Key highlights:
- Types of UK Student Visas
- UK Student Visa Processing Time: Key Facts
- Average Processing Duration for UK Student Visa
- Student Visa for the UK from India: Processing Timeline
- Common Delays and Steps to Speed Up UK Student Visa Processing
A UK student visa, granted by the UK government, allows international students to study in the UK for a set period of time. You can choose from different types of student visas, based on the study programme level and duration of your course. While most people pay attention to the visa requirements and eligibility, many forget to factor in the UK study visa processing time. If you are planning to pursue your higher education in the UK, it is important that you also understand the average duration for UK student visa processing and what factors affect the processing time, so you can plan your application properly.
Types of UK Student Visas
- Student Visa: You can apply for this visa if you are above 16 years of age and want to pursue a higher education course in the UK.
- Standard Visitor Visa: This type of visa allows you to visit the UK for up to 6 months as a Standard Visitor for certain permitted activities. These activities not only include tourism and business activities but also studying courses with durations of up to 6 months.
UK Student Visa Processing Time: Key Facts
- Time of the Year: There are busy times, like the summers, when a lot of applications are usually received, which can lead to delays.
- Application Completeness: Missing parts in the application forms, incomplete documentation, or mistakes in the application can extend the processing timeline.
- Location: The country from where you apply also impacts the UK study visa processing time.
- Application Complexity: Cases that involve criminal history, human rights claims, or previous immigration violations require extra scrutiny.
- Translation Requirements: If your documents are not in English, they will require translation, which also adds to the processing time.
Average Processing Duration for a UK Student Visa
- Standard Processing Time: 3 weeks or 15 working days.
- Priority Service: Decision is given within 5 working days.
- Super Priority Service (If You Prove Your Identity in Person): Decision is given by the end of the next working day after a weekday appointment or 2 working days after the appointment if it was scheduled for a bank holiday or weekend.
- Super Priority Service (If You Use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” App): If you finish uploading your documents on a weekday, the decision will be given by the end of the next working day. But, if you finish uploading your documents on a bank holiday or weekend, the decision will be given after two working days.
The duration of the UK student visa processing is based on the UK work week (Monday-Friday) and also includes public holidays observed in the UK.
Student Visa for the UK from India: Processing Timeline
- When Can You Apply: 6 months before your course starts is the earliest that you can apply for a UK student visa.
- Travel Bookings: You are not required to make travel bookings before applying or before receiving a decision.
- When Does the UK Student Visa Processing Time Start: When you verify your identity and upload your documents using the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app or when you attend an appointment at a visa application centre for biometric verification.
- When Does the Processing Time End: Once UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has made a decision on your visa application, you will be notified via letter or mail.
Common Delays and Steps to Speed Up UK Student Visa Processing
Common Reasons for Delay
- If the information provided in the application is not accurate or if it calls for further consideration.
- If further evidence, like proof of funds, is required.
- If the supporting documents that you submitted require verification.
- If you are required to attend an interview.
- If additional information is required about your personal circumstances. For example, in case of human rights claims.
- If there is an unexpected technical outage that affects the visa systems.
- If there is an increased visa demand at the UKVI.
Steps to Accelerate the UK Student Visa Processing
- Start your visa application at least 3 to 4 months before your course starts.
- Ensure that your documentation is complete and accurate. To save time, you can get the documents that are in a different language translated into English beforehand.
- Upload high-quality, legible copies of the required documents and ensure consistency of information across all documents and your visa form.
- Pay the visa application fee on time.
- Consider opting for the priority or super priority services, which can be availed for an extra fee.
- Book your biometric appointment well in time.
Understanding the UK student visa processing time allows you to strategically plan for a timely visa approval. Additionally, availing an education loan for study abroad programme in the UK can further help ease your transition into a UK university of your choice.
At Avanse Financial Services, you can explore a range of hyper-personalised education loans that are tailored to meet your specific requirements. Our loans come with added benefits, which include up to 100% financing and flexible repayment options. Please feel free to get in touch with us for any queries or for more information.
Also Read: Top 10 Benefits of Studying in the UK for Indian Students
