学生签证¶
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How to Apply for a UK Student Visa
In 2019, the statistics for studying abroad showed a total of 703,500 students studying overseas, with 580,300 students returning to China after completing their studies. Among them, the total number of students studying in the UK at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels was around 106,000, including 46,000 undergraduate students and 60,000 postgraduate students.
The Ministry of Education held a press conference stating that from 2016 to 2019, the number of Chinese students studying abroad reached 2.518 million, and 2.013 million students returned to China. The proportion of students returning after completing their studies reached 79.9%. At the same time, by introducing high-quality educational resources from abroad, we have further enriched the supply of higher education resources in China. The number of Chinese and foreign cooperative education students studying at or above the undergraduate level has exceeded 300,000, making China an important partner in world-class universities.
Analysis of UK Student Visa Data for Chinese Students in 2020
In 2020, a total of 81,622 sponsored study visas were issued to Chinese students studying in the UK. In comparison, there were 119,231 visas issued in 2019. This represents an overall decrease of 31% from 2019 to 2020. However, in 2021, the number of Chinese applicants for studying in the UK has seen an increase. According to UCAS data as of January 29, 2021, there were a total of 25,830 Chinese applicants, which is a 21.5% increase compared to the previous year. Among them, 47.5% were male and 52.5% were female. The majority of applicants were 18 years old, totaling 12,510 individuals, which is a 33% increase from 2020. From 2016 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of 18-year-old Chinese applicants was 31%, with a total increase of 300% in the number of applicants. The total number of student visas issued to Chinese applicants in 2021 was 119,334 for the entire year.
Question: The UK student visa has already been extended once, but I currently do not plan to go to the UK. Can it be extended again? Will it be refused?
Answer: As long as it is within the validity period of the course, it can be extended multiple times.
As of June 30, 2021, the total number of applicants to UK universities and colleges through UCAS, including domestic and international students, reached a new record of 682,000.
The total number of applications from domestic applicants in the UK reached 551,620, showing a year-on-year increase of 21.98% compared to the previous year's 452,220. The number of international student applicants from outside the EU reached 102,000, showing a year-on-year increase of 39.57% compared to the same period last year (73,080). The number of applicants from mainland China reached a new high, with a total of 28,490 applicants, showing a year-on-year increase of 16.61%. The number of applicants from Hong Kong was 7,070, showing a slight increase from the previous year, while the number of applicants from Macau decreased.
The graph shows that in 2020, UK universities admitted 16,185 Chinese applicants for undergraduate or foundation programs. UCAS stands for Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, a UK public service organization that provides undergraduate admissions services for all UK universities. Applying for undergraduate degree programs in the UK, including foundation programs, must be done through UCAS. In principle, all undergraduate degree programs in the UK, including foundation programs, require application through UCAS.
The number of Chinese mainland citizens applying to study in the UK by September 2022 has increased by 12% compared to the previous year. Last year, there were 26,000 Chinese mainland applicants, and as of now, there are 28,930 mainland applicants. In 2013, there were only 6,900 applicants for studying in the UK. Additionally, the number of applicants from Hong Kong, 6,010, is not included in the 28,930 count and is listed separately, meaning that the total number of applicants from mainland China and Hong Kong is 34,940.
Reminder: The student application numbers mentioned here are for those applying to start their undergraduate studies in the UK in September 2022 and are based on UCAS data.
The number of visas issued to Chinese students studying in the UK increased by 61%, and since 1978, more than 600,000 Chinese students have pursued further studies in the UK. In the 2019/20 academic year, nearly 150,000 Chinese students were enrolled in higher education in the UK, including foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
Approximately 120,000 Chinese students studied in the UK in 2021. In the past five years (2016-2021), the number of visas issued to Chinese students studying in the UK has increased by 61%.
According to the latest data from the 2021 UCAS undergraduate application system, there were 28,490 students from mainland China applying for undergraduate studies in the UK, showing a 17% year-on-year increase.
