Frequently Asked Questions

To apply for a UK Student Visa, you need: a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK institution, proof of English language proficiency (usually IELTS 6.0+ overall), financial evidence showing you can cover tuition fees and living costs (at least £1,334/month for London or £1,023/month outside London for 9 months), a valid passport, and tuberculosis (TB) test results if applicable. Our consultants will guide you through every step of the process.

The UK Student Visa application fee is £490. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year, which gives you access to the NHS. Additional costs include IELTS test fees (around £195), TB test if required, and your university deposit. Contact us for a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your situation.

Standard processing time for a UK Student Visa is approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) from the date of your biometrics appointment. Priority processing is available for an additional fee and can reduce the wait to around 5 working days. We recommend applying at least 6 weeks before your course start date to allow sufficient time.

Yes! UK Student Visa holders studying at degree level or above can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Students on courses below degree level can work up to 10 hours per week during term time. After completing your degree, you may be eligible for a Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Visa) allowing you to work in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates).

The UK accepts IELTS Academic (UKVI) as the primary English language test. Most universities require an overall score of 6.0-6.5 with no band below 5.5. Some universities also accept TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English, and other Secure English Language Tests (SELTs). If you have studied in an English-speaking country, you may be exempt. We can advise on the best option for your circumstances.

A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a unique reference number issued by your UK university or college. It is essential for your visa application. To receive a CAS, you must first receive an unconditional offer from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor institution, accept the offer, and pay any required deposit. Your institution will then issue the CAS electronically. Our team helps you secure offers and CAS from top UK universities.

You can bring your dependants (spouse/partner and children under 18) if you are studying a postgraduate course of 9 months or longer, or a government-sponsored course of 6 months or longer. Dependants must show they can be maintained and accommodated without public funds. Each dependant needs to pay the visa fee and IHS separately. We assist with dependant visa applications as well.

If your visa is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. Common reasons include insufficient financial evidence, inadequate English scores, or incomplete documentation. You may have the right to an Administrative Review within 28 days. Our Visa Refusal Support service specialises in analysing refusal reasons and preparing stronger re-applications with a high success rate. Contact us immediately if you receive a refusal.

To obtain a Canada Study Permit, you need: a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses (minimum CAD $20,635/year), and return travel, a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, a clean criminal record (police clearance certificate), and a medical examination if required. You must also convince the immigration officer that you will leave Canada after your studies.

The Canada Study Permit application fee is CAD $150 (approximately £90). Additional costs include biometrics fee of CAD $85, medical examination (around £150-£250), police clearance certificate, and your university application/deposit fees. If applying with a spouse, the open work permit fee is CAD $255. Contact us for a complete cost estimate based on your profile.

Processing times for a Canada Study Permit vary by country of residence but typically range from 4 to 16 weeks. Applications from the UK usually take around 4-8 weeks. We strongly recommend applying at least 3 months before your course start date. Using the Student Direct Stream (SDS) can significantly speed up processing to around 20 calendar days for eligible applicants.

Yes! International students in Canada with a valid study permit can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks (summer, winter holidays). You do not need a separate work permit for on-campus or off-campus work. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years, which can lead to permanent residency through Express Entry.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a faster processing pathway for study permit applications. To be eligible, you must have an acceptance letter from a DLI, provide proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD $20,635, show payment of first-year tuition, provide an IELTS score of 6.0 or above in each band, and have a recent medical exam. SDS applications are typically processed within 20 calendar days.

Canada accepts several language tests for study permit applications. For English: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAEL, and Cambridge English. For French: TEF and TCF. Most Canadian universities require IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall. For the Student Direct Stream (SDS), you need IELTS 6.0 in each band. Some programs taught in French require TEF/TCF scores. We help you choose the right test and prepare for it.

Yes! If you are enrolled in a full-time program at a public DLI or certain private institutions, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an Open Work Permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada. Your dependent children can accompany you and attend school. Your spouse will need to submit a separate application with proof of relationship. We handle family applications together for a smooth process.

Yes, Canada offers excellent pathways from student to permanent resident. After completing a program of 8 months or longer at a DLI, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for up to 3 years. Canadian work experience earned on a PGWP can then be used to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or other immigration streams. Many of our clients have successfully transitioned to PR status.