UK Student Visa Application Process for International Students

Student Visa Application Process

Once you have received your CAS from John Leggott College, you are ready to apply for your UK Student Visa. The application is completed entirely online and can be submitted from your home country up to six months before your course start date, provided your CAS has already been issued.

Applications made outside the UK are submitted through UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI). Most decisions are made within around three weeks, although processing times may be longer if additional checks are required. Priority and super-priority services may be available in some locations for an additional fee.

Submitting Your Student Visa Application

During the application process, you will need to:

• Complete the online visa application form

• Upload the required supporting documents

• Pay the Student Visa application fee

• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the NHS during your studies

As part of the application, you must also provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph. Most students attend a local Visa Application Centre, while some applicants may be eligible to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

Once your application is submitted, you simply wait for a decision. If approved, your visa will be issued in the format used by UKVI at that time. Currently, this is a digital eVisa rather than a physical visa vignette.

After You Receive Your Visa

Receiving your visa is an important milestone. Before travelling to the UK, you should carefully check your visa details to ensure there are no errors. If anything looks incorrect or unclear, contact the JLC International Team immediately so this can be addressed before travel.

When travelling, you should carry:

• Your passport

• Your visa decision letter or digital status confirmation

• Your CAS details

• Financial evidence and parental consent documents (if applicable)

• Details of your accommodation

We strongly recommend carrying printed copies of all documents, as Border Force officers may request them, particularly for students under 18.

On arrival at John Leggott College, you will take part in induction activities, settle into accommodation, and attend your first classes. Please keep your flight tickets, as the International Team must retain copies for UKVI compliance records.

Student Responsibilities While Studying in the UK

As a Student Visa holder, you must follow the conditions set by UKVI throughout your studies.

You are required to:

• Attend all lessons and remain academically engaged

• Inform the College if you are ill or unable to attend

• Keep your contact details up to date, including address and phone number

• Remain enrolled on the course stated on your CAS

John Leggott College is required to monitor attendance and engagement and must report concerns to UKVI if a student stops attending.

Students sponsored at further education level are not permitted to work in the UK. UKVI only allows work rights for certain higher-education or government-sponsored students, and FE students cannot bring dependants.

If you withdraw from your course, stop attending, or change your level of study, your visa may be cancelled and you may be required to leave the UK.