Documents for UK Student Visa (Tier 4 General or Student Visa)

After receiving an unconditional offer and CAS from your university, you’ll need these for your visa application:

• Valid Passport:
  Must have at least one blank page for the visa vignette. Check that it won’t expire before or soon after your arrival in the UK.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):
  An electronic document issued by your university with a unique reference number, confirming your unconditional admission. You must apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS.
• Proof of Financial Means:
  Evidence that you have enough funds to cover:
  • Tuition fees for the first year of your course.
  • Living costs: £1,334/month (up to 9 months) for London, £1,023/month for outside London (as of 2025).
  • Acceptable documents include personal bank statements (for at least 28 days), a student loan statement, or a scholarship letter. Some nationalities under the differential evidence requirement may not need to submit these upfront but must have them available if requested.
• English Language Proficiency:
  Proof of English skills (usually via IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent), unless you’re from a majority English-speaking country or your university has assessed your English ability.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate:
  Required if you’ve lived in a listed country (check gov.uk) for 6+ months before applying. Not needed if you’ve been in the UK or a non-listed country for 6 months prior.
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate:
  Required for certain postgraduate science/technology courses, depending on your nationality and course. Apply 6 months before your visa application; it takes 4–6 weeks to process.
• Parental Consent (if under 18):
  Written consent from both parents/legal guardians (or one if they have sole responsibility), plus proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate). The letter should confirm consent for travel, study, and living arrangements in the UK.
• Sponsor Consent Letter:
  If you received government or international sponsorship for fees/living costs in the past 12 months, include their written consent for your visa application.
• Translated Documents:
  Any non-English/Welsh documents must include a certified translation with the translator’s name, signature, and confirmation of accuracy.
• Recent Passport-Sized Photos:
  As per UKVI specifications, submitted at the visa application centre.
• Visa Application Form:
  Completed online via gov.uk, along with the visa fee (£490 if applying from outside the UK) and healthcare surcharge (£1,035/year, depending on visa length).

Additional Documents for Travel and Arrival

These ensure a smooth entry into the UK and help with post-arrival formalities:

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or eVisa:
  You’ll collect your BRP in the UK (or transition to an eVisa by December 31, 2024, if applicable). Bring your visa decision letter and passport. For eVisa, you’ll need a smartphone, UK mobile number, email, and BRP number or visa application number.
• Accommodation Details:
  Proof of housing (e.g., university hall contract or private lease agreement).
• Travel Insurance:
  Not mandatory but recommended, covering health, belongings, and trip cancellations. Some plans (e.g., StudentSecure by WorldTrips) meet visa requirements and provide a visa letter.
• Health Records:
  Vaccinations, prescriptions (in English), doctor’s note for meds. Check UK entry rules for restricted medications.
• Photocopies and Digital Copies:
  Make 2–3 copies of all key documents (passport, visa, CAS, etc.) and store digital versions securely (e.g., cloud storage). Keep one set in your carry-on, one in checked luggage, and one with family.
• Local Currency:
  About £50–100 in GBP for immediate expenses (e.g., transport or small purchases). Exchange money before departure or at the airport.
• Admission Letter:
  Your university offer letter or enrollment confirmation, useful for immigration checks.
• International Student Identity Card (ISIC):
  Optional but offers discounts on travel, services, and attractions in the UK and 130 countries. Apply before departure or at your destination.

Optional but Useful Documents

• National Insurance (NI) Number Application:
  Needed if you plan to work part-time (up to 20 hours/week during term time). Apply after arrival; it takes ~4 weeks.
• HDFC Bank ISIC Student ForexPlus Card:
  A prepaid card in GBP for tuition, books, and expenses, with student discounts. Accepted as a universal student ID.
• Scholarship/Loan Documents:
  If applicable, bring award letters or loan agreements for budgeting or immigration queries.
• Travel Itinerary:
  Flight details and airport transfer plans (e.g., to university or accommodation).