VFS UK Student Visa 2024: Fees, Appointment, Documents Required, Process

The Visa Application Centres for UK visas are operated by VFS Global. VFS Global has an official partnership with the Immigration and UK Visas. VFS Global provides various services which include passports, visas, priority visa services, consular services, checking of applications and documents, premium lounges and other services. For queries related to VFS UK student visa, students can reach out to the VFS centre, which handles the visa application centres for the UK Border Agency in India.

VFS UK Student Visa Fees

As per the information available on its official website, the VFS service fee of one visa applicant is 22 EUR. VFS UK student visa fees will be paid online via credit card, debit card, cash or through UPI. VFS UK student visa fee is non-refundable. The Visa fees will be paid at the VFS center in the local currency.

VFS UK Student Visa Appointment

After applying for the visa, applicants will be required to give their biometrics i.e. the visa appointment with VFS Global. Students will go through the points below to learn how they can take the VFS UK Student Visa appointment, upload the documents, and learn what to expect when they go for the visa appointment. VFS Global is an organisation which connects the applicant and the UK Home Office. After the visa payment via the VFS Global website, the applicant will have a GWF number (reference number). After that, candidates will have to log in through their GWF number and Email ID for visa application and book the VFS UK Student Visa appointment.

Read more about: Student Visa for USA From India

VFS UK Student Visa Document Checklist

To ensure a smooth visa application process, it's crucial to be prepared with all the necessary VFS UK student visa document checklists. Candidates can go through the complete article to know about the VFS Student Visa requirements and the items need to carry.

• Visa Application Form (filled out)

• Document Checklist Form

• VFS Appointment Letter

• Visa Application and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees paid printout

• Valid Passport

• Financial Statements

• No Objection Certificate (Affidavit)

• Birth Certificate

• CAS Letter

• Consent Letter and Proof of Relationship

• Tuberculosis (TB) Certificate

• Educational Documents or Evidence

• IELTS scores

• Employment Evidence

• Work Experience Documents

• Proof of Accommodation

• Medical Certificate

• Sponsor Evidence

After uploading all necessary documents, applicants will get an appointment confirmation mentioning the central address, date and time and others. Once the applicant uploads all documents online and no need to carry any physical copies when they go for the VFS UK Student Visa appointment. The applicant will only have to carry the original passport. After the applicants are done with their self-uploads and have taken the appointment, they have to reach out to the VFS Office before 15 minutes of the appointment time.

More about: Student Visa Abroad

How to track VFS UK Student Visa?

Candidates will be able to track the VFS UK Student Visa through their email. If they can’t access the email or want more information about VFS UK Student visa tracking, they can get all updates via SMS directly to their phone. Applicants can track the VFS UK Student Visa application online by using their GWF reference number, Email ID and last name. If the applicant opts for the courier service, they can track the shipment online after the decision is made on the visa application.

VFS UK Student Visa Priority Service

Students who are facing delays in their visa applications, don’t know that there is an option for faster visa processing within five business days which is known as Regular Priority Service. The second one is known as the VFS UK Student Visa Super Priority Service. In the regular priority service, the visas offer a processing time of five days. Basically, it prioritises the application, moving it to the front of the queue for processing by Visas and Immigration UKVI. It is important to note that only work days are counted in this period. If a candidate is eligible, they can choose the priority service when they apply.

See Also: Documents Required for US Student Visa

What is Super Priority Service UK?

The UK Visa Super Priority Service works similarly. The main difference is that it is reviewed faster than the UK priority visa processing time. The Home Office will deliver the decision by the end of the next working day, after submitting an application with this service. The VFS UK Priority Visa service is available for different types of visa:

• All visitor visa customers

• Short term student

• Overseas Domestic Worker

• Student, Child Student and Student Dependant visas (including Parent of a Child Student)

• Temporary Work and dependants

• Global Business Mobility and dependants

• Youth Mobility Scheme

• Scale Up Worker and dependants

• UK Ancestry and dependants

• Minister of Religion and dependants

• Global Talent and dependants

• International Sportsperson and dependants

• Health and Care Workers and dependants

• Skilled Workers and dependants

• Replacement BRP

• High Potential Individuals and Dependants

• Vignette Transfer

• Start-Up and dependants

• Innovator and dependants

VFS UK Student Visa Processing Time

As we all know, applying for a UK Visa can be a stressful and complex process. The Home Office has set specific timelines for processing different types of visa applications. For those applying from outside the UK (entry clearance), non-settlement visa applications such as Standard Visitor visas, are typically processed within 15 working days.

On the other hand, settlement applications like family visas, may take upto to 24 weeks. For applicants within the UK, the processing time varies widely. Applications for leave to remain for instance, as a spouse, worker or student are generally processed within 8 weeks under the standard service. Applications for indefinite leave to remain are expected to take around 6 months. For those in urgent need of travel, the Home Office offers priority and super-priority services at an additional cost. The priority service aims to return a decision within 5 working days, while the super priority service targets a 24-hour turnaround.

Factors influencing the VFS UK Student visa processing time

Several factors can influence how long it takes for the application to be processed. These include the accuracy of the application, the need for additional evidence, the complexity of the application, the volume of provided evidence, the capacity of the caseworkers and the broader global political issues.

These elements can significantly extend processing times beyond the standard periods. Understanding these VFS UK student visa processing times and factors can better prepare applicants for the waiting period and reduce the uncertainty often associated with visa applications to the UK.

VFS UK Student Visa Application Process

• Complete the online application form on website GOV.UK. Apply for the visa before the travel dates.

• After completing the online form and visa fee payment, applicants will be redirected to the VFS Global website for registration.

• Upload all the necessary documents online.

• Once the appointment is booked, they will be asked to review and confirm the choices and pay for services that they selected.

• Following that, candidates will have to arrive at visa application centre 15 minutes before the appointed time along with the appointment letter, document checklist, travel and supporting documents.

Conclusion

VFS Global has transformed the visa experience, weaving in comfort and convenience at every step of the applicant journey. It support millions of travellers across 153 countries with seamless processes, helping them discover the world.