The United Kingdom is one of the most popular international student destinations. Obtaining a student visa to study in the UK, on the other hand, can be difficult and time-consuming.
New provisions will go into effect in 2022 to make it easier for Indian students who want to pursue higher education in the UK. These include shorter processing times and streamlined application processes, as well as an increase in the number of routes available to Indian students interested in studying in the United Kingdom.
This article examines all of the new UK Study Visa requirements for 2022 that you must be aware of in order to obtain a UK Student Visa. Continue reading.
Top 7 Study Visa Requirements in the United Kingdom in 2022
To study in the UK as a foreign national, you must be over the age of 16. You must also have an offer from a reputable institution or a licensed student sponsor. It is also necessary to have a solid financial plan or a sponsor to fund your education and living expenses.
The United Kingdom is one of the leading countries in terms of attracting students from all over the world. Despite the pandemic, the UK has had a high rate of visa approval, particularly for Indian students.
The following are the main UK visa requirements for 2022 student visa applications:
|
UK Student Route Visa Requirements |
|
| General requirements |
|
| English Language proficiency for visa
(University requirements could be higher) |
UG course: you must be proficient to at least CEFR level B2 (IELTS 5.5)
PG course: at least CEFR level B1 (IELTS 4.0) Below degree level: one of the Secure English Language Tests (SELT) certificates |
| Financial requirements | You must prove funds for one of the following:
For living costs: Have at least £1,023 per month to up to 9 months |
| Evidence of qualifications | Current certificates or official transcripts with
Your name, the name of the institution, the course title, and the date awarded. |
| English Translations | All documents should be officially translated to English.
A fully certified translation includes:
|
1. An Educational Institution’s Offer
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A licensed student sponsor must make you an offer. The educational institution will provide you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies as proof (CAS).
Before applying for a UK Student Visa, you must have the CAS. Furthermore, you must apply for a student visa within six months of receiving your CAS.
There are several courses from which to choose:
- A part-time course that will qualify you above the level of a bachelor’s degree (RQF level 7 or higher). In this case, the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate may be required.
- A full-time programme that will prepare you for a bachelor’s degree or higher (RQF level 6.7 or 8)
- A full-time course that will prepare you for a degree or higher (RQF level 6.7 or 8)
- A full-time course that will qualify you for a lower-level degree (RQF level 3.4 or 5)
- A CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level B2 or higher English language course
- A sponsored foundation programme for dentists and postgraduate doctors.
What exactly is a CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, and Assessment (CEFR) is another name for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, and Assessment. Its primary goal is to provide a structural method of learning, teaching, and assessing European languages.
The CEFR table for English Qualifications is as follows:
2. English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate that you are fluent in English. The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale is used to assess the level.
You must pass the Secure English Language Test as proof (SELT).
| Level of study | English skill level (CEFR) |
| Below degree level | B1 |
| Degree level or above | B2 |
Note: If you have applied for a degree-level or higher course, then:
- The provider can assess your English language abilities.
- You may be required to take a different test. However, the test results must be equivalent to the B2 level.
3. Eligibility requirements
The following are the eligibility criteria for the UK student visa requirements:
- The applicant must be at least 16 years old.
- The candidate must be able to pay the course fee. They must also be self-sufficient during their stay.
- An offer from an approved educational institution is required for the applicant.
- The candidate’s English language test results must be at a certain level.
4. Documents Required
The following documents are required for a student visa:
- Passport must be valid.
- Form for requesting a visa
- a recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of payment of the visa fee/visa application fee
- Financial evidence/proof of funds
- Acceptance for Studies Confirmation (CAS)
- A certificate from the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is required (If needed)
- Tuberculosis medical test results
- Compensation for the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
- Financial sponsor’s written agreement (in case of sponsorship)
- Certificate of police clearance
If you are under the age of 18, you will need to provide additional documentation. They are as follows:
- Proof of parental or legal guardian consent
- Evidence of parental or legal guardian relationship
- a copy of the birth certificate or any government document containing the names of the parents
- The offer letter for your study programme will state whether or not an ATAS certificate is required.
5.Results of Tuberculosis Testing
The main medical examination you must have is for tuberculosis. If you intend to stay in the UK for more than six months, you must have one. The test is required for visa applicants from the countries on the list.
You must have a chest x-ray for this examination. However, if the results are uncertain, you must provide a sputum sample.
The tests can only be performed by approved clinicians.
If the tuberculosis test results are negative, you will be given a certificate. The certificate will be valid for six months after the test date.
6. Evidence of funds
The necessary funds are £1,265.00 to cover your living expenses and tuition fees in the United Kingdom.
The following funds are specified in the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):
- If your course is outside of London, you will need £1,015 per month for living expenses.
- If your course is in London, you will pay £1,265 per month.
- The London course costs £2,530. (if you are on the Doctorate Extension Scheme)
- Outside of London, the course costs £2,030 (if you are on the Doctorate Extension Scheme).
Note: Proof of cash is not necessary if:
- You previously held a valid visa for the United Kingdom.
- The visa must have been valid for at least 12 months.
- The ‘differential evidence requirement’ applies to your country.
- Your application lists you as a sabbatical officer for the student union.
7. Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Healthcare Surcharge must be paid (IHS). It is mostly for people wishing to remain in the United Kingdom for more than six months. The quantity of money you must pay is variable. It depends on how long you have lived in the United Kingdom.
If you are permitted less than six months of leave, you are required to pay half of the annual sum. If your absence is longer than six months, you must pay the full annual sum.
After paying the IHS, the NHS (National Health Service) can be accessed. However, you will still be required to pay for dental care, medicines, assisted conception, eye exams, etc.
Student visa types in 2022
|
Study Visa Type |
Who is eligible? |
When to apply? |
When to arrive in the UK? |
| Student Visa
It replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa |
For students aged 16 or above who are offered a course at a UK University or college
Allows you to stay as per your course length Processing time: 3 weeks |
3 months before the course starts | 1 week before if your course lasts 6 months or fewer
Up to 1 month before if your course lasts more than 6 months |
| Child Student Visa
It replaced the Tier 4 (Child) student visa |
Students between 4 and 17
Processing time: 3 weeks |
3 months before the start of your course | Up to 1 week before if your course lasts 6 months or fewer
Up to 1 month before if your course lasts more than 6 months |
| Short-term Study Visa | Students in a short-term course (for 6 to 11 months)
Processing time: 3 weeks |
3 months | Depends on travel dates |
New immigration regulations for the UK student visa
The UK government has made some changes to make things easier for international students. The new rules are as follows:
Free movement will end on January 1, 2022, and will be replaced by the UK’s new points-based immigration system.
The ‘new points-based system’ Student route went into effect on October 5, 2020. There would be no cap on the number of international students who could enter the UK through this route.
Highly skilled individuals, such as those with scientific, academic, and technological qualifications, will be given preference.
The new post-study work (PSW) visa has some changes. The modifications are as follows:
- It will allow students to work and live in the United Kingdom for three years after completing a Ph.D.
- They can stay and work for two years after finishing their Master’s degree.
- The government may increase the PSW limit for Master’s degree holders from two to four years.
The new rules aim to increase the total number of international students studying in the UK higher education system to 600,000 by 2030.
The British Council stated that the change would increase the number of Indian students choosing the UK as a higher education destination.
All migrants seeking to work or study in the UK must apply for permission in advance.
Indian students beginning a course in the UK in the autumn will be eligible to apply, even if they must begin their course online due to COVID-19.
Other Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Is a student visa required for students from the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, or Norway?
Students from the European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, or Norway:
- If you enter the UK on December 31, 2020, you will not need a visa.
- You will need a visa to enter the UK beginning January 1, 2022.
- If you are settled in the UK before December 31, 2020 and want to stay, you must apply for EU Settlement. You must submit your application by June 30, 2022.
What precautions should I take once I arrive in the United Kingdom?
Because of the pandemic, the Australian government has implemented the following rules for international students:
- It would be preferable if you completed a contact tracing form at the airport before proceeding to customs 14 days of self-isolation.
- If your education course lasts more than six months, you must apply for a BRP within one month of your arrival.
How long do I have to enter the UK after receiving my visa?
You can enter the UK within 30 days of receiving your visa. However, due to the pandemic, the Australian government has extended the limit to 90 days, providing flexibility for international students.
Is the Graduate Immigration Rule and Post-Study Work benefits available to me?
The UK government has decided that students who enter the UK before April 6, 2022 and begin their course are eligible to apply for Graduate Immigration Route and Post Study Work Benefit for a period of two years.
Is the Covid-19 test required before applying for a student visa to the United Kingdom?
When applying for a UK student visa, students must undergo a tuberculosis test and submit a report as well as their passport. Students must spend 14 days in self-isolation after arriving in the UK.
What should I do if I am unable to arrive in the UK before the course begins?
A student must arrive in the UK 14-17 days before the start of their course. However, due to COVID-19, the government permits Indian students and others to take online classes until they are able to enroll in a UK university.
What exactly is CAS?
The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an electronic document issued by the university to which you have been admitted. For tier 4 visa applicants, it is valid for six months from the date of issuance.
The university will assign the student a unique CAS reference number. When submitting a Tier 4 visa application, the applicant must include this reference number.
What is contained in a CAS document?
- 14-digit reference number for the university’s CAS
- Sponsor License Number (SLN) Start and end dates of your course
- Course Tuition charges
- Details on paid tuition fees if you have already paid to the university
- Accommodation fees paid if you have already paid English Language proficiency score
Is a Biometric Residence Permit Card required for students?
International students and others with dependent visas, visitor visas, student visitor visas, or short-term study visas, as well as others, require a Biometric Residence Permit Card if they are staying in the UK for more than 6 months. Students must obtain their BRP cards within ten days of arriving in Australia.
Conclusion
We hope you found what you were looking for on this blog.
Let’s take a quick look at the most important UK study Visa Requirements in 2022:
- A current passport (original)
- A passport-sized photograph that satisfies the requirements
- Acceptance for Studies Confirmation (CAS)
- An Educational Institution’s Offer
- Language proficiency in English
- Evidence of Financial Capability
- Qualifications Evidence
- Results of Tuberculosis Testing
- Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
With the introduction of the UK’s new point-based immigration system, there is much confusion among applicants who want to study in the UK but are unfamiliar with the new process.
Prominent Overseas study visa experts can assist you with this.
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