As of 12 August 2022, UKVI have resumed Priority Visa (PV) and Super Priority Visa (SPV) services for new student visa applications (in existing locations). Please note that Priority services are not available in all locations and customers should click here to determine whether their selected application centre offers the service.
Please see below key messages and Q&A which can be used proactively/reactively to assist your students with queries you may receive.
Key Messages:
- August is the peak period for student visa applications, students should apply as soon as they have their documents ready and well in advance of their course start date.
- Student visa applications are currently taking on average 3 weeks to process.
Q&A
How long will my Student visa take?
Student visa applications are currently taking on average 3 weeks to process. UKVI is currently experiencing very high global demand and summer is peak period for student visa applications so there may be delays receiving a decision. The latest global decision waiting times can be found on: www.gov.uk/guidance/visa-decision-waiting-times-applications-outside-the-uk#study-in-the-uk On 12 August UKVI resumed Priority Visa (PV) and Super Priority Visa (SPV) services for new student visa applications (in existing locations).
Why is there reduced PV availability for Visit visas but not for Student and Work visas?
Priority services for Student visas are not subject to reduced availability. Priority availability for Visit visas has been reduced to help manage significant global demand.
I have already submitted my application at the VAC. Will I be able to get retrospective Priority or Super Priority visa for my student visa application?
No. Retrospective Priority and Super Priority visa services are not available once you have submitted your fingerprints at the VAC.
I booked my VAC appointment last week, and want to upgrade to the priority service – why can’t I do this?
To help manage the significant global demand for visa applications UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will only accept priority visa applications for new Study and Work visa applications made after 12 August. Priority services are only available via the online booking system. This will enable UKVI to continue to deliver standard applications and gradually reduce the overall processing time for all customers.
What if I want to withdraw my standard application and apply using Priority or Super Priority now that it’s available?
You can withdraw an existing or ongoing standard Work or Study visa application. To see if PV/SPV is offered in your location please check the commercial partner website for the location where you will submit your application.
What happens if I have an urgent/ important/ compassionate reason to travel?
Where there are extremely compassionate or compelling circumstances, we may consider expediting specific cases. However, the bar for this is very high and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Customers should make these circumstances known at the visa application centre or by contacting UKVI.
What can I do to help speed up my Student visa application?
There are a few steps you can take to make your application journey smoother and help avoid delays:
- Before you start your application check that you have all the documents you need. This will mean UKVI won’t need to contact you for further documentation.
- Make sure you have your documents ready and try not to rush your application. Check the information you have provided is correct.
- Make sure the funds (proof to show you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK) are stored in your (or your parent’s/legal guardian’s) bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply for your visa. We also advise you add a little extra money to the account to allow for currency fluctuations.
Dependents – can I bring my partner and children with me?
A student’s partner, or children aged under 18 may be able to come to the UK providing the student is studying an eligible course. You can choose to apply for their visa at the same time as you apply for yours or after you have received yours. You must provide proof of your relationship and proof of finances to fund their maintenance. This is in addition to the proof of finances that you will show as part of your own application. For further information, visit: www.gov.uk/student-visa/family-members
If I am applying for my study or work visa with my family, can my family members use the priority visa services?
If you want a faster decision for the whole family, every family member will need to pay the fee for PV/SPV services. You will then get a decision for everyone at the same time.
My institution hasn’t issued my CAS reference number yet, can I apply for my visa?
In order to apply for a Student Visa, you must have received the CAS reference number from your educational sponsor. If you have not yet received a CAS, you should speak to your institution about what you need to do.
There are no visa appointments to book, what should I do?
Appointments are continually being released so if you are not able to get an appointment time to suit you, please keep checking back on the [VFS / TLS] website.
Some locations have more than one appointment centre so if you are not able to find a suitable appointment at your preferred location, you may wish to check availability at other locations near you.
You should consider applying as early as you can so that you have plenty of time to attend your appointment and receive your visa before your course is due to start. Applications can be made up to 6 months before the course start date.
Note: that Priority services are not available in all locations and customers should click here to determine whether their selected application centre offers the service.
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