Mainland China ranked first, accounting for 22% of the total number of applications. India, the United States, Hong Kong, Ireland, and Malaysia followed closely behind. The UK is divided into four regions: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, all of which have excellent schools. In the past five years, the number of Chinese students choosing to study in Scotland has increased by 87%, while Northern Ireland and Wales have seen increases of 79% and 35%, respectively.
In terms of growth in specific disciplines, education and teaching-related majors increased by 204%, followed by computer-related majors with a growth rate of 154%, and arts and creative design majors with a growth rate of 130%. Other disciplines with significant growth in student enrollment include physical sciences, broad medical health majors, clinical medicine/dentistry/veterinary medicine, and geography and environmental sciences.
Reminder: Due to the rise in prices in the UK, the authorities have decided to increase the fees for some UK visas starting from April 11. The increase ranges from approximately £5 to £15, with a few cases seeing an increase of £30. A small number of fees will remain unchanged. For example, the fee for applying for a student visa from overseas was originally £348, and it will be increased to £363, while the fee for applying for a student visa from within the UK was originally £475 and will be increased to £490.
August 2022 Urgent Service:
5 working days for regular urgent service: £2,123
1 working day for super urgent service: £8,188
Currently, there are only three types of visas for studying in the UK:
Student visa (学生签证)
Child Student visa (儿童学生签证)
Study English in the UK (Short-term study visa) (短期学习签证)
Reminder: In September 2020, the Tier 4 student visa was replaced with the Student visa. If eligible, you can directly switch your visa category to another type while in the UK. You can apply for a student visa while in the UK, except if you hold certain types of visas that do not allow direct application for a student visa in the UK, such as tourist visas, parents of child students, seasonal workers, short-term study visas, domestic workers in a private household, and exceptional leave to remain outside the immigration rules (with exceptions in special circumstances). To switch to a student visa while in the UK, you only need to provide proof of your previous legal visa and have resided in the UK for more than one year, without the need for financial documentation.
If the applicant has served as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer or is enrolled in an approved preparatory course, they do not need to provide financial documentation. The time limit for studying postgraduate and higher-level courses in the UK has been removed, meaning the previous limit of 8 years no longer applies. Students from reputable higher education institutions may not be required to submit educational qualifications again when applying for a visa. When applying for a student visa, only one language proficiency proof, such as an English language certificate, needs to be submitted. Electronic bank statements are acceptable, and funds can be shown from multiple bank accounts. This means that bank statements can be obtained directly through online banking without the need for cumbersome processes like filling out forms at the bank.
Reminder: Whether there is an age restriction on undergraduate student visas depends on the requirements of the specific institution. If there are no requirements, there is no age restriction. Some undergraduate programs in the UK have students in their 30s.
Reminder: To apply for a student visa, you need to be at least 16 years old and have been offered a study placement by a recognized educational institution. If you are under 18 and wish to study at a private school, you may require a Child Student visa.
This guide mainly focuses on the UK Student visa.
Any non-child course lasting more than 6 months falls under this type. Language courses generally fall under the short-term study visa if they are less than 6 months.
Applying outside the UK:
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before your course starts. Normally, a decision on the visa is made within 3 weeks, but the specific timeframe may vary.
Applying within the UK:
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before the start of your course. You must apply before your current visa expires, and the new course must start within 28 days after your current visa expires. Typically, a decision on the visa is made within 8 weeks.
Visa duration and stay in the UK:
The duration of your visa and how long you can stay in the UK depends on the length of your course and the amount of study you have already completed in the UK.
If you are 18 or older and your course is at the degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for a maximum of 5 years. If it is below degree level, you can usually stay for a maximum of 2 years.
When can you travel to the UK after receiving the visa?
You can arrive before the start of your course, for example:
If your course lasts for 6 months or less, you can arrive up to 1 week before.
If your course lasts for more than 6 months, you can arrive up to 1 month before.
Regardless of the course start date, you cannot travel to the UK before the start date mentioned on your visa.
What are the fees for applying for a UK student visa?
