TUF Guides

Applying for a UK Student Visa and setting up your eVisa

Every step of the UK Student Visa application: CAS, proof of funds, the VFS biometrics appointment, setting up your eVisa and what to carry on arrival.

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Visas & entry / Part 1

UK Student Visa Part 1｜Applying online

From CAS to booking your appointment — a step-by-step you can follow on a first application

When does the UK Student Visa application actually open? What is a CAS? What is the IHS? How much is the visa fee? Do you really not have to submit proof of funds? And what is VFS?

This is Part 1, the online application. It follows the order you will really meet the steps in, from receiving your CAS to booking your biometrics appointment.

How the UK Student Visa application actually runs

Process map

In practice the run usually looks like this:

1

Your university issues your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

2

Fill in the Student Visa application on GOV.UK

3

Pay the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)

4

Pay the Student Visa application fee

5

Get redirected to VFS Global to book your appointment and upload documents

6

Go to the VFS visa centre for biometrics (fingerprints and photo)

Before you start: is all of this ready?

A quick check before you begin:

  • You have your CAS number
  • Your passport has enough validity left
  • A credit card that can take a large overseas transaction
  • An email address you actually check
  • A clear block of time (do the online application in one sitting if you can)

Think of the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) as the university formally confirming your place and authorising you to apply for the visa.

Without a CAS you cannot apply for a Student Visa at all.

The university issues it once it has confirmed you meet the entry conditions. If you already hold an unconditional offer but the CAS still has not arrived, chase the university — do not wait quietly.

Check all of this the moment your CAS arrives

Go through every line:

  • Name as it appears in English
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Passport number
  • Course name
  • Course start date
  • Course end date
  • If anything is wrong, get the university to fix it before you apply — your CAS and visa record are linked.

TUF tip: check your passport validity first

  • If your passport has less than about two years left, renew it first and then ask the university to issue the CAS against the new passport.
  • Why: The CAS is tied to your passport details. Renewing after the CAS has been issued means asking the university to update it, which is avoidable hassle.