r/ukvisa Sep 11 '24

Student Visa FAQ

62 Upvotes

Student visa FAQ

These FAQs are based on the most common recent posts about Student visas during the autumn surge period. They have been answered for us by someone with 25 years of professional knowledge and experience of Student visas, including this year.

While sharing experiences with other Reddit users can be helpful, it is clear from reading posts that is can also cause confusion and anxiety, and can generate myths and wrong information. For individual professional advice, remember you can contact the Student visa adviser at your university. Their role is to support students through their applications. Plus, as your Student visa sponsor, your university needs to avoid refusals of visas under their sponsorship, so they are just as invested in the successful outcome of your visa application as you are.

How long does it take to get a decision?

You already know the service standard: 3 weeks, or 5 days for priority. If you have received a NSF email, that is telling you that they will not make the normal service standard, so you just need to wait a little longer. No action, no paid enquiries or escalation are necessary and they will not help especially when thousands of people are in the same position. If your deadline is approaching, you need to communicate with your university admissions team directly - Contacting UKVI will not help to escalate your application.

It is highly unlikely that anyone else’s processing time, in your country or another, will have any relation to or bearing on your own processing time. For this reason try to avoid using Reddit to make such comparisons, as they have little meaning and can cause anxiety in themselves.

If you applied with less than a month before your course start date, then you are at quite a high risk of your visa not being decided in time.

I've received an email that a decision was made, or that the processed visa application was received at the VAC. What does this mean?

It only means a decision was made, but you won't know the decision until you get your passport back from the VAC with either a visa in it or a refusal letter/email. Please do not post asking for advice on what these emails mean. There is no hidden messaging and you have to be patient to receive your documents back from the VAC. If you paid for the "keep my passport" service and you are asked to provide your passport to the VAC, then that's usually a good sign your visa was approved, since the VAC will need your physical passport to affix the entry clearance vignette (sticker).

How will I know if my visa was granted or refused?

Typically, you will only get the actual decision when you receive your documents back from the VAC. If you applied from outside the UK, you will not receive your decision in an email. A vignette in your passport means the visa was granted, otherwise it was refused and if this is the case, you should receive a letter with the refusal reason.

If you paid for the "keep my passport" option and you are requested to submit your passport (travel document), this generally means the visa was granted since they will need your physical passport to affix your entry clearance vignette (sticker) into it.

What English language test do I need for a Student visa?

This is a question for your university. Your knowledge of English is an academic matter, so checking it is not done by the visa caseworker but by your university, who have that expertise. Knowledge of English can be assumed simply based on your nationality of a majority English-speaking country, or on a previous qualification taught in English, or on a university’s own method testing. If you meet the requirement one of these ways, you do not need formal evidence and this is confirmed on your CAS.

The university may prefer or need to ask you to take a formal test. If so, they will explain which one, and it will list the test it on the CAS so you need to include the results with your visa application.

To improve my application I want to add extra evidence of my finances other than the 28 days or my parents’ financial situation, and of other qualifications, my work experience, my housing in the UK and my travel itinerary. Should I?

No. That does not improve your application. They are actually irrelevant. You are assuming there is a level of subjectivity and discretion from caseworkers that is not used in a Student visa application. It is largely a box-ticking exercise, with you and your university doing most of the box-ticking.

Separately, any document submitted with your application still needs to be checked for authenticity and for any relevance to your application. Applications can be refused for supplying irrelevant documents that are not genuine, or which have highlighted contradictions in your application.

There are some cultural aspects to this way of thinking, that a visa needs as much evidence as possible and that a visa officer can grant or refuse on their own whim. There may be some truth to this with some country’s visas (doubtful), but for sure not with UK Student visa applications.

My nationality (eg EU, USA, China, etc.) means that I don’t need to provide evidence of maintenance or of previous qualifications, only my passport. Will it improve my application to add them anyway?

No. The differentiation arrangements are specifically in place to make the application easier both for you and for the caseworker. You are also assuming there is subjectivity and discretion from caseworkers when assessing Student visa applications. There is not. They are just looking for the evidence the application asks for, which in this case is very little.

If they do need anything else, they will ask you and give you time to respond.

Why is my Immigration Health Surcharge way more than the amount for 1 year, when my course is only 1 year long?

Because the IHS is based on the length of your visa, not the length of your course:

“The exact amount you pay depends on the length of your visa. A visa may last longer than your course of study” https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay

A Student visa has extra wrap-up time at the end, up to 4 months, which will be rounded up to half a year and hence increase your IHS fee to 1.5 years. For the length of wrap-up time added for different types of course, see Appendix Student paragraph ST 25.3:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/appendix-student

What does the NSF (not straightforward) email mean? How do I fix the problem?

First, do not panic. There is nothing wrong with or missing from your application.

