UK Visa Requirements for Nepali Students

If you are a Nepali student planning to study in the UK, it is important to stay updated on the ever-changing UK visa regulations. Typically, you will need a Tier 4 (General) student visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for the duration of your studies. To obtain this visa, you must meet several important criteria.
Firstly, it is mandatory to demonstrate your English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Secondly, you must provide financial documentation showing that you can cover both tuition fees and living costs. Thirdly, it is essential to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your chosen educational institution. Any discrepancies in your application can lead to visa denial, so it is crucial to stay informed about the latest visa guidelines and requirements. It is highly recommended to seek expert advice on UK visa requirements for Nepali students to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Short-term Study Visa

This visa is suitable if you plan to study in the UK for a short duration, either up to 6 months or up to 11 months if studying an English Language course. To qualify, you must be enrolled with an institution that either holds a Tier 4 license or has accreditation from a recognized body (e.g., BAC, Accreditation UK, ABLS, ASIC).
Restrictions for Short-term Study Visa Holders:

  • Employment: You cannot work in the UK.
  • Education: You are not permitted to study at a state school.
  • Family: You cannot bring family members with you; they must apply separately.
  • Extensions: You cannot extend your stay in the UK.

Tier 4 (Child) Visa

This visa applies to individuals aged 4-17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK. Suitable travel, reception, and care arrangements must be in place during your stay in the UK.
Restrictions for Tier 4 (Child) Visa Holders:

  • Public Education:You are not allowed to study at publicly funded schools.
  • Employment: You cannot take a full-time permanent job or be self-employed.
  • Institution Changes: You must inform UKVI before changing institutions.
  • Care Arrangements: Any changes in your care arrangements must be reported to UKVI.

Tier 4 (General) Visa

Designed for adult students or those pursuing post-16 education, this visa allows you to study a course that lasts longer than six months.
Requirements to Apply for a Tier 4 (General) Visa:

  • Course Application:You must have applied to a course with an approved Tier 4 sponsor.
  • CAS: A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is required.
  • Documentation: Provide all necessary supporting documents.
  • Funds: You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
  • English Proficiency: You must demonstrate an appropriate level of English for your course.

When to Apply:

Submit your visa application three months before the start of your course.

UK Entry:

You can arrive in the UK up to one month before your course begins, provided it is longer than six months.

Visa Application Checklist for UK

  • Appointment letter and completed online application forms
  • CAS letter
  • Tuberculosis (TB) certificate
  • Original passport
  • Two copies of the passport’s data and alteration pages
  • Copies of all previous UK visas and stamps (if applicable)
  • Academic documents (degree certificates, 12th and 10th grade transcripts)
  • One academic reference letter
  • Work experience certificate (if applicable)
  • Bank balance confirmation letter showing sufficient funds held for at least 28 days before visa submission
  • Sponsorship letter from parents or legal guardians (if they are sponsoring you)
  • Birth certificate of the student in both the native language and English translation
  • Birth certificate of sponsors in both the native language and English translation (if parents/legal guardians are sponsoring)
  • Other relevant documents if required

UK Visa Application Process

  1. 1. Submit your visa application online via: UK Government Visa Site.
  2. 2. Choose your service and find an application center via: Application Centers.
  3. 3. Pay the healthcare surcharge (£400 per year) here: Healthcare Surcharge Payment.
  4. 4. Book an appointment for document submission.
  5. 5. Attend the appointment, arriving 15 minutes early.

Visa Fees for UK:

  • Standard visa application cost is £348 (from outside the UK).
  • Priority Visa Service: Decision within 5 working days – USD 288.
  • Super Priority Visa Service: Decision by the next business day – USD 1,254.
  • Processing time for standard applications is typically three weeks.

Dependent Visa Applications for UK

Tier 4 (General) students can bring dependents with them to the UK under certain conditions:

  • If you are government-sponsored and studying a full-time course longer than six months, OR
  • You are enrolled in a full-time postgraduate course lasting 9 months or more at a Higher Education Institution (HEI).

The funds required for dependents vary based on the student’s location:

  • If studying in London: £845 per month of your immigration permission, up to a maximum of £7,605 for 9 months.
  • If studying outside London: £680 per month of immigration permission, up to a maximum of £6,120 for 9 months.

Note: Tier 4 (Child) students are not allowed to bring dependents, and it's not recommended for Bachelor applicants to include dependents like girlfriends or boyfriends, as most are not of legal marriage age.

UK Student Visa Interview

A credibility interview is part of the Tier 4 visa application process, introduced by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) to verify students' genuineness. The interview is by invitation only, typically lasting around 30 minutes, and conducted via video link or phone call with a Home Office staff member based in Sheffield, UK.
Interview Topics May Include:

  • Your reasons for choosing the course and university.
  • Why you decided to study in the UK instead of your home country.
  • Details about your study funding.
  • Information about your sponsors.

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for UK

As part of your visa application, you will also need to obtain a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from UKVI. This requires scheduling an appointment to have your fingerprints scanned and a digital photo of your face taken.