You must obtain a student visa as an international student coming from the US to attend university in the UK for over six months. Follow these five steps when applying for one:
- Step 1: Apply to your chosen university and receive an unconditional offer
Before you apply for your student visa to the UK, you need to get a head start on your university applications. This will be an additional proof for your visa application process.
Then, you’ll need to receive an unconditional offer from one of your chosen universities that you want to attend in the UK to continue to the student visa process.
In addition to an unconditional offer, you’ll also need to receive a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). This document costs £25, equivalent to approximately US$32.
- Step 3: Officially begin the application process
With your unconditional offer and CAS in hand, you can officially start the student visa application process. It’s imperative to apply for your student visa at least six months before your course starts. The student visa application fee costs £490, which is about US$622.
Please see the following link for detailed information on the process: Student visa : Overview
There is an expected high demand for UK student visas this summer. We encourage you to apply for your student visa as early as possible - as soon as you have received your Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS).
As a future undergraduate student attending university and staying in the UK for over six months, you’ll need to pay a fee called an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This fee allows students access to the National Health Service, the UK’s state healthcare system, at no additional cost. So, it’s a valuable part of the application process.
The Immigration Health Surcharge is £776 per year for student visa applications submitted on or after the 6th of February 2024, that is about US$980. Note that you’ll be charged accordingly if you’re in the UK for part of a year.
To make things easier, find out how much you’ll be expected to pay by checking the following link: Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application: How much you have to pay.
- Complete your application and have it accepted before arriving in the UK
After completing steps 1–4, all that’s left to do is complete your application and have it be accepted before you arrive in the UK.