Applying for a student visa outside the UK: £363
Extending or switching a student visa within the UK: £490
Healthcare surcharge (HIS fee): The cost varies depending on individual circumstances.
It is important to pay the surcharge online before submitting your visa application at the visa center. The NHS (National Health Service) is the healthcare system in the UK and is considered one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Medical treatment is generally free, excluding dental care. Applicants who have paid the healthcare surcharge can access the same level of national healthcare services (NHS) as permanent residents of the UK, including free healthcare and medication services.
Reminder: If you successfully obtain the visa but decide not to go or if you obtain a new visa and have to pay again, the healthcare surcharge is non-refundable.
You can use the official link below to calculate an estimate of how much you would need to pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee：
https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type
Please note that this link will direct you to the official UK government website where you can find the necessary information to calculate the IHS fee.
(4) If you require expedited service for a student visa application outside the UK, the fees are as follows:
Standard Priority (5 working days): £2,123
Super Priority (1 working day): £8,188
(5) Companion fees: If you are bringing accompanying individuals such as parents or partners, you would also need to pay the corresponding fees.
(6) Tuition fees: This refers to the cost of your academic program or course. The amount varies depending on the institution and the specific program you choose.
(7) Living expenses: This includes the cost of accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses while studying in the UK. The amount will depend on factors such as the city you live in and your personal lifestyle choices.
What you cannot do while holding a student visa in the UK:
Apply for public funds (welfare) and pension benefits.
Engage in certain types of work, such as being a professional athlete or sports coach.
Be self-employed or work as a freelancer.
Study at a college or a maintained school (also known as a state-funded public school).
Please note that these restrictions are specific to holding a student visa and may vary depending on individual circumstances. It's important to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and conditions of your visa to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations.
Reminder: Students holding a student visa with work rights or accompanying family members will be allowed to directly engage in work as a Postgraduate Doctor or Dentist in Training, depending on specific circumstances. They will no longer be subject to previous work restrictions.
Materials required before applying for a visa:
(1) Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter, which must be obtained within 6 months prior to applying for the visa.
(2) Tuberculosis Screening Certificate.
If you reside in China and plan to stay in the UK for more than six months, you will need to provide a Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Certificate issued by an authorized clinic. However, if you are returning to your home country to renew your UK visa and plan to return to the UK within six months, you do not need to provide another TB certificate. The screening must be conducted at an authorized clinic, and it is necessary to make an appointment in advance.
Authorized Clinic for Tuberculosis Screening Certificate Inquiry：
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-test-for-a-uk-visa-clinics-in-china
Requirements for Tuberculosis Screening:
Valid passport, identification card, or other identity documents
One 2-inch passport-sized photo
The cost of tuberculosis screening is 550 RMB. Both cash and card payments are accepted (Note: Some institutions may not accept card or online payments and only accept cash. It is advisable to inquire beforehand). On the day of the examination, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and avoid wearing earrings, necklaces, or other difficult-to-remove jewelry and hair accessories, as you will be required to remove them before the examination and change into specialized clothing.
(3) ATAS Certification (if required): ATAS stands for Academic Technology Approval Scheme. If you are studying or researching sensitive subjects at RQF level 7 or above, you may need an ATAS certificate.
ATAS certification is required if it is explicitly stated in the CAS or requested by the visa center. However, it is only necessary for certain specific fields of study.，
The ATAS application link is：
https://www.academic-technology-approval.service.gov.uk/
(4) Original proof of consent from parents or legal guardians and a photocopy of the birth certificate (or other government-issued documents) for applicants under 18 years old.
(5) Proof of relationship with parents or guardians (required for applicants under 18 years old).
(6) Proof of financial capability (although it is currently randomly checked, it is still recommended to prepare in advance).
