Can I apply for a Student Visa outside the UK?
International students who want to study at Hull need to apply for a Student Visa, including EU, EEA, and Swiss students.
You must be aged 17 or older and be accepted on to your chosen course. Once you have accepted your unconditional offer and met eligibility requirements for visa sponsorship, you will receive an electronic document called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) which you need to apply for your Student Visa.
Where to apply
You must apply online for a Student Visa. As part of your application, you will need to prove your identity in one of two ways:
- Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you will also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
- Have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre
When to apply
Apply for a Student Visa as soon as you meet UKVI Student visa requirements and in good time before the start date of your new course. You should apply:
- Before you have travelled to the UK
- No more than six months before the start date of your course
- Normally no later than six months after your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) was issued.
How to apply checklist
Apply for ATAS clearance (if needed) as part of your application
This takes five to ten weeks. Find out more about ATAS.
Check visa requirements for your country for the Student route
(Including processing times)
Book a tuberculosis (TB) test
(If required)
Prepare your supporting documents
Including any translations of documents that aren't in English or Welsh.
Complete the online application form
You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and visa application fee.
Book and attend your biometrics appointment
(If required)
Attend an interview
(If requested)
Wait for your visa decision
You will be informed whether to collect your documents or if they will be sent to you.
Important
In most cases, you will be asked to provide copies of any requested documents at the Visa Application Centre while providing your biometrics. You may be required to submit further documents and/or attend an interview in connection with your application.
How long does it take?
Most Student Visa applications are processed within 3-6 weeks.
The UKVI provides the current processing times for all routes on its visa decision times: applications outside the UK page.
After you apply
If your application is successful, you will get an eVisa (online record of your immigration status). Your decision email or letter will tell you how to access your eVisa.
It is important that you check the conditions of your visa so that you understand your permission and its restrictions.
From October 2024, the Home Office no longer issues Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). All Student route applications made overseas will now receive their full immigration permission in the form of an eVisa.
Important
You must wait until your Entry Clearance Vignette (ECV, visa sticker) is issued and placed in your passport, or until your digital status is issued, before you can travel to the UK. Do not travel to the UK before receiving your Student Visa, or before its start date.
Digital immigration status
If you applied for your visa using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, you will be able to check your visa immigration status online.
To access your immigration status, you will need:
- Your passport details that you used to apply for your Student Visa
- Your date of birth
- The mobile number or email address that you used in your application.
- You will be given a ‘share code’ that our team University will need to verify your immigration status.
What to do if your visa is refused
If your Student Visa is refused, contact us immediately for advice.
If you believe the refusal was incorrect, you may be able to request an administrative review. Your refusal letter should detail why your application was refused and give instructions for requesting an administrative review if it applies to you.
