Skip to main content
Advice and Counselling Service

Apply in the UK

Check if you can apply in the UK

The information below provides guidance about how to complete the application process in the UK. 

When can I apply?

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.

The form

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]

The fee

  • £490 for a Standard application (usually decided within eight weeks) 
  • £990 for a Priority application (usually decided within five days of date of appointment) 
  • £1,290 for a Super Priority application (usually decided on the day after you have enrolled your biometrics. You will normally receive your BRP card up to 10 working days after your appointment).

Application process 

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 either be invited to use the IDV app or be asked to attend an appointment. The UK government has published helpful guidance about uploading your documents. You will be informed, normally within two weeks of submitting your application, whether you are eligible to use the app or 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.  

How long will my immigration application take?

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 10 working days of your appointment or uploading your details on the app. 

If you use the super priority service, a decision should be made the day after you enrol your biometrics. You cannot use the super priority service if you apply through 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.  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. 

Travelling outside the UK before you have a decision on your application

If you leave the UK whilst your visa application is still pending, your application will be treated as withdrawn and you will 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. 

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.  

Returning your old BRP card

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. 

Receiving your decision and BRP

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 a courier company and proof of identity and a signature is required for delivery.

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. 

Back to top