Visa Application Assistance and Checking Bank Statements for UK Study

Securing your UK Student Route visa is mostly about timing, documents, and proving you can fund your studies. This guide walks international students through every step — from booking a credibility interview to submitting bank statements that meet UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) rules — and highlights when professional visa support can help.

1) Know the Student Route basics

• CAS first, visa second: You need an unconditional offer and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) before applying.
• Apply early: You can submit your application up to 6 months before your course start date from outside the UK. Aim for at least 8–10 weeks ahead to allow for biometrics and possible interviews.
• Financial proof window: Bank statements must show funds held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before your application date.
• Dependants: Only certain postgraduate and government-sponsored students can bring dependants under current rules — check your course eligibility.

2) Calculate how much money you must show

• Tuition: First year’s tuition (or the full course fee if shorter than 12 months), minus any deposits already paid and recorded on your CAS.
• Living costs: £1,334 per month in London or £1,023 per month elsewhere, for up to 9 months.
• Example (studying in Birmingham): Tuition £16,000 – £4,000 deposit = £12,000 outstanding. Living: £1,023 × 9 = £9,207. Total to show: £21,207 held for 28 days.

3) Get your bank statements right the first time

• Acceptable formats: Official bank statements, electronic statements stamped by the bank, or a bank letter confirming balance and 28-day history.
• Account types that work: Current, savings, fixed-term deposits that allow immediate withdrawal; parents’ accounts are accepted with a consent letter and birth certificate.
• Common refusals to avoid:
  • Balance dips below the required amount for even 1 day.
  • Statements older than 31 days.
  • Screenshots without a bank stamp or logo.
  • Funds in mutual funds, crypto, or locked investments.
• Currency proof: Provide the original statement and, if not in GBP, include an OANDA or xe.com printout from the date of your closing balance.

4) Assemble the supporting documents

• Passport (valid for your full study period).
• CAS statement (with tuition payments recorded).
• ATAS certificate if your course requires it.
• TB test results if you are from a listed country.
• Academic qualifications listed on your CAS.
• Translations for any non-English/ non-Welsh documents.
• Financial documents: Bank statements or education loan letters that meet UKVI rules.

5) Step-by-step application timeline

1. Week 0–2: Receive CAS; check every detail (name spelling, course dates, paid fees).
2. Week 2–3: Finalise bank statements and translations; book a priority slot if you need faster processing.
3. Week 3–4: Complete the online application, pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and book biometrics.
4. Week 4–6: Attend biometrics; respond quickly to any UKVI requests for additional documents.
5. Week 6–8: Receive a decision; collect your vignette and plan BRP/online status pickup once in the UK.

6) When professional visa assistance helps

• Complex finances: Mixed funds (sponsor plus personal savings) or multiple currencies.
• Previous refusals: An adviser can audit your documents against refusal reasons and draft a covering letter.
• Tight timelines: Priority processing requires perfectly prepared files; professional checking reduces rejections.
• Credibility interviews: Mock interviews can help you articulate course choice, finances, and career plans clearly.

7) Choose a reputable adviser

• Look for OISC-registered advisers or solicitors specialising in Student Route visas.
• Ask for a document checklist, turnaround time, and whether they will review your bank evidence line by line.
• Ensure they understand post-study Graduate Route options so your course choice aligns with your long-term plans.

8) Quick bank statement checklist

• 28 full days of required funds maintained without dips.
• Statement date within 31 days of application.
• Name, account number, bank logo, currency, and running balance visible on each page.
• Translated and stamped if not English/Welsh.
• Parent’s consent letter and proof of relationship if using family funds.

9) Strengthen your application narrative

• In the application form and interview, connect why this course, why this university, and how you will fund it.
• Mention any scholarships, deposits paid, or guaranteed accommodation to show realistic planning.
• For career goals, link UK course content to employer demand in your home country or target market.

10) Frequently asked questions

• Can I use an educational loan? Yes, if it is from a regulated lender and the letter confirms the amount, your name, and that funds are available for study in the UK.
• Do fixed deposits count? Only if the funds are accessible; provide a letter from the bank confirming instant withdrawal.
• What if my course is under 9 months? Show living costs for the full course length, not exceeding 9 months.
• How long should my passport be valid? Ideally for the full study period plus a few months; renew before applying if it expires soon.

Final tip for international students

Submit early, double-check every bank statement page, and consider a professional document review if you are unsure. A clean, well-documented file keeps your visa timeline on track and lets you focus on starting your UK degree with confidence.