Frequently asked questions on the new UK Student Visa

Frequently asked questions on the new UK Student Visa

Frequently asked questions on the new UK Student Visa

(Partner Content) Earlier this month, the new UK Student Visa route replaced the Tier 4 (Student) Visa route. Breytenbachs since had several queries from prospective students on the new Student visa route. We have compiled answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions on the issue for prospective students to the UK.

Frequently asked questions on the new UK Student Visa

Frequently asked questions on the new UK Student Visa

Earlier this month, the new UK Student Visa route replaced the Tier 4 (Student) Visa route. Breytenbachs since had several queries from prospective students on the new Student visa route. We have compiled answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions on the issue for prospective students to the UK. 

EU Citizens and UK Student Visas 

I have dual South African and Dutch citizenship. I am looking to study in the UK. Will I need to apply for a student visa, as I have EU citizenship?

From 1 January 2021, students from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein that come to the UK to study will also need a student visa.  Students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need to apply for a student visa. 

Getting a place at the university

Do I first need to get a place at a UK university to study, or do I first need to apply for a student visa?

Prospective students will first need a place on a course by a licenced educational institution /student sponsor. The educational institution will provide this in the form of a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). You will need the CAS before you can apply for a student visa. 

So, the first step will be to get in touch with the educational institution of your choice. You are also welcome to contact your Breytenbachs consultant, who will guide you through the process. 

Maintenance Requirement 

Why does the maintenance requirement differ? My friend, who will be studying in Edinburgh has to prove a lower maintenance requirement than myself, who will be studying in London, for the same type of study course. 

Students are indeed required to show that they have enough money to support themselves. The amount differs depending on where a student will be studying. The maintenance requirement is higher in London, as the Home Office rightly reckons that the living and maintenance cost are higher closer to London.

Leaving for the UK 

How soon can I leave for the UK after I have my study visa in place? I want to spend some time looking for accommodation and familiarising myself with the area before my studies. 

If the length of your study course is six months or less, you can arrive in the UK one week before the study course starts. If your study course is longer than six months,  you can arrive in the UK one month before the course starts. 

Student Visa and British Citizenship

I plan to study in the UK and to extend my stay until I receive British citizenship. Will the time spent on a study visa count towards my route to British citizenship?

Unfortunately, a UK student visa does not count towards the qualification period for Indefinite Leave to Remain, which leads to British citizenship. 

However, there are other immigration options available upon completion of the studies. One such option is switching to the Tier 2 (General) category from within the United Kingdom. The switch to such a route will put you on an immigration route leading to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Furthermore, the UK Government is planning to introduce a Graduate route that will allow graduate students to stay in the UK for up to two years, to look for a job in their field of studies, and switch to a visa category leading to ILR. Breytenbachs will provide more information on this, as soon as we know more!

How Breytenbachs can help you 

If you are interested in studying in the UK, please feel free to contact one of our consultants to guide you through the process. We have a dedicated team of consultants specialising in Student Visas. Readers are welcome to contact them at PointsBased@bic-immigration.com 

Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Ltd has their head office in London and three affiliate offices in South Africa.  Please find out more at www.bic-immigration.com 

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.