Study in the UK: Securing Your Student Route Visa

Having got your Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from a UK university, what’s then your priority as a prospective Bangladeshi student is to get the Student Route visa so you can study in the UK. This visa allows you to live and study in the United Kingdom.

Understanding the Student Route Visa

Student Route visa: Student Route visa is the only visa suitable for international students who are 16 years old or over and want to study in the UK. It introduced the streamlined system in October 2020, replacing the student Tier 4 (General) visa.

Key Eligibility Criteria

You will usually need to if you want to apply for a Student Route visa:

Unconditional Offer & CAS: You should have an unconditional offer to a course from a licensed Student sponsor (an institution which has Student sponsor status) and have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number.
Meeting Our English Language Requirements: demonstrate a commitment to your studies and an ability to achieve the required standards in English, prove your level of English language competency, and achieve a minimum score of CEFR B2 in degree-level courses. It is generally through a UKVI-approved IELTS Academic test, although some universities will run their own tests or will accept other tests/qualifications which are approved by UKVI.
Show You Have the Money (Maintenance Funds): Provide evidence that you have enough money to pay for your tuition for your first year (as stated on your CAS) AND your living expenses (maintenance funds) for the first year of your course (up to 9 months).
- Living Costs:
  - For London: £1,334 per month for a duration of 9 months (£12,006 in total).
  - Outside London: £1,023 a month for up to 9 months (£9,207 in total).
  - How to demonstrate funds: These funds must have been in your or your parent(s)/legal guardian’s bank account for at least 28 consecutive days and no more than 31 days before the application date of the visa.
Provide the Home Office Evidence of Genuine Intention to Study: Demonstrate that you are indeed interested in studying in the UK and that you’ll abide by your visa conditions.

You must also be of good character and You have to send a Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate given by a UKVI-approved clinic in Bangladesh. You must also have no negative history of immigration.

Key Documents For Your Student Route Visa Application:

In order to make your Student Route visa application from Bangladesh, you will need to collect the following essential documents:

Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity and two blank visa pages for visa, entry stamp, and exit stamp.
CAS Statement: While the CAS number is electronic, it’s advisable to check your CAS statement carefully and take a printout or digital copy with you when you travel to the UK, as the UKVI officer may want to see this at the border.
Evidence of Money (Financial Documents): Original bank statements (yours or your parent’s/legal guardian’s) that clearly show the money available for maintenance and your tuition over the 28 days. If money is deposited into a parent’s account you will need:
- Birth certificate to prove relationship.
- Letter of explanation of money being for your education and signed by the parent.
Academic Certificates/Transcripts: Original academic certificates/transcripts referred in CAS (HSC, SSC, Bachelor’s degree). Usually translated to English.
English Language Proficiency Test Results Your UKVI-approved IELTS Academic TRF (or an acceptable equivalent English language test), Web results are not acceptable.
TB Certificate: From UAE-approved clinic in Bangladesh (IOM, Dhaka).
Visa application form: Colour printed hard copy of your online visa application (DS-160 equivalent for the UK).
Passport Photos: Compliant with the UK visa requirements.
Payment Confirmation of Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You are required to pay the IHS online as part of the application. This way you will get access to the National Health Service (NHS.)
Visa Application Payment Receipt: Payment confirmation for the visa fee of Student Route.
ATAS Certificate (where applicable): Required for some sensitive courses in Science, Engineering and Technology. If any of these are necessary, your college or university will tell you.
Old Visa/Travel History: Old Passport and previous visas if exists.

The Application Process:

Apply Online: Fill in the form available on the UK government’s official website (GOV.UK) for a Student Route visa.
Make Payments: Make the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payments online.
Book Appointment: Book anappointment to visit one of the VFS Global Bangladesh Visa ApplicationCenter.
Go to Biometrics: Go to the VAC with the documents, to give your fingerprints and photographs.
Interview (if applicable): You may be interviewed to determine your bona fide intention to study, either at this department or by telephone or video conference.
Watch For Decision: It’s generally about 3 weeks after you do biometrics to allow for the time they process the biometrics and make a decision on your application. Priority service (for faster processing) is also available (extra charge applies).

How to Apply for a Visa Successfully:

Attention to Detail: Check all details in your application form and supporting documents as they should be accurate and reconcile with your CAS.
Proof of Finances: This is usually the hardest part. Ensure your bank statements meet the 28-day rule and show all the necessary funds.
Real student interview If you have an interview, you should be confident, honest and make clear why you want to study in the UK, your course choice and what you plan to do afterwards. Demonstrate strong connections to Bangladesh to show that you’re planning to come back.
Safeguard Documents: Your documents must be properly arranged and according to the VAC.
Hire an Expert: A good educational consultant can help with list of documents required, reviewing applications and interview preparations.