Starting from July 6, 2018, proof of financial capability is no longer a required document to be submitted. However, it is subject to random checks, so it is advisable to prepare proof of funds in advance. Previously, a bank statement showing the deposited funds was required, but now it is not mandatory. However, random checks may still occur. Therefore, it is recommended to start depositing funds in the bank at least 28 days before applying for the visa. The deposited amount should cover one year of tuition fees plus nine months of living expenses, and it should be continuously held in the bank for at least 28 days before obtaining the statement.
If the bank statement is under the name of parents or legal guardians, proof of family relationship is required, such as a birth certificate, proof of parent-child relationship, household registration, etc. These documents will need to be notarized and translated by a certified translation service. Additionally, a consent letter and financial support declaration from the parents or legal guardians should be provided.
The deposit dates for proof of funds:
By the day of online payment for the visa fee, the bank deposit should ensure a continuous period of at least 28 days, and the final balance date should be within 31 days prior to the payment date for the visa fee. If your proof of funds is under the name of parents or legal guardians, you need to prepare proof of family relationship (such as a birth certificate, household registration, etc.), as well as a consent letter and financial support declaration from the parents.
Example: If you submit your application on January 1, 2021, the proof of funds should show that the funds have been in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days up to December 1.
Reminder: The calculation of the funds is based on the time of online application submission.
Reminder: If the bank statement is obtained immediately after depositing the funds, as long as the statement clearly shows that a sufficient amount has been deposited for at least 28 days and it is currently in the bank, it is acceptable.
Reminder: If it is a current account, as long as the provided proof shows that the sufficient amount has been held in the account at least 28 days before the application submission date, it is acceptable.
Amount of funds for proof of funds:
The amount of funds required for the student visa application should cover at least one year of tuition fees and nine months of living expenses. For the living expenses, the official figures are £1,334 per month for the London area and £1,023 per month for areas outside London. Ten years ago, outside of London, it was only a little over £800 per month, and now it has gradually increased to £1,023 per month through gradual adjustments.
The following situations do not require proof of funds:
You have held a UK visa for 12 months before your student visa application date (currently must be in the UK).
You are applying to become a student union sabbatical officer.
You are applying for a postgraduate doctor or dentist on a recognized foundation program.
Reminder: If you are selected for checks, you will receive an email notification. The random checks typically take place within approximately 15 working days. Be cautious and verify the authenticity of the email and its contents. After your biometric appointment, you will generally be given five working days to submit additional documents, and the proof of funds should cover a period of 28 days.
(7) Other documents listed on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Language proficiency certificates, degree certificates, etc. (specific requirements vary for each individual).
Language Proficiency Certificates:
The specific requirements for each school can vary, but you will need to provide proof that your English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension meet a certain level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
In general:
(1) For degree level or above, a language proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2 level is required.
(2) For below degree level, a language proficiency equivalent to CEFR B1 level is required.
The table below provides a comparison of CEFR levels with corresponding IELTS scores:
link: https://www.ielts.org/about-ielts/ielts-in-cefr-scale
CEFR Level | IELTS Score Range |
A1 | 1.0 - 1.5 |
A2 | 2.0 - 3.5 |
B1 | 4.0 - 5.0 |
B2 | 5.5 - 6.5 |
C1 | 7.0 - 8.0 |
Reminder: Not all schools require language test scores. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may not be required to provide them.
Which cases do not require language proficiency certificates?
(1) Canadian citizens.
(2) Applicants studying in the UK as part of a degree program from a university in the United States.
(3) If you have previously provided evidence of your English proficiency in a previous visa application.
(4) If you have already obtained a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of the following countries, or if you are from one of the following countries,
you do not need to provide English language proficiency proof.：
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
the Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
Malta
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
UK
USA
(8) Previously used Biometric Information Card (if applicable).
(9) Valid passport (or other valid travel documents) with at least one double blank page and with a sufficient validity period.
Reminder: Apart from the passport, all the documents provided above need to be translated into English by a recognized institution or submitted in their original English form. The English translation must be done by an institution that holds translation qualifications recognized by the UK Visa Application Centre. The Visa Application Centre also offers translation services.
Once you have prepared the above-mentioned documents, you can proceed with the online application.
