How to apply for a Student visa from the UK
The process for applying for visa in the UK depends on whether you can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app. You can find this out by answering a few questions on the UKVI website.
Check if you can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app
You should be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to confirm your identity as part of your visa application. This is the case even if you didn’t use it for your original visa application.
However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to use the app, for example you don’t have a compatible phone or you have dependants with you in the UK. If you can’t use the app, you will have to attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre.
To find out whether you can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, visit the UKVI site, click ‘Start now’ under the Apply section and answer a few questions. You don't have to start your application at this point.
Apply for another Student visa (extend your Student visa)
Steps for applying using the UK Immigration: ID Check app
When applying inside the UK, you will need:
-
your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number
-
your current passport
-
your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (if you have one)
You might also need to submit other documents with your application. You should check to see which documents you need before making your application.
When you have gathered all the documents you need, you can complete your online application at the UKVI website. You can save your application and return to it, which means you do not have to complete it in one session.
See our guide for completing the application using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
The online application will tell you when to download the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
You can use this app to confirm your identity, by scanning your passport or BRP, and taking a photo of your face.
You will need to pay the visa application fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Once you have made your payment, you can submit your online application. However, your application won’t be complete until you have uploaded your documents (if you are required to do so).
If you’re required to upload supporting documents, you will be provided with a deadline of when the upload must be completed. You can log in to your UKVI account at any point up until that deadline to upload your documents.
You should take a clear, colour photo (or scan) of your documents, and upload the image files directly to the UKVI website.
Steps for applying if you can’t use the UK Immigration: ID Check app
When applying inside the UK, you will need:
-
your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number
-
your current passport
-
your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (if you have one)
You might also need to submit other documents with your application. You should check to see which documents you need before making your application.
When you have gathered all the documents you need, you can complete your online application at the UKVI website. You can save your application and return to it, which means you do not have to complete it in one session.
You will need to pay the visa application fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Once you have made this payment, you can submit your online application. However, your application won’t be complete until you have uploaded your documents and attended an appointment (if you are required to do so).
After completing your application on the UKVI website, you will be told to register with UKVCAS and book an appointment.
You can upload your documents directly to the UKVCAS website, up to 48 hours before your appointment. You should take a clear, colour photo (or scan) of your documents, and upload the image files directly to the website.
If you don’t upload your documents beforehand, you will be charged a fee for having them uploaded at your appointment.
After booking your appointment, you will be emailed a QR code. You should bring this to your appointment along with your passport and (if you have one) your BRP.
At your appointment you will have your documents and identity checked and recorded. After this your application will be complete.