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Nigerians planning to study in the United Kingdom have been advised to carefully follow the official Student visa application process.
The process starts from securing admission and obtaining a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies to providing biometric information and waiting for a decision.
UK Visas and Immigration gave the guidance in a video shared on its official X account, highlighting the documents, payments, checks and other requirements prospective international students should complete before travelling to the UK.
Here are the 11 key steps prospective applicants should follow:
1. Confirm that you need a Student visa
Before starting an application, prospective students should confirm that the Student visa is the correct immigration route for their intended course.
UKVI advised applicants to use the visa-checking tool on GOV.UK and prepare the necessary documents and information before beginning the application.
2. Secure an unconditional offer and CAS
Applicants must have an unconditional offer to study a course offered by a licensed student sponsor before applying for a Student visa.
After accepting the offer, the institution will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, known as a CAS, which contains a reference number required for the visa application.
Depending on the course and circumstances, applicants may also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate, a tuberculosis certificate and evidence of English-language ability.
3. Apply within the permitted period
Applicants outside the UK can submit their Student visa applications up to six months before their course begins.
Those applying from inside the UK can apply up to three months before the start of their course and must submit an extension or switching application before their current visa expires.
UKVI advised applicants to apply as early as possible and stressed that they do not need to book travel before receiving a decision.
4. Complete the online application
Applicants should use the Student visa guide on GOV.UK and click “Start now” to begin the application.
They will create an account using their email address and password and provide details such as their name as shown on their passport, travel companions and family history.
Applicants should read each question carefully before entering their information.
5. Prepare evidence of sufficient funds
Applicants may be required to prove that they have enough money to cover their course fees and living expenses in the UK.
Where necessary, applicants should be prepared to explain the source of funds, particularly where there are large or unexpected deposits in their accounts.
Applicants under 18 must also provide written consent from their parents or legal guardians.
6. Upload the required documents
Applicants must upload the documents required for their individual application.
UKVI warned that missing or incorrect documents could delay processing.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their documents are complete, valid and consistent with the information supplied in the application.
7. Check every detail before submission
Applicants should carefully review their application before submitting it, particularly their names and other personal details.
UKVI identified incorrect personal information as one of the most common mistakes made by applicants.
“The most common error is entering a name or other personal details incorrectly,” it said.
If an applicant discovers a mistake after paying and submitting the application, UKVI said they may need to cancel the application, request a refund and submit a fresh application.
8. Pay the visa fee and health surcharge
After completing the application, applicants will be directed to Worldpay to pay the visa application fee.
Applicants staying in the UK for more than six months will also generally be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their application.
The surcharge provides access to treatment through the UK’s National Health Service, subject to the applicable rules.
9. Complete biometrics
Applicants will need to provide biometric information, including their fingerprints and photograph, as part of the application process.
Depending on their circumstances, applicants may be directed to VFS to book an appointment or instructed to complete the required identity checks through the ID Check app.
After completing the application, applicants will receive a reference number and confirmation email, which they should keep for their records.
10. Wait for the visa decision
After submission, UKVI will process the application and contact the applicant if additional information or documents are required.
Applicants do not need to contact UKVI simply to ask about an application that is still within the applicable processing period.
UKVI said applicants would receive an email once a decision had been made and advised them to check their spam or junk folders if they do not immediately see the message.
11. Do not travel before the visa start date
Applicants applying from outside the UK must wait until the start date shown on their visa before travelling to the country.
UKVI stated: “If you are outside the UK, you must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa.”
Prospective students were advised to search for “Student visa” on GOV.UK and check the latest official guidance before submitting an application, as requirements and procedures can change.
