In my last post, I walk through all of the steps and documents required to apply for the UK Student Visa. Now, the time has come to complete the application!
As a reminder, you cannot complete the application process without your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and your passport.
My Advice
- Set aside 30 – 45 minutes to complete the application
- Have your CAS, passport, credit card, and appointment calendar at the ready
- Read through everything carefully and take notes if you feel overwhelmed
- Don’t stress too much!
Applying
Simply select ‘Apply Online’ from the Contents list and complete the questionnaire. During the application, you will have to do two important things:
- Pay the visa application fee
- Pay the immigration health surcharge fee
- Schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC) to give your biometric information
I highly recommend completing the application and getting the biometrics appointment scheduled as soon as possible as there are very few slots available. The UK Government website has information on locations under the ‘Apply Outside the UK’ section, but that information should be available during the application process as well.
Once you have submitted the application, paid for it, and scheduled your biometrics appointment, you are done! Well, for now.
While you wait to attend your biometrics appointment, be sure to look into all of the exciting things you’ll get to do while studying abroad! Explore housing options, societies at your university, classes, and more!
The Biometrics Appointment
The last step of your visa application is finally here! Make sure to show up a bit early to this appointment. The confirmation email should give you all of the information you need.
Important: make sure to bring your passport with you! You cannot complete this step without it.
Any other necessary documentation should be outlined in your confirmation email, and may vary with location. I had to bring a print out of my visa application and my email confirmation to my appointment in Philadelphia, but be sure to double check the requirements.
They will walk you through the fingerprinting and the digital picture process. It is super simple – the longest part is the line. This procedure is necessary to receive your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) once you arrive in the UK.
Following the appointment, you will have to mail your passport, stamped appointment confirmation letter, visa application form, UPS return shipping label, and any other supporting documents to:
VFS Services USA Inc.
UKVI Scanning Hub
128 East 32nd St
Floor 4
New York NY
10016
You must do this within 5 days of your biometrics appointment.
Do not print your visa application on both sides – print it one-sided.
If you do not include your passport, your application will be automatically denied.
It will take an average of 3 weeks to receive your passport back with the decision on your application, which is why it is important to complete these steps sooner rather than later. An approved application will have a document explaining the approval, and the steps for picking up your BRP when you arrive in the UK. Your visa will be set into a page in your passport, and will specify the dates in which you are allowed to enter the UK.
At this point, you’re done! Now it is time to buy that plane ticket!
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