Getting your Visa

Congratulations, you're on your way to pursuing one of our brilliant courses at Birmingham City University, and we're here to help you through it all. Now you've got your CAS, it's time to begin your Visa applications to the UK. This is the most essential part of your journey. We've got a checklist to help you through that process.

How to get your Visa

1) Apply to the right Visa category

Ensure you are making an application to the Student Visa category. This is the category students (Undergraduate or Postgraduate) need to help them come to the UK. A Student Visa application fee will cost £524, and you'll also have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when you apply.

2) Submit all of your documents

Ensure you submit all relevant documents. This should include:

1. Your educational qualifications (transcripts and certificates). Add in your school documents, even if you're applying for a postgraduate programme.
2. Your IELTS score card (those with exemptions based on school qualifications DO NOT forget to attach your High school-level certificates)
3. Two letters of reference (these are ideally the ones you submitted as part of your application, too)
4. Personal statement (we encourage all of our students to have one ready, even though it's not mandatory for our international students). See resources to help you with your personal statement.
5. The CAS Letter we sent you.
6. The bank statement shows funds for tuition and living expenses.
• Attach those receipts if you have paid your fee or your accommodation fee beforehand.
• If you show details of your parents' accounts, include an authorisation letter from the parent declaring they are sponsoring you and your birth certificate.
• We do not accept sponsorships from other family members besides your parents, as communicated during the application process. Do take care of this.
7. Tuberculosis test results depend on the country. This is something your local immigration officer should be able to advise you on. Find out more information on which countries require this.
8. Immigration Health Surcharge: How much you pay depends on how long your visa lasts. You will pay for this charge as part of your visa application process.

3) Book your Visa appointment in time

Always be prepared for Visa processing delays. Book your interview appointment, keeping enough time for delays, if any. You can check the processing times on the UK government website.

4) Prepare for and complete your interview

You are not expected to know English history from the beginning of time to be allowed into the UK. However, it would be best if you learned a few basics, like:

1. Why are you applying to the UK to study?
2. What were your other choices? Why did you choose England?
3. Why Birmingham City University?
4. What do you plan to do after your course?
5. You could also have a list of places you want to visit ready to show your interest.

Visa authorities are there to help you should you stumble. Go easy and just be yourself. Dress smart yet comfortable and be intelligent and confident!

See our full guide to your credibility interview.

Your next steps:

• Apply for accommodation
• Enrol online
• Arrange your medical insurance
• Arrange your travel to the UK and your arrival