Step 1: Fill out the online UK student visa application form.
This process includes the following steps:
(1) Fill out the application form online, and once completed, print it out and sign it.
Online application link for UK student visa：https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply
(2) Carefully review and complete the application form, then submit it. After submission, print a copy of the application form.
(3) Check your email for a confirmation message.
After you have completed the online application, you will receive a confirmation email. This email will contain important information, including the documents you need to provide, the specific amount for your visa fee, your GWF number (which is your Unique Reference Number), and your email address and password, which will be used to make an appointment at the visa application center. It is crucial to note down this information in a safe place. Double-check the email address you provided for accuracy and ensure that you remember your password.
(4) Make the online payment for the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), then schedule an appointment to submit your documents at the visa application center.
Reminder: Only online payment is accepted. Please make sure you have the necessary bank cards and sufficient funds prepared in advance. Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are accepted for payment. If you have completed the payment but decide not to proceed with the visa application, you can request a refund as long as you haven't submitted your documents at the visa application center and the processing time has not elapsed. However, once biometric data has been collected or the visa application has been processed, refunds are not possible.
Important Reminders:
Reminder 1: Whether you are applying for a student visa for the first time or switching to a student visa from another visa category in the UK, you need to fill out the application form online on the official website. After completing the form, print it and sign it.
Reminder 2: If you spend 25 minutes on a page while filling out the form, the system will automatically log you out. You will need to log in again. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare your documents in advance before filling out the form. However, don't worry, the information you filled in and saved earlier will still be there.
Reminder 3: After completing each section, double-check the information for accuracy, including dates, names, passport numbers, etc. Pay special attention to your email address and ensure it is correctly entered. It is recommended to use an email address that you frequently use. After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation email containing important information. Check all the details carefully, especially numbers, letters, and punctuation. Some input methods may automatically correct words based on what the system thinks is correct. For example, if your surname is Liu, it may automatically change to Lau, or if your surname is Deng, it may change to Teng. Make sure to accurately enter the information as it appears on your valid passport. Once you have reviewed all the information and confirmed its accuracy, click on the submit button. Once the form is submitted, it cannot be modified, and it can be very troublesome. Therefore, it is best to double-check before submitting. If you realize that you made a mistake after submission, you will need to reapply by filling out the form again. If you have already made a payment, you will need to apply for a refund.
Reminder 4: When applying for a student visa, whether it is for undergraduate, master's, doctoral studies, or other regular academic programs, the visa category is called a "student visa." Therefore, select this option. Most students fall under this visa category. However, there is also a short-term student visa category for students who will study in the UK for less than six months.
Reminder 5: In general, the visa decision is usually made within approximately three weeks after the application is submitted. However, during peak periods or in special circumstances, it may take over a month or even longer. You can check the visa processing times when applying to get a better idea. Therefore, it is important to apply for your visa as early as possible. Additionally, you have the option to pay for priority or expedited processing, which will expedite the decision-making process. With priority processing, you could receive a decision within a few days. However, keep in mind that this service comes with an additional cost. If your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is issued late, it is crucial to apply for your visa at least three weeks before your course start date or even earlier to ensure that you receive your visa before your school's registration period. In such cases, you will need to opt for priority or expedited processing, as missing the registration week could lead to complications in joining the school.
Reminder 6: The visa fees for applying within the UK and applying from outside the UK are different and are subject to change each year. The specific payment amount will be provided on the webpage when you fill out the online application form and make an appointment.
Reminder 7: Pay attention to the selection of the visa application center and the appointment date when filling out the online form. If you are planning to study or travel to the UK, do not select the option with "Official" in the name of the center.
Reminder 8: If multiple family members are applying, each individual should register, fill out the application form, and follow the payment and document submission process separately using their own email addresses.
"Step 2: Submit Documents at the Visa Application Center Offline, Prepare Required Materials, and Visit the Visa Application Center at the Appointed Time to Submit Documents.
