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Top tips for UK student visa applicants

If you are heading to the UK to study this year, read our top tips on making a Tier 4 student visa application.

• From: British Embassy Bangkok
• Published: 14 July 2014
• Last updated: 23 July 2014 — See all updates

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

• Apply as early as you can. You can apply up to 3 months in advance.
• You will need a certificate of acceptance for studies (CAS) from your chosen place of study before you make an application.
• You should read the guidance on Tier 4 student visas at www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa
• You should know what additional supporting documents you will require for your application and allow plenty of time to get these together.
• If you are applying in Thailand you will need a TB certificate from an approved TB test clinic.
• You will need to provide bank statements and education certificates.
• Your bank statements should show that you have had the required maintenance funds in your bank account for at least 28 days prior to paying your student visa fee online.
• Some applicants might also need a Secure English Language Test certificate and/or an ATAS certificate.
• You should complete your Tier 4 student visa application form, pay your visa fee and book an appointment at your visa application centre online at www.visa4UK.fco.gov.uk
• You should only complete your application form in ENGLISH
• When making an appointment you must choose a Tier 4 student appointment
• Take a printed copy of your application form, your passport, a passport photo and any supporting documents that you require to your visa application centre appointment.
• You must provide a certified translation of any supporting documents that are not in English
• As you will have completed your application online, Appendix 8 is not required.
• UK Visas and Immigration will aim to process your visa within 15 working days. However, we are currently experiencing a high volume of applications and you may experience

some delays. You should not expect it any sooner. If you need your visa in a hurry, you can choose our 3-5 day priority visa service. Staff at the British Embassy in Bangkok can’t answer questions about student visas but you can go to www.gov.uk/visas-immigration for further guidance and contact details.

Published 14 July 2014
Last updated 23 July 2014 + show all updates

1. 23 July 2014

   Added translation

2. 14 July 2014

   First published.