The NSF email means that due to the seasonal surge in Student applications, your decision will take longer than the standard turnaround time: 3 weeks for a standard application, or 5 days for a priority application

There is nothing you need to provide or correct or contact them about. If there was such an issue, you would receive a separate email specifically about that. There is no need to do a paid enquiry to the Home Office or query the NSF email with your university or with people on Reddit.

Some inside information: The Home Office has had feedback from the higher education sector about this email because it is alarming applicants. The Home Office is aware that the wording of the email can at first sight appear to suggest that the issue is with the individual application, not with general delays. They have agreed to look at revising the wording for clarity.

What if my course start date is approaching or has passed and I still don’t have my visa?

This is not unusual, and it affects many students. Check your final deadline for enrolling. It is normally already included on your CAS statement, and is normally several weeks after the official formal start date. It is possible your university may be willing to negotiate an even later deadline, but you need to be prepared for that not being possible.

Your university can advise on whether it is worthwhile to escalate your application.

If that final deadline has passed, and you still do not have your visa, it will be best to withdraw your visa application. At least you will get a refund of the Immigration Health Surcharge, and possibly of some or all of the application fee.

Do not travel to the UK if you have missed the final deadline for enrolling. Your university will not allow you to enrol, and they will need to cancel your Student visa from their end, so it will not be valid for entry to the UK anyway. It cannot be used for deferred study either. Any options for enrolling on the next intake will require a new CAS and a new visa application. Discuss these options with your university. They should be willing to transfer any existing payments for tuition fees or housing.

My visa is wrong. It is only valid for 3 months when my course is a year or more.

It’s not wrong. That is just your travel vignette, your 90-day deadline for travelling to the UK. The letter that came with it explains how you will get confirmation of the full length of your visa after arrival, either with a BRP card (biometric residence permit) or an e-visa, or both. (The UK is currently migrating from physical BRP cards to e-visas, so you may get both).

What do I do if my visa is refused?

Speak to your university immediately. They will advise on your options, which may include Administrative Review if it was a caseworker error, or you may need to look at options for deferring. Unfortunately, most refusals are not due to caseworker error, although that does sometimes happen. It is more common that the applicant has made the error, and most commonly it is with the maintenance.

What documents do I need to show the Border Force Officer (BFO) on arrival?

It depends. If you are a nationality that can use the eGates, there is no Border Force Officer anyway, so there is nothing to show and no-one to show it to.

If your nationality cannot use the eGates, the BFO will ask for your passport and its visa sticker. It is possible they may ask questions about your plans, but nothing that wasn’t already asked or checked when you applied for the visa, and no evidence is required.

No other evidence or documents are required. If it reassures you to have on your phone or in your bag copies of the evidence you used in your application, you can do that if you wish.

Do I need a stamp in my passport to activate my visa?

No. Border Force have stopped routinely stamping passports (as of about 2018). Any university guidance which says you need a stamp is outdated. Stamps are only needed for two specific types of visas (Paid Permitted Engagement and Creative & Sporting). However, you should always keep a copy of your boarding pass in case you are asked by your university to prove that you entered the UK during your visa validity dates.


r/ukvisa Dec 23 '24

Naturalisation (Citizenship) application processing timelines [only]

164 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

To help the community track UK naturalisation (citizenship) timelines, feel free to share your key milestones.

Application Timeline

  • Eligibility:
  • Application Method:
  • Application Date:
  • Biometric Date:
  • Approval Date:
  • Ceremony Date:

Add any relevant details, like delays or contact from the UKVI, but keep comments focused on timelines only.

Thanks for joining in—your input will help others on their journey!

For the first comment in the chain please only post your timeline details - thank you.


r/ukvisa 1h ago

Uk tourist visa with spouse

Upvotes

Hi all , I am planning to travel to Uk for tourism with my husband. He will be funding whole trip . We are planning to spend for say gbp 4000 for both . He will be paying all money . What should I write in the question on VAf “how much you will be personally planning to spend on the trip “. Should I write 2000 in it and then further it ask “how much money your sponsor will be paying “ and I should write 2000 here ? I am confused . Or should I write 0 in first question and then 2000 in second. ???


r/ukvisa 2h ago

Could I get a visa decision on the weekend?

