’s tuition fees and 9 months of living expenses.

✓Pass a Tuberculosis (TB) test if applying from a listed country, and obtain an ATAS certificate if studying certain STEM/research courses.

Required documents

▸Offer / acceptance letter (CAS, I-20 or CoE depending on destination)

▸Academic transcripts and degrees

▸IELTS or PTE score report

▸Financial proof — bank statement and sponsor affidavit

▸Valid passport and passport-size photographs

▸Statement of purpose / study plan

Mandatory Documents

Valid Passport with at least one blank page for the visa vignette.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) statement and reference number.
Completed UKVI Online Visa Application Form and fee payment receipts.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic (if applicable).
Biometrics appointment confirmation and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment reference.
Written parental consent and proof of relationship (if the applicant is under 18).

Supporting Documents

Official Academic Certificates and Transcripts mentioned directly on your CAS statement.
Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate (IELTS UKVI, PTE, etc.) unless exempt.
Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements, education loan letters, or official financial sponsorship letters.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate (only required for sensitive STEM or research programs).
Previous UK visas, BRPs, or immigration history documents (if you have studied in the UK before).

DS-160 Application Guide

Unlike the US DS-160, the UK requires applicants to complete the UKVI Online Visa Application. Candidates must create an account on Gov.uk, accurately fill in personal, travel, and CAS details, pay the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and application fee, and generate a checklist before booking a biometrics appointment at a local VFS Global or TLScontact center.

Step-by-step application process

Receive Unconditional Offer

Apply to a UK university and fulfill all academic and financial conditions to receive an unconditional offer.

Obtain your CAS

Your university will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, valid for 6 months.

Prepare Financial Evidence

Hold your tuition and living costs in an approved bank account for 28 consecutive days.

Submit UKVI Application & Pay Fees

Fill out the Gov.uk online application, and pay the £558 visa fee alongside the £776/year IHS fee.

Attend Biometrics Appointment

Visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit your passport, fingerprints, and digital photograph.

Credibility Interview (If Selected)

Attend a short video interview to prove your genuine intent to study in the UK.

Visa Decision & Travel

Receive your passport with an entry vignette, travel to the UK, and transition to your digital eVisa / BRP.

Visa Interview Guidelines

UKVI frequently conducts "Credibility Interviews" to assess the Genuine Student requirement. You may be interviewed via video link. Prepare to confidently answer detailed questions regarding why you chose the UK over your home country, why you selected your specific university and course, how your studies are being funded, and your precise career plans upon returning home.

Common mistakes to avoid

✕Bank statements failing to meet the strict 28-day rule, or funds dropping below the required threshold for even a single day.

✕Relying on financial documents from unacceptable sponsors (like distant relatives) instead of parents or official scholarship bodies.

✕Failing to declare previous visa refusals (for the UK or any other country), which UKVI treats as deception.

✕Being unable to explain course modules or career outcomes during the UKVI Credibility Interview.

How we prevent refusals

✓If refused due to a casework error, you may be eligible to file an Administrative Review (AR) within 28 days of the decision.

✓Carefully read the refusal letter to understand if the issue was financial or related to the Genuine Student credibility assessment.

✓In cases of credibility refusal, conduct rigorous interview preparation before requesting a new CAS from your university to reapply.

✓Ensure any new financial evidence strictly complies with Appendix Finance rules under the UK Immigration Rules.

Important Tips for Applicants

✦The 28-Day Rule: Maintenance funds must be held continuously in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before you submit your online visa application.
✦Living Costs: Ensure you show £1,334 per month (for London) or £1,023 per month (outside London) for up to 9 months, on top of any unpaid tuition fees.
✦Ensure your bank statements are strictly in your name, or your parents’ names (requiring a birth certificate and consent letter). Third-party sponsors like uncles or siblings are not accepted by UKVI.
✦Double-check your CAS statement for any errors before applying; your visa file must perfectly match the qualifications listed by your sponsor.

UK Student Visa — Frequently Asked Questions

You must show funds to cover any unpaid first-year tuition fees, plus living costs for 9 months. Living costs are £12,006 (£1,334/month) if studying in London, or £9,207 (£1,023/month) if studying outside London. These funds must be held for 28 consecutive days.

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