UK VISA Application Procedure and Pre-Arrival Tips

Photo by Chris Boland on Unsplash

Intro

Studying in the United Kingdom is a dream come true for many international students, and it all begins with the crucial step of securing a student visa. As an international student, beginning this journey can be a mix of excitement and challenges.

To help make the visa application process smoother and less stressful, I have created this guide for international students (mainly for students from Uzbekistan).

Visa Application Procedure

Step 1: Prepare Your VISA Application Documents

If you’re planning to study in the UK, you’ll need to get your VISA documents in order. Here’s a checklist of the documents you’ll need:

• An unconditional offer from your educational institution: Make sure you have this first.
• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the institution: This is a unique number that confirms you have been accepted on a course of study in the UK.
• Financial Documents: These include bank statements proving you’ve got enough funds to support yourself while you’re studying in the UK.
• English language proficiency test results: If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to show off your language skills. This could be through IELTS or a similar test.
• A valid passport or travel document: Keep your passport or travel document handy. You’ll need this a lot during your study journey.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate: If you’re from Uzbekistan, you need a Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate (you can also check here if you need one). You can get all the details and schedule your appointment by visiting Tashkent International Clinic’s website.
• Parent’s Consent Letter & Birth Certificate: If you’re under 18, don’t forget these 2 documents.

Good news: You no longer need to register with the UK police once you arrive in the UK.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment

When you’re all set with your documents, head over to the TLScontact VISA Application Centre in Tashkent to schedule an appointment. All applicants (in Uzbekistan) are required to do this to submit their VISA application and bio-metric information as part of the application process.

Step 3: Attend Your Appointment

Arrive on time at your VISA Application Centre with all the required documents in addition to your appointment confirmation letter and passport.

Step 4: Submit Your Fingerprints and Photograph

Give bio-metrics information such as photograph and a digital scan of your fingerprints. This is a simple process which usually takes about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Wait for the Decision

After you submit all the necessary information, your VISA application centre transfers your application to UK Visas and Immigration for assessment and processing. A Consulate verifies your application and documents and approve/refuse you application. The decision on your application depends on your past travel history, social and economic conditions, financial stability, strong ties for your return at the end of the visit, and any previous VISA denials. If your VISA is approved, you can get your passport and UK VISA by courier or from the visa application centre.

Pre-Arrival Tips

Once you have received your student visa, it’s time to start planning for your arrival in the UK. Here are some tips to help make your transition to life in the UK as smooth as possible:

• Buy plane tickets as early as possible: Buying tickets in advance helps you save on costs, secure seat availability and plan effectively.
• Buy travel insurance: Travel insurance is required for international students and can be purchased before your arrival.
• Ensure you have all essential documents: These documents include your passport with a valid VISA, your offer from the institution, a travel itinerary, travel insurance, and many more.
• Register with a GP (General Practitioner): You’ll need to register with a GP near your accommodation in the UK to receive medical care while you’re there.
• Book your accommodation: Most universities in the UK offer on-campus accommodation for international students. It is better to stay there in your first year of studies because university accommodation tends to be in walking distance from your classes, the library and student events. This means you save time and money because you don’t have to commute.
• Bring medication: Even if you don’t suffer from any illnesses, it is a good idea to have some medication with you. This is because you might need a doctor’s prescription to buy medicine, or you could end up waiting for weeks to see a doctor in the UK.
• Compare different banks in the UK: This ensures you find the best fit for managing your finances while studying abroad. Most banks in the UK offer student accounts with special benefits.
• Compare UK SIM cards: Comparing different SIM cards in advance ensures you choose the most suitable and cost-effective option for staying connected during your studies.
• Prepare your clothing: The UK can be quite rainy. Please ensure that you bring an umbrella and appropriate clothing for the weather.
• Plug adaptors: The UK uses a plug that has three rectangular prongs.
• Don’t forget UK currency: You should carry a sufficient amount of UK currency (pound sterling, or GBP) to cover your initial arrival expenses such as transportation, accommodation deposits, food, and any initial shopping or essentials you might need.

Final tip: Power banks + Headphones = Your Best Friends :)

Conclusion

Getting a student visa and preparing for your arrival in the UK can be a challenging process, but with proper planning and preparation, it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Remember to regularly check the UK government website for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements, as these requirements may change from time to time.

I hope that this guide has been helpful in preparing you for your journey as an international student in the UK.

Wishing you safe travels and a warm welcome to the United Kingdom!

I look forward to sharing my journey in the next posts, where I will let you guys know where I am going next, so stay tuned! Feel free to browse my personal webpage and connect on LinkedIn to know what I have been up to.