It is essential to prepare the specific documents according to the email you received. The email will clearly state which materials you need to bring to the visa application center.
In general, the following documents are usually required, but you should follow the information provided in your email to determine the exact requirements:
(1) Valid passport, make multiple copies for backup, and ensure there are several blank pages available. Otherwise, there won't be space for the visa. If you have any expired passports, provide photocopies of the first page and the page with the expiration date. It's advisable to bring the original expired passport as well.
(2) Tuberculosis screening certificate.
(3) ATAS certificate (if required).
(4) Confirmation email of successful online payment for visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Print out the confirmation email.
(5) Printed application form with a signature that matches the signature on your passport.
(6) Translations of academic documents such as transcripts, graduation certificates, and degree certificates if they are in Chinese. The translations should be done by an institution recognized by the UK visa application center.
(7) You will submit your passport and biometric information.
(8) If you are unable to upload the documents yourself at home, you can choose the visa application center's paid document uploading service.
And so on."
Reminder: Chinese citizens applying for a student visa do not need to provide financial proof and educational qualifications during the application process. However, the UK Visa and Immigration Office may request supplementary submission of these supporting documents during the application review. Therefore, please ensure that you prepare these documents in advance. If the documents are not in English or Welsh, the applicant must provide translations by a reputable translation company recognized by the UK visa application center.
Ten-liter Meow Reminder:
(1) Make sure to arrive at the visa application center at least half an hour in advance, or even earlier, as you need to take a number and queue. Generally, the first call is for document verification and collection, the second call is for fingerprinting and photography, and then you have to choose whether to collect the passport and other documents in person or opt for the mailing option. If you choose mailing, you need to make the payment on the spot. Therefore, to avoid wasting time, remember to double-check that you have all the required materials with you and that they are correct before going to the visa application center.
(2) It's recommended to bring your own pen, just in case you need to fill in or make any modifications. Although pens are available on-site, there might be a shortage if many people are using them or if there are no spare pens. It's generally advised to bring a black ballpoint pen and a pencil, just in case.
(3) Academic documents such as transcripts, graduation certificates, and degree certificates (it's advisable to bring multiple copies as backups) should be translated into English if they are in Chinese. The translation should be done by an institution recognized by the UK visa application center, meaning they must have translation qualifications. Of course, the visa application center also provides translation services, but the price might be slightly higher. If you choose to have the translation done at the visa application center, inform the staff in advance, so it's better to arrive even earlier.
(4) Regarding visa interviews, the in-person visa interview process for UK visa applications has been entirely canceled. Before 2019, there used to be face-to-face interviews where you interacted with the immigration officer. However, now they have been eliminated. However, there may be random checks, phone calls, or video calls where some basic questions and answers are conducted during the visa processing period. The probability is low, but it has happened before.
(5) As mentioned earlier, visas can be regular or expedited. Please note that even with expedited processing, there may still be delays, and it may not be as fast as expected. The processing time depends on the specific circumstances at that time. Generally, expedited processing is indeed faster, so make sure to allocate sufficient time in advance to handle the visa application.
Step 3: Receiving the Visa Decision
The typical processing time for visa applications is around 15 working days after the submission of documents. However, during peak periods or under special circumstances, the time to receive the decision may extend to 20 to 30 working days.
During this period, the UK Visa and Immigration Office will conduct checks on your biometric information, criminal records, and travel history. They may also randomly verify your educational qualifications, financial proof, and other documents. Applicants may also be selected for a visa interview. The interview is usually conducted through a computer with a camera or over the phone. The immigration officer will ask questions in English, such as why you chose the UK, why you selected a particular school or program, and who is providing the funds. However, they will not ask for personal privacy details, bank card passwords, or request any bank transfers.
Reminder: If you originally applied for a language visa but changed to an online study program in your home country, and if there is a change in the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), you will need to reapply for the visa.
Reminder: The duration of stay granted on the entry visa page is 90 days.
Reminder: All the working days mentioned in this article refer to non-holiday weekdays.