The UK's Student Route visa (formerly called Tier 4) is required for most international students studying a course longer than six months. Here's the process from acceptance to arrival.

Step 1: Receive Your CAS

Once you accept your offer and meet any conditions, your university issues a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) — a unique reference number you'll enter in your visa application. You cannot apply for the visa without it.

Step 2: Meet the Financial Requirement

You must show you can cover your remaining tuition plus living costs for up to 9 months, at published rates — currently around £1,300/month if studying in London, £1,000/month elsewhere (always confirm the current figure). This money must have been held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply.

Step 3: Meet the English Language Requirement

Most applicants need to prove English proficiency via an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) — commonly IELTS for UKVI — unless exempted. Check your specific university's requirement, since some accept their own internal assessment instead.

Step 4: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Paid upfront as part of the online application, the IHS gives access to the NHS for your entire visa duration, calculated based on the length of your course.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application

  • Enter your CAS reference number
  • Upload your passport and supporting financial documents
  • Pay the visa application fee and the IHS
  • Book and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Standard processing is typically a few weeks, though this varies by country and season — apply as early as your CAS allows (up to 6 months before your course start date).

After You Arrive

If approved, you'll either receive a vignette sticker plus a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), or an eVisa depending on current Home Office policy — check the latest guidance for your application.

Build the English skills your visa application depends on with our free English Language Learning Center, and check our IELTS band score guide.