Applying for a Student Visa
Find out the requirements for applying for a Student Route visa inside and outside the UK.
Requirements for applying inside the UK
The Student Route visa has strict rules about when an application can be made in the UK.
- You must already be in the UK in an immigration category which allows you to make a Student Route application. Please see the UKVI website for a list of visas which do not permit switching from inside the UK
- If you’re already in the UK on a Tier 4 or Student Route visa, you must be able to meet the current academic progression rules outlined in the current Student Guidance
- You must be able to demonstrate that you meet the English language requirements for the Student Route
- Tier 4 and Student Route visas have strict time limits for undergraduate and below degree level study, as listed in the Student Guidance.
- If you think that you’re approaching the maximum time allowed in the UK under Tier 4 and the Student Route, you can calculate your total time spent in the UK using the online date calculator
- If your programme is subject to clearance from the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), you must apply for ATAS clearance at least 8 weeks before you need to apply for your Student visa, as there can be delays in processing applications at busy times of year
- If you’re applying for a Student Route visa for a new programme and your current visa expires more than 28 days before the start of this, you won’t be able to make your Student Route application in the UK. You must return to your home country to do so
If you meet current requirements, you can get help with your Student Route application from the Visa Support Team.
Requirements for applying outside of the UK
If you don’t meet the requirements for making a Student Route application in the UK, you may have to return to your home country to make a Student Route visa application.
Contact the Visa Support Team for advice if you are unsure if you meet the requirements.
You should then take the following steps:
- read the information on how to make a Student Route application outside of the UK
- read the Government’s current Student Route Guidance for the most up-to-date advice
- request a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) - for continuing and transferring students
You will need to collect your new Biometric Residence Permit Card (BRP) on arrival in Newcastle. During the application process, you have the option to select to have your BRP card delivered to the university or to a local post office.
After you have submitted your Student Route application
Biometric enrolment and document submission
If you did not use the UK Immigration: ID check app to scan your BRP card as part of the visa application process, you will be asked to book a biometric enrolment appointment and upload your supporting documents through the UKVCAS website as part of the online visa application. You will be prompted to do this once you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge and visa application fee as part of the online application form.
If you used the UK Immigration: ID check app to scan your BRP card as part of the visa application process, you don't need to attend a biometric appointment unless advised otherwise by the UKVI.
Check your emails regularly
Check your emails regularly in case the Visa Support Team or UKVI contact you about your visa application. If you receive any emails directly from UKVI, contact the Visa Support Team as soon as possible.
Your new Student Visa
Students who receive a visa application decision after the 30 October 2024 should receive an electronic visa or eVisa.
When you receive the email informing you that your visa application has been successful, you will also receive information on how to view your eVisa.
Please make sure you check the details of your eVisa carefully. If there are mistakes on the eVisa, you should aim to get this corrected as soon as possible.
Depending on the type of mistake, there are different procedures and deadlines as follows:
Visa expiry date or visa conditions such as work permission for applications made inside the UK
You have to use the administrative review process for this and this must be submitted within 14 days of receiving your visa decision. Please contact the Visa Support Team if you need help with this.
All other details including visa expiry date or visa conditions for applications made outside the UK
You should use the online form to report the error to the UKVI. There is no deadline to do this but you should do this as soon as possible.
University policy on student immigration compliance
As a Sponsor, Newcastle University must ensure that all necessary steps are taken to ensure immigration compliance across the student community. The University’s Policy on Student Immigration Compliance Policy details the circumstances for which sponsorship may be offered and withdrawn, as well as documentary requirements for the registration process at the University.
While the University will endeavour to support prospective and registered students with their immigration requirements for academic purposes, sponsorship is not guaranteed in all circumstances.
For more information, please see the policy on Student Immigration Compliance Policy and contact the Visa Support Team if you have any doubts about your circumstances.
Visa support
The Visa Support Team can assist you with making your Student Route application in the UK, if you meet current requirements.You should take the following steps:
- At least 8 weeks before you need to make your visa application, please request a copy of our guide to 'Making a Student Route application in the UK' and follow the instructions in the guide carefully. Important: ‘Making a Student Route in the UK’ is updated regularly to reflect any amendments to the UKVI Student Route Guidance or changes to UKVI visa application procedures. Always read the guide alongside the current Student Route Guidance You will also be provided with a guide to the Student Route application form to help you complete it.
- If your programme requires clearance under the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), please request fresh ATAS clearance at least 6 weeks before you request a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You will need a new ATAS certificate before your CAS can be issued. You should still submit a CAS request even if you are waiting for the ATAS approval. Please note if ATAS is not granted before your visa is about to expire, we will not be able to issue a CAS and suggest you seek further visa advice.
- Ensure that you have your new CAS
- If you’re beginning a new programme, you will need to meet all of the conditions of the programme for Admissions to issue the CAS.
- If you’re currently registered on a programme at Newcastle University, you must submit a CAS request (requires login to your university Office365 account) with the relevant supporting documents. This request must be submitted at least 8 weeks before it’s required. You must submit supporting documents no later than 4 weeks before the date that the CAS is required. (If you are unable to use the form above, please use this form but you must ensure that you upload the necessary supporting documents separately)
- Please indicate whether you will be including dependants in your application, so that we can provide necessary guidance.
- Contact the Visa Support Team to have your application checked by following the instructions in the guide to Making a Student Route application in the UK.