UK Student Visa - FAQs

A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a unique 14-digit reference number your institution issues once you have met all conditions of your offer. It contains your course details, tuition fee amount, start date, and personal information. You cannot apply for a UK Student Visa without it. Universities typically issue a CAS 6 to 10 weeks before the course start date - though this varies by institution. Contact your admissions department if yours has not arrived within this window.

The amount you need to show depends on where your course is located, the length of your course, and your tuition fees. Generally speaking, you must demonstrate you can cover: your first-year tuition fees (as stated on your CAS) plus a set living cost maintenance amount per month for up to 9 months of study. For London-based courses, the monthly maintenance figure is higher than for courses outside London. These figures are set by UKVI and are subject to change - always verify the current amounts at the time of your application. Vortex Ease will confirm the exact figure for your specific case.

Standard processing times for UK Student Visa applications made outside the UK are typically around 3 weeks, though this is a general estimate and is not guaranteed. During peak application periods (such as June to September), demand is high and processing may take longer. Priority processing (typically 5 working days) and super-priority processing (typically 1 working day) are available at additional cost for applicants in many countries. We recommend applying as early as possible once your CAS has been issued.

Yes - most UK Student Visa holders are permitted to work a limited number of hours per week. For students studying at degree level or above at a Higher Education Provider (HEP), the limit is typically up to 20 hours per week during term time, with no restriction during official vacations. For students studying below degree level (such as foundation or further education courses), the limit is typically up to 10 hours per week during term time. You are not permitted to be self-employed or engage in business activity. Always check the specific conditions on your vignette and BRP.

UKVI requires you to demonstrate English language ability through an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). Accepted tests include IELTS Academic (from an approved SELT provider), TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic. The minimum scores required vary depending on whether you are studying at degree level or below degree level, and your institution may set higher requirements than UKVI's minimum. Nationals of majority-English-speaking countries as listed by UKVI - including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA - are generally exempt. Applicants who have previously studied a degree taught entirely in English may also be exempt.

Whether you can bring dependants (your partner or children) depends on your course level and when your course started. Students studying a government-sponsored course, or studying a course at postgraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider, may be eligible to bring dependants. From January 2024, the UK government introduced restrictions limiting most international students from bringing dependants unless they are on a government-sponsored course or a postgraduate research programme. Vortex Ease will advise you on whether you qualify based on your specific course and institution.

If your UK Student Visa application is refused, you will receive a refusal notice explaining the reasons for the decision. Unlike some visa categories, there is no right of appeal for a refused Student Visa in most circumstances - however, you can reapply if you believe you can address the reasons for refusal. Vortex Ease can review your refusal notice with you, identify where your application fell short, and help you prepare a stronger reapplication. Contact us as soon as possible after receiving a refusal so we can assess your options quickly.

You can submit your UK Student Visa application up to 6 months before your course start date. However, you cannot apply before your CAS has been assigned by your institution - and your CAS itself typically has a validity of 6 months from the date of assignment. If you are applying from within the UK (switching or extending), different timings may apply, and you must apply before your existing visa expires. We always recommend applying as early as possible once your documents are ready.

Vortex Ease provides end-to-end guidance throughout your UK Student Visa application. We begin with a free eligibility assessment to confirm your profile meets UKVI requirements. We then provide a personalised document checklist, review all your documents before submission, and walk you through every section of the UKVI online application form. We advise on your biometric appointment booking and what to bring on the day. After a decision is made, we help you understand your next steps - including BRP collection and course arrival requirements. Our goal is to make your application as accurate and well-prepared as possible.