BE PREPARED

Welcome to Chichester International’s Online Preparation Guide

Applying for your Visa

This webpage aims to guide you on your Student Route visa application. Please read this section carefully and contact Chichester International Advice (international@chi.ac.uk) at the University if you have any questions regarding the application process.

If you are applying for a different visa route (such as the short-term visa/ visitor visa), you can visit our website for more information on what type of visa you need. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us or refer to official government guidance for advice. Additionally, anyone who needs support with extending their visa or switching from another visa in the UK is welcome to contact us directly.

You can find the official Student Route guidance on the UK Government website. This, alongside the UKCISA Website, are the main ways to access the most up-to-date information.

International student advisers at the University will refer to these for most immigration information, advice and guidance.

GOV.UK Student Route Guidance  
UKCISA Student Immigration

Understanding the Student Route Visa

The Student Route is a visa that allows international students to study on certain eligible courses within the UK.

The UK Home Office uses a Points Based immigration system (PBS) to assess visa eligibility. To be eligible for a Student Route visa, you need 70 points.

What you get points for:

Studying with an educational sponsor (University Of Chichester)

50 Points

Financial: Having enough money for course fees and monthly living costs. 

10 Points

English Language: Meeting the English Language requirement. 

10 Points

Please visit our website “What do I need to apply” section for information on how to score these points.

Please visit our CAS request form and CAS eligibility interview section to find out how to get your CAS.

How to apply for a Student Route visa?

The Student Route is a visa that allows international students to study on certain eligible courses within the UK.

The UK Home Office uses a Points Based immigration system (PBS) to assess visa eligibility. To be eligible for a Student Route visa, you need 70 points.

Step 1

Check your CAS for any errors and read the visa information document you receive with your CAS.

Step 2

Check the Student Route visa requirements and have your supporting evidence ready (if required [1]).

Step 3

Submit your visa application online, using your personal information and your CAS [2].

Step 4

Pay the NHS surcharge fee [3].

Step 5

Pay the visa application fee.

Step 6

Upload your supporting documents and book your appointment (if required). 

Step 7

Attend your visa application appointment.

Step 8

Attend a UKVI credibility interview (if invited to do so). [4]

Step 9

Wait for your visa to be granted.

[1] Students from countries that are listed on the on the differential evidence requirement list, are not required to provide documentary evidence as part of their application. See Appendix Student ST 22.

Those who need to submit evidence, should visit our website to see how to calculate the amount of money you need to have and what type of evidence you need to show. It is important that you get your financial evidence ready well in advance.

[2] How to apply online: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply

[3] Calculate your health surcharge payment: https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type

[4] Credibility interviews explained: See the “credibility interview” section on our visa website to find out more.

How long does it take to get your visa?

Visa processing times vary depending on the time of the year and location, but typically you can expect to have your visa decision within 3 weeks of your visa application appointment or when you used the ID check app. For more information, please visit GOV.UK visa decision waiting times. You will need your visa before you can travel to the UK.

Want to know more?

Check the UKVI website for more information on what you need and how to apply for a Student Visa. Click here.

For USA specific information on student visas, please click here.

Please check the full eligibility criteria and requirements on our Student Route visa website.

Need information on protecting your visa status?

FAQ Student visa Frequently Asked Questions

Search BePrepared

Please enter your search term below (i.e. “Visa” or “Accommodation”)