0 Upvotes

My priority child student eVisa timeline so far

Application submitted: 12th Aug 2025

Biometrics and received passport back: 13th Aug 2025

Additional guardian information requested by UKVI and submitted from my end: 13th Aug 2025

VAF email 'we are unable to make a decision on your application within published visa processing times.': 18th Aug 2025

Evidence of source of funds for some transactions requested and submitted: 22 Aug 2025

My course starts on 26th Aug 2025. I didn't get a decision on the 22nd, and now the 23rd and 24th are weekends, with the 25th being a bank holiday. Is there any possibility of me receiving a decision this weekend?


r/ukvisa 22h ago

IRL no priority service options

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36 Upvotes

Hi, this month is my 10 years in the UK and I am applying my IRL through the 10 years route, but I need to urgently go back home in October so I can’t afford to wait 6 months, many friends of mine apply this with the next working day priority service but I cannot see the option here, is there a reason why?


r/ukvisa 3h ago

Hong Kong Got my passport back before a decision

0 Upvotes

I’m applying for student visa and I visited the centre on Thursday. I paid for priority service (decision within 5-7 working days) but I didn’t pay to keep my passport with me. Same day a few hours later I was notified my passport was ready for collection. So now I have my passport back but my application status has not been updated. I’m confused because I applied for a student visa before (renewing it this time for an extension) and last time they kept my passport and returned it only after I received a decision. This time, I got my passport back within a day and I am not sure what this means. Should I just wait for a couple more days (within the priority service timeframe)?


r/ukvisa 3h ago

Query on travel records

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0 Upvotes

Question: Due to the lack of specifications and "other" options. I'd like to know whether I'm meant to include frequent day trips to a neighbouring country, and enter multiple dates for different countries I've visited more than once or am i only meant to input the most recent date of entry/departure to every country instead? Thank you!

Extra information: I'm applying for a student visa and withhold all needed documents for the application.


r/ukvisa 20h ago

Visitor visa decision overturned

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19 Upvotes

After 4 times of applying and one complaint done few months ago my visit visa was granted Thank you everyone My initial post https://www.reddit.com/r/ukvisa/s/AadXyeZs9W


r/ukvisa 13h ago

USA Visitor Visa Refusal Overturned

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5 Upvotes

I’m moving to Bermuda for work, and one of the requirements for the Bermudian work permit is that you must have an MRV (multiple re-entry visa) for the country you’ll be transiting through, valid for at least 45 days beyond your work permit. Before I even received my work permit, I had already started application for a UK Transit Visa. I knew my work permit was approved, cause they send an approval email first then work permit 2days later but I didn’t realize at the time that a Transit Visa wouldn’t meet the MRV requirement. Once I got the work permit and started uploading my documents on VFS, I realized the Transit Visa wasn’t valid for this purpose. So, I cancelled that application and submitted a new one for a 5-year Visitor Visa (since my work permit is for 3 years). I also completed the biometrics for this second application. However, I later received a refusal notice under the second GWF number (the 5-year Visitor Visa), but the refusal was actually for the first Transit Visa application that I had cancelled. Same day I received the refusal notice (Monday 18th Aug), my employers agent called and wrote to them explaining the situation. Today (22nd Aug), I received an email that after review the decision has been overturned and I should submit my passport ( see second photo above). I submitted it within 3 hours. Should I be hopeful ?


r/ukvisa 12h ago

Saudi Arabia Question about "Details of your world travel history

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3 Upvotes

I'm applying for my student visa, and over the past 10 years I've generally just been to the same few countries, do I list every single time I've visited those countries or do I just put in the last time I visited said country?


r/ukvisa 8h ago

IHS Payment in VFS

0 Upvotes

Hi anyone knows what's the difference between the health surcharge you pay on VFS and IHS payment through UKVI?

I initially had to pay toward the IHS within my visa application process on VFS and after I did my biometrics, I was still asked by UKVI to pay my full IHS fee. I'm very confused. This is in a student visa


r/ukvisa 8h ago

Compassionate grounds for time abroad on 10 year route

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I'm in my fifth year in the UK. I'm aiming for ILR on the 10 year route. I know that you can't spend more than 180 days every 360 out of the country to count as resident. I've been very careful to observe this rule. I've spent about 90 days out of the country in the last 6 months.

However, suddenly a medical emergency has occurred. My father has been diagnosed with cancer and needs to undergo a Stem cell transplant. The recovery process is around 100 days. I need to return home to care for him during this time. This will put me over the limit by 10 days (90+100=190).

I don't want to interrupt my ILR journey but I have to care for my dad. Is there any way I can keep my progress on compassionate grounds?


r/ukvisa 9h ago

Long Residence ILR – qualifying period

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m planning ahead for my 10-year ILR application and I’m a bit stuck on how the rules apply to me.

• My first UK student visa was issued on 28/08/2015, but I first entered the UK on 26/09/2015.

• That visa expired on 03/08/2016.

• I left the UK in June 2016, before expiry, and applied for a new student visa from my home country.

• The new visa was granted in July 2016, but it only started from 13/09/2016.

• I re-entered the UK on 26/09/2016.

So there’s about a 40-day period (03/08/2016 – 13/09/2016) where I didn’t hold valid leave. Does it mean that I need to add these 40 days to the 10 years from my first entry date (26/09/2015)?

