Get a personalized preparation timeline based on your course start date
Here's a general timeline for UK Student Visa preparation:
You can apply for your visa up to 6 months before your course starts. Start gathering documents.
Put money in your bank account now. It needs to sit for 28 consecutive days, plus you need buffer time.
Get your TB test done (valid for 6 months). Your university should issue your CAS around this time.
This is the optimal time to submit your visa application. Your 28-day POF period should be complete.
Attend your VFS appointment for fingerprints and photo. Book early during peak season.
Standard processing is 3 weeks (15 working days). Check email regularly for any additional document requests.
Once approved, link your eVisa, collect passport, and book travel. You can arrive up to 1 month before course starts.
You can enter the UK up to 1 month before your course starts (or 1 week if course is under 6 months).
July-September is peak application season. Processing times may be longer and VFS appointments harder to book. Apply earlier if your course starts in September/October.