Check if you can apply in the UK
The information below provides guidance about how to complete the application process in the UK.
You must apply on the date your current immigration permission expires at the very latest, and no earlier than three months before the course start date on your CAS.
Warning: if you need to show funds, you must have held your funds for 28 days before you submit and pay for your application online. See our guide Funds for your Student visa application.
You will need to apply online. Click on the green ‘Start now’ button.
Read our guidance to help you to register for, and complete the Student visa application form: Guide to applying for a student visa in the UK 2024 [PDF 848KB]
We are currently aware that for students who use the ID Check App for the application, the form asks for CAS start / end dates, instead of course start / end dates. Please input your course start / end dates on those columns.
*UKVI will only start processing your application after you have either
verified your identity and submit your documents and application using the UK Immigration: ID Check app ;OR
attend your appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) centre or a Service and Support Centre (SSC)
You will complete the application fee online and pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The date that you pay the visa application fee is the date that you have submitted your application. You will then be asked to attend an appointment. If you have used the ID Check App to scan your passport / BRP at the beginning of the application, normally you would not have to attend an appointment, instead you will upload your documents on the evidence section of your application form. The UK government has published helpful guidance about uploading your documents. You will be informed, normally within two weeks of submitting your application if you have to attend an appointment with UKVI’s commercial partner, UKVCAS.
If you are required to attend an appointment, please see the UKVCAS website for information about booking your appointment.
You will usually keep your passport and other supporting documents whilst your application is being processed.
If you use the standard service, a decision should be made within eight weeks of your appointment or uploading your details on the app.
If you use the priority service, a decision should be made within 5 working days of your appointment or of the working day after you finished uploading your documents if you use the app.
If you use the super priority service, a decision should be made the next working day after you enrolled your biometrics or after you finished uploading your documents if you use the app.
After a decision has been made on your application, you will usually receive your decision letter and biometric residence card (BRP) within 10 working days of the decision (if applicable). Non-visa nationals (nationals NOT on this list) who used the ID Check App will NOT receive a BRP but will receive a eVisa instead.
Students are advised not to make plans to travel outside the UK until they have received their BRP card.
During the summer, and before Christmas, UKVI receive a very large number of applications and it may take longer than normal for an application to be processed.
UKVI state that they will not normally be able to provide you with updates or expedite your application. Unfortunately, the time it takes to process your immigration application is outside of Queen Mary’s control.
If you leave the UK whilst your visa application is still pending, your application will be treated as withdrawn and you may have to make a whole new application from your home country before being able to return to the UK.
Do not plan any travel outside the UK until you have your new BRP.
If you are given an eVisa, information will be checked digitally when you re-enter the UK. To prevent unnecessary delays at the border, it is important to ensure the document you travel on is registered to your UKVI account, which you can do by updating your details if you intend to travel on a different document (for example a new passport).
See ‘I have submitted my Student immigration application in the UK, but I need to travel soon. Visit our Visa problems and errorsVisa problems and errors'What do I do?'Visa Problems page if you need to urgently leave the UK before you have received a decision on your application.
If you still have your previous BRP card, follow the instructions on your UKVI decision letter to return this card. We recommend that you return your BRP card by Special Delivery and keep the receipt as evidence that you have returned the card.
After a decision has been made on your application, UKVI will send you an email confirming the decision and informing you that your BRP will be issued and sent to you. It will normally be sent to your address within 10 working days. BRPs are delivered by Royal Mail. Nobody needs to be at the delivery address when your BRP is delivered. Royal Mail will post it through the letterbox.
Note: You should regularly check your email inbox and junk/spam mail folder for communication from UKVI about your application. Additionally, if you live in shared accommodation or accommodation where there is a reception/ concierge/ security office, you should check with them in case you BRP has been delivered there.
If you are given an eVisa, instead of a BRP, this will be stated on your decision letter with instructions on how to access your eVisa and how to prove your rights in the UK online.