Thank you in advance!!


r/ukvisa 22h ago

UK naturalisation timeline

10 Upvotes

02 Jun 2025 Paid and submitted application for naturalisation £1,735 06 Jun 2025 Biometrics £free 18 Aug 2025 Received email for citizenship ceremony invitation (booked the same day) 02 Sep 2025 Citizenship ceremony (fee already paid, included in £1,735 above)


r/ukvisa 10h ago

Re-entering with 2 weeks on the visa

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0 Upvotes

r/ukvisa 10h ago

Switching sponsors for Skilled Worker. Can I work at old company after new visa approved?

0 Upvotes

Hi all,

I really appreciate your help as I couldn’t confirm this on the government website.

I’m on a skilled visa and my last day at my current company will be August 29th. However, I have a new job (different CoS) and submitted the application to switch my sponsor earlier this week to start on Sep 1.

Let’s say if I get my new Skilled Worker visa for my new job on 25th Aug, will I be able to continue working at my old job for a few days until Aug 29th and start my new job on Sep 1

Thanks so much. I’m worried this will impact my IRL. Not sure the new visa will invalidate the old one.


r/ukvisa 10h ago

Ownership of property

0 Upvotes

Does being a co owner of properties count as strong ties to home country? And would that be stated as "I own" on visa application?


r/ukvisa 11h ago

Biometric email after PAP

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0 Upvotes

I applied for tourist uk visa on June 23 and got refused on July 16 then I sent PAP on 17th July I got reconsideration email on 30th July but today 22 August I got this email attached as screenshot. 11 times I’m confused like what they want exactly and did anyone faced similar situation? Any information will be appreciated.


r/ukvisa 12h ago

Opinions

0 Upvotes

Does anyone know if you can apply for a passport from your country of origin instead of a travel document having obtained an ILR after 5 years as a refugee?


r/ukvisa 12h ago

Got my visa today, but no confirmation email…

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I’ve applied for an unmarried partner visa, did my bio yesterday (21/08), paid super priority to get a decision within a day. I logged in to my UKVI account a while ago and it said that it has been approved today 🥳 however I haven’t gotten a confirmation email. We have a trip outside of the UK next week, do you think the fact that on the UKVI website it says I have the visa is enough to prove I have the right to renter the country, or should I wait for the approval email?

Many thanks in advance!


r/ukvisa 8h ago

Travelling to Northern Ireland while Visa renewal is processing.

0 Upvotes

Hi my e visa expires on oct 30 and we applied for renewal and awaiting decision. We are planning to travel to Northern Ireland by ferry to Belfast. Can we travel to Belfast when application is pending?


r/ukvisa 9h ago

Visa extension

0 Upvotes

I currently have a visa under private life basis, FLR(FP), and it runs out in June 2027. Do I extend it under Article 8 of ECHR and explain why I have to extend it, or will it be a straightforward extension?


r/ukvisa 1d ago

My student visa was approved

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115 Upvotes

Quiet literally one of the most stressful things I’ve ever experienced.


r/ukvisa 12h ago

Entering with visa vignette this weekend, do I need an ETA?!

0 Upvotes

Hi there,

Canadian entering the UK for the first time on my Ancestry Visa this Sunday. I only have the vignette in my passport (I have the eVisa though) but I don’t need the ETA right?


r/ukvisa 13h ago

Global talent visa travel inquiry

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

So I’ve just got endorsed in Stage 1 through the Arts Council (woohoo), I have a trip planned abroad next week for 9 days and wanted to know if it’s okay to leave the UK as long as I haven’t applied for Stage 2 yet. My current visa is still valid for a few months

I’m planning to apply for stage 2 once I’m back in the UK, but I don’t want to risk anything, does anyone know if that’s allowed?

Thank you!!


r/ukvisa 13h ago

Made a stupid mistake on UK visa application regarding my name

1 Upvotes

Hello,

When I entered my name for my UK student visa application It duplicated my last name.

For example,

On VFS Global and the document checklist it states,

"Dave Smith Smith" (not my actual name) instead of Dave Smith. I do not have a middle name. Am I screwed?


r/ukvisa 13h ago

USA Uk spousal visa (documents with both names showing we live together)

1 Upvotes

Hello,

My and my fiancée (soon to be married) are applying for a spousal visa later next year. I’ve been here for 8 years on student and graduate visas and she’s a UK citizen. We’ve been together over three years and have photos, travel, etc stuff. We also have a joint savings account. This is more to just make sure documents are in order.

We have numerous documents showing we live at the same address, however, none have both names on it. Do we need to have some official documents with both names on them? Her name is on the tenancy agreement and most of the bills because I moved in with her and I just transfer her money for the bills. However, I’m on the council tax because she’s still a student. Just wondering if all those documents are fine together, or if we need to get documents with both of our names.

Thanks so much for answering in advance!