Applying for a Student Visa from outside the UK
If you want to apply for a Student Visa from outside the UK, follow the steps below.
Latest updates
Where possible we would advise you not to book flights to the UK that cannot be rescheduled or refunded until you have received your passport and vignette (visa). UKVI's processing times for visa applications are only a guide and they can vary, especially at busy times. UKVI are unlikely to expedite applications on the basis that you have travel to the UK already booked.
Up-to-date information on visa processing times
Step 1: Request a CAS
New students
When you receive your unconditional offer, follow the instructions given to you by our Admissions Service.
Continuing students
Request your CAS from ISSAC using casenquiries@sheffield.ac.uk, including your full name and registration number.
Step 2: Check your details
Once your CAS has been issued, check it carefully to ensure that:
- All of your personal and course details are correct
- Your CAS shows any fee payments to the University
- Your CAS has a note to confirm details of any scholarships you receive from the University. Scholarships you receive from elsewhere will not be included on your CAS
- Your CAS shows any accommodation payments you have made to the University (if applicable)
Step 3: Prepare financial and supporting documents
Once you have checked your details, you need to prepare your financial and supporting documents.
Examples of supporting documents
- To meet the financial requirements you must have had the required minimum balance in your bank account for at least 28 days before you submit your application (unless you are using an alternative method to meet the requirement such as official financial sponsorship or a loan - see the Supporting documents page for more information).
- You must submit the visa application within 31 days of your bank document being issued.
- The submission date for your visa application is the date that you pay your application fee online.
- Any dependents applying with you must also meet the financial requirements: Dependants and Student Visas overseas
Step 4: Complete visa application form
Any dependants (spouse/partner and or children) applying with you will need to complete a separate application form and pay the application fees separately. You cannot add dependants to your application form when applying for the Student visa outside the UK.
Once you have prepared your documents, you must register and complete the visa application form below. Use the guide that you can download at the bottom of this page to help you. The guide covers many common questions asked about the application form and will help you to avoid making mistakes.
To complete the visa application form you must:
- Pay the visa fees AND the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Book an appointment at a visa application centre (unless you are eligible to use the app to confirm your identity - see Step 5 below for more details).
If applying for a Student visa outside the UK, you must apply either:
- In your country of nationality, or
- In the country in which you are living (this means a country where you are there lawfully for a reason other than a short-term visit)
Step 5: Attend appointment at visa application centre (for some applications)
You will either be required to book an appointment at a visa application centre, or you will be invited to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document and upload a photograph of yourself.
After you confirm your nationality, the first few screens of the online form advise you whether you will need to attend a biometric appointment, or if you can use the app.
If you need to attend an appointment, you will be invited to book an appointment after submitting your visa application online.
You may also be asked to attend a credibility interview.
Step 6: Check the results of your application
If your application is successful:
- When you attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre, you will be issued with a visa vignette valid for one journey to the UK. You must travel to the UK before the vignette expires and you will collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after you arrive in the UK.
- If you have used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, you will be given a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online.
- Where the visa you have been granted is less than 6 months in length, and you did not use ID: check app to confirm your identity, you will just receive a vignette for covering the whole duration of your visa. You will not get a BRP.
If your visa application has been granted:
Check the length and conditions of your visa are correct.
If anything on your visa vignette, digital status or your visa decision letter is incorrect:
Contact your visa application centre.
Where your application has been refused:
Complete the form below.
If you encounter any further problems:
Visit prblems with Student Visa application.
For any further questions, contact International Student Support, Advice & Compliance.
University of Sheffield International College (USIC) students
If you're a USIC student progressing to the University of Sheffield, the page below provides specific information about your visa application and when each step of the process will take place.
New International College students
See also:
CAS Frequently Asked Questions
Contact UK Visas and Immigration