UK Student Visa Processing Time

Are you waiting for approval for your UK student visa? Keeping patience during UK student visa processing time is important as it can take some time. According to the Gov.UK, the UK student visa processing time starts once you either verify your identity and submit your application online or attend an appointment to provide your fingerprints. 

In this blog, we will discuss the overview of UK student visa processing and the standard processing time for student visa applications in UK. So, if you are worried about your UK student visa approval, this blog will help you a lot. 

Types of UK student visa

The UK had specific visa categories for students. There are three types of UK student visas. Such as-

• General student visa: This visa was for students aged 16 or over who wished to study at a higher education institution in the UK. It covered full-time and part-time courses. Applicants needed to have an offer of a place from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor (educational institution) and provide evidence of English language proficiency.

• Short-term study visa: This visa was designed for individuals aged 16 or over who wanted to come to the UK for a short course of study (up to 6 months for most courses). It was suitable for those taking an English language course, a training course, or pursuing short-term research.

Child student visa: This visa was for children aged 4 to 17 who wanted to study in the UK at an independent school. Like the Tier 4 General visa, applicants needed an offer of a place from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor and evidence of parental or guardian consent.

How Does a UK Student Visa Get Processed?

After you submit your online 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 UK student visa and issue a visa depends on several factors, which will be explained next.

Processing Time for UK Student Visa

In recent years, the standard processing time by the UKVI for a (General) student visa, Child visa and short-term study visa application in the UK has been approximately 3 weeks. However, the UK student visa processing times for international students vary throughout the year depending on application volumes.

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

When Does Your UK Student Visa Processing Time Start?

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) begins processing your student visa application in the UK once you either:

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

• Attend an appointment at a visa application center (VAC) 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 must 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 right there.

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

When Does Your UK Student Visa Processing Time End?

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

Factors Affecting UK Visa Processing Times?

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

• The information you provided isn’t correct or needs more review.
• You need to provide extra proof, like showing 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 contact you within the usual processing times if your application takes longer. If your application has taken longer than expected and you haven’t heard from UKVI, you should reach out to them.

How to Speed Up Your UK Student Visa Processing Time?

Do you want to speed up your UK student visa processing time? 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 visa applications made from outside the UK.
• With the ‘super priority service,’ you’ll usually 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 government departments. They’ll let you know if this happens.

Final Words

Navigating the UK student visa processing time in 2024 requires standard planning and an understanding of the application procedures. By following this comprehensive guide and frequently asked questions, 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 educational institution’s international office. If you want to apply for a UK student visa, you can always contact AIMS Education. 

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