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The visa process explained

Visa Process

Your Visa Process

We are very much looking forward to meeting you on campus. However, before you travel to the UK it’s important to read the information below about the visa process before entering the UK.

If you require further information relating to the University’s support services, please contact our Student Services Team studentadvisors@greatermanchester.ac.uk and we will do our best to help you.

Students should rather be referred to contact the UKVI Compliance Team for further information UKVIcompliance@greatermanchester.ac.uk

Six months

Once you have received your CAS, you can apply for a student visa on the UKVI’s website. The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course. Below you will find some information on what you will need to know when it comes to submitting a valid visa application from outside of the UK.

Follow the list below

When you are completing your visa application, you should ensure you have the documents and funds stated below. The list includes documents that you will have provided in order to receive your CAS and additional documents that will be requested on the visa application form:

- CAS certificate

- Entry qualification

- Evidence of English language

- Current passport

- National identification card (if applicable)

- Financial evidence (if applicable) + OANDA currency conversion

- Evidence of relationship - i.e., marriage certificate; birth certificate; certificate of adoption) + a signed letter of consent from your parent(s) or partner if you are using their financial evidence

- Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable)

- ATAS certificate (if applicable)

- Evidence of any previous visa refusals (if applicable)

- Evidence of any criminal convictions (if applicable)

- Evidence of any immigration applications to other countries

- Official professional translations of your documents (if applicable)

- Available funds to pay your application costs

You will be expected to provide copies of your documents to UKVI to support your visa application.

Please refer to the UK Government website Student visa : Overview - GOV.UK for current information on visa application fees.

You will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. How much you pay depends on the length of your visa. More information on the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is also available on the UK government website Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application: How much you have to pay - GOV.UK

Additional biometric enrolment fees and value-added service fees may also apply, including if you choose to use the UKVI priority service https://www.gov.uk/faster-decision-visa-settlement

As part of your visa application, you will need to prove your identity. You will be asked to give fingerprints and a photograph, both biometric information. How you do this depends on where you are from and what type of passport you have. More information on this is available on the UK government website Student visa : Apply online - GOV.UK

Since 1 January 2024, the dependant rule has changed. In order to bring dependents to the UK, you must be one of the following:

- a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8)

- a research-based higher degree

For more information visit the UK Government website

During the visa application process, you may find UKVI contact you for further information:

- they may wish to verify your supporting documents

- you may be invited to an interview

- you may be required to provide more information

In some cases, a decision can be received within 3 weeks; however, this largely depends on when you apply, as certain times of the year are busier and may lead to longer processing times. Please note that decisions are made by the UK Government and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official UK Government website Visa processing times: applications outside the UK - GOV.UK

From the start date on your visa

You should try to arrive before your course starts, however, the start date on your visa is the earliest you should arrive in the UK. If your visa application is approved, the earliest you can arrive in the UK before your course begins is:

- If your course lasts 6 months or less, you should be able to arrive up to 1 week before your course start date

- If your course lasts more than 6 months, you should be able to arrive up to 1 month before your course start date

The first few weeks of university are particularly important, as this is when programme and course inductions, international inductions, Freshers’ Week, and other activities designed to foster integration take place. During this period, students become familiar with their academic journey, meet their peers, and begin teaching.

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