Student Visa Processing Time in the UK

Are you waiting for your UK student visa to be approved? It’s important to be patient because the process can take some time. According to Gov.UK, the UK student visa processing time starts when you either verify your identity and submit your application online or attend an appointment to provide your fingerprints.

In this blog, we will cover the basics of UK student visa processing and the usual time it takes for student visa applications. If you’re worried about your UK student visa approval, this blog will be very helpful.

Types of Student Visas in the UK

The UK has three types of student visas:

• General Student Visa: For students aged 16 or older who want to study at a higher education institution in the UK. It covers both full-time and part-time courses. You need to have an offer from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor (educational institution) and show proof of English language skills.

• Short-Term Study Visa: For people aged 16 or older who want to come to the UK for a short course (up to 6 months). It’s suitable for those taking an English language course, a training course, or short-term research.

• Child Student Visa: For children aged 4 to 17 who want to study at an independent school in the UK. Like the General Student Visa, you need an offer from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor and proof of parental or guardian consent.

How Does a Student Visa in UK Get Processed?

After you submit your online visa application and complete the biometrics, your student visa application goes through these main steps:

• Your application is assigned and your documents are reviewed.
• Background checks and verifications are done.
• A final decision is made.
• Your passport is returned with either the visa or a request for more documents.

The time it takes to process a student visa in UK and issue a visa depends on several factors, which will be explained next.

Student Visa Processing Time in the UK

In recent years, the standard processing time by the UKVI for a student visa, Child visa, and short-term study visa application in the UK takes approximately 3 weeks. However, the student visa processing time in the UK for international students varies throughout the year depending on application volumes.

For 2024, the UK government has stated a mission of processing most complete student visa applications within 3 weeks from biometric appointment to final decision. During peak periods like June through October, processing times may take longer.

When Does Your Student Visa Processing Time in UK Start?

UKVI begins processing your student visa application in the UK once you either:

• Verify your identity and submit your documents and application online with the UK Immigration: ID Check app. We’ll let you know if you can use this option.

• Attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and a photo (biometric information).

Applications made in the USA:

• If you have an appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center to provide your fingerprints and a photo (biometric information), you should then send your passport and documents to the VFS processing hub in New York.

• If you have an appointment at a VFS premium Application Centre to provide your fingerprints and a photo, you can submit your passport and supporting documents there.

• In those cases, the processing time starts when VFS receives your application.

When Does Your UK Student Visa Processing Time Finish?

Your UK student visa processing time finishes when you attend a visa application centre. You’ll get a letter or email to let you know that a decision has been made on your student visa application. You should not visit any visa center until you have been asked to do so.

Factors Affecting UK Student Visa Processing Times?

Though the UKVI has announced the standard processing time for a student visa in the UK, your visa application might take longer to process if:

• If your information isn’t correct or needs more review.
• You need to provide extra proof that you have enough money.
• Your documents need to be checked further.
• You need to go for an interview.
• More details are needed about your situation, like if you have a criminal record.
• There is a high demand for visas at the moment.

UKVI will inform you within the usual processing times if your application takes longer. If your visa application has taken longer than expected and you haven’t heard from UKVI, you should reach out to them.

How to Speed Up the UK Student Visa Processing Time?

Do you want to speed up your student visa processing time in UK? You might be able to pay to get a faster decision on a visa or settlement (also called ‘indefinite leave to remain’) application.

• With the ‘priority service,’ you’ll usually get a decision within 5 working days, or 30 working days for Family visas made from outside the UK.
• With the ‘super priority service,’ you’ll get a decision by the end of the next working day.
• You’ll need to pay £500 in addition to the application fee to get a faster decision

Sometimes, it may take longer to get a decision if the Home Office needs more information from you or needs to check your details with other home departments. They’ll let you know if it happens.

Also Read:

Studying in UK, Entry requirements, Tuition Fees, and Scholarships

Final Words

The student visa processing time in UK in 2024 requires standard planning and an understanding of the application procedures. By following this comprehensive guide and FAQ’s, you’ll be well-equipped to start your academic journey in the United Kingdom. If you have additional queries, always consult official sources or seek advice from your university’s international office. 

FAQ

How long does a student visa in UK take to be approved?

Ans: According to the UKVI a UK student visa takes at least 3 weeks to get approved. 

How will I know if my UK student visa is accepted or not?

Ans: You’ll get a letter in your email to let you know that a decision has been made on your visa application.

Can I get a UK visa within 15 days?

Ans: With the ‘priority service,’ you’ll usually get a decision within 5 working days, or 30 working days for the student visa applications made from outside the UK.

Can I get a UK student visa in one day?

Ans: Yes, with the ‘super priority service,’ you can get a decision on your UK student visa application by the end of the next working day.

What is the UK student visa processing time?

Ans: The standard UK student visa processing time for a student visa application in the UK has been approximately 3 weeks.

How early should I apply for my UK student visa?

Ans: Submit your application as early as possible, no sooner than 3 months before your course start date. The standard processing time for a UK student visa is 3 weeks, so apply at least 2 months before your planned travel. Allow extra time during peak periods from June to September.

Can I check the status of my UK student visa application?

Ans: Unfortunately there is no way to check the status during processing the visa. UKVI does not provide application updates. You must wait to receive your documents and decision letter indicating if your visa was approved or rejected.