Imagine, you get shortlisted for your dream university in the UK. You have planned your life in student accommodation and are all set to catch that plane. But what if your UK student visa gets rejected? Doesn’t that sound like the shattering of your dreams?
We know the whole process can put international students under pressure to understand requirements, deadlines, paperwork, and more. And, amid all this stress and pressure of deadlines, you might end up making some common mistakes. However, one good fact about this whole process is that every student goes through it and faces the same ups and downs. To help make the process simple and smooth, let’s explore the most common mistakes to avoid during a UK student visa application.
Starting your Application Late
One of the biggest yet common mistakes major students make is to start your application late. The visa process includes numerous steps, starting from the preparation of documents to attending biometric appointments. Plus, the processing time can also vary depending on the time of the year. For instance, if you apply during holidays, the processing time can be more than any other time of the year.
Ideally, while you confirm your student housing requirements also make sure to start the application early. You should start preparing for the visa process three to six months in advance. Early preparation allows students to address all the requirements well without missing important deadlines.
Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
Mark our words when we say documents are the backbone of a UK student visa application. This application process requires specific documents and any incorrect paperwork can lead to denials. Some of the common documents include:
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
- Proof of English
- Financial proof
- A Valid Passport and other documents.
Always make sure to carefully check every document before applying for a UK student visa. Also, check that all the basic details like date of birth, name, etc matche your application details. Plus, double check everything to avoid simple errors.
Not Understanding CAS Letter Requirements
The CAS letter is one of the most important documents while you apply for visa applications. This particular letter confirms your admission to the UK university. Hence, it is better to understand the requirements of the CAS letter. Plus, make sure that your letter contains all the essential details. Failing to provide CAS information or submitting expired CAS often leads to visa refusal. Always verify the details and follow all the university’s guidelines to avoid future misunderstandings.
Not Fulfilling Financial Requirements
Another common mistake is not fulfilling the financial requirements or having inadequate financial proof. The United Kingdom has strict guidelines to ensure that international students can provide for themselves. Some of the common mistakes in financial documentation include:
- Insufficient funds
- Unacceptable source of funds
- Incorrect currency conversions
- Not submitting recent bank statements
To avoid this common mistake, you can follow the following tips:
- Maintain a stable account balance
- Know acceptable bank balance statements
- Convert currency with clarity or take assistance from an expert while converting currency.
- Always carry extra financial support documents.
Applying for the Wrong Visa
You must be aware there are three kinds of student visas, including Tier 4 visa, children student visa and short-term student visa. When you apply for the type of visa, ensure to know for which you are eligible. For instance, if you are planning to live in short-term student accommodation to pursue a short-term course, you would require a short-term student visa.
Failing to Disclose Full Information
Another common mistake students often make is not being transparent about past refusals or criminal records. Concealing facts or falsifying such details can lead to serious legal consequences. Hence, always ensure to give full disclosure regarding past visa refusals and other details.
Failing to be Updated with Immigration Rules
We have always seen that UK immigration rules change periodically. For instance, during COVID-19, the rules for travelling to the UK were quite different than nowadays. Hence, always be aware of all the immigration rules to avoid mistakes in your application. You can simply keep up with the latest guidelines by having a close check on the UK government’s official websites. Alongside this, you should also check the rules of student accommodation, university and others.
Skipping the TB Test Requirement
International students from specific countries need to undergo a tuberculosis test as part of visa applications. Skipping TB tests or not providing the required certificate can lead to visa denial. Be aware if getting a TB test is necessary for your visa application. Also, make sure to get a test at a UKVI approved clinic.
Not Considering Student Accommodation Requirements Post-Graduation
If you intend on staying in the UK after your higher education, it’s essential to think about a post-study visa. The graduate route allows students to live up to two years post education in the UK. As a result, ensure you are aware of the living situation in student accommodation and more to avoid confusion.
The UK student visa application is a detailed process which requires planning, attention to detail and thorough preparation. Try to avoid above mentioned common mistakes and improve your chances of success for approval. Additionally, you can easily navigate the visa process smoothly and enrich your lifestyle while living in student housing.
