UK Short term study visa process and document requirement

The UK Short-Term Study Visa allows individuals to study a short course in the UK (up to 6 months, or 11 months for English language courses). It is designed for students who are not planning to pursue a full degree program but want to take part in short-term courses such as:

• Short courses (less than 6 months)
• English language courses (less than 11 months)
• Training programs or workshops

Below is a complete guide on the UK Short-Term Study Visa process and the required documents for Pakistani applicants:

Step-by-Step Process for UK Short-Term Study Visa

Step 1: Check If You Need a Visa

• If you’re a Pakistani citizen, you will need a visa to study in the UK for a short-term course.
• The UK Short-Term Study Visa is for students coming to study for a period of fewer than 6 months (or 11 months for English language courses).

Step 2: Determine Eligibility

To qualify for the UK Short-Term Study Visa, you must:

• Be enrolled in a course that is recognized by the UK government.
• Have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses while in the UK.
• Be able to return to your home country at the end of your study period.
• Be able to provide evidence of your study plans and intentions.

Step 3: Complete the Online Visa Application

1. Go to the UK Government website: Visit ukto begin your application.
2. Fill out the visa application form: Select the appropriate visa type (Short-Term Study Visa) and fill out the application form online.
   • Provide personal details, travel information, and course information.
3. Pay the visa fee: The visa fee for a short-term study visa is typically £97for a 6-month course and £186 for an 11-month English language course. This payment is made online.

Step 4: Book an Appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC)

• After completing the online application, book an appointment at one of the Visa Application Centers (VAC)in Pakistan (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore).
• During the appointment, you will provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) for the visa processing.

Step 5: Gather the Required Documents

Here is a list of documents you will need to submit for a UK Short-Term Study Visa:

Required Documents for UK Short-Term Study Visa (Pakistani Applicants)

1. Valid Passport
   • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you plan to leave the UK.
   • It should have at least one blank page for the visa sticker.
2. Visa Application Form
   • A completed VAF1Aform (online application form) that you submitted and paid for.
3. Visa Fee Payment Receipt
   • Proof of payment for the visa application fee.
4. Photographs
   • Two recent passport-sized photographs (size: 45mm x 35mm) with a white background that meet the UK visa photo requirements.
5. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
   • This is a letter from your UK educational institution confirming your course details and that you are enrolled in a short-term study program. The institution should be a registered provider and offer courses that meet the UKVI criteria.
6. Financial Documents
   • Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK. This includes:
     • Bank statementsfor the last 6 months showing enough balance to cover tuition and living expenses (typically £1,334 per month for living expenses).
     • If someone else is funding your studies, provide their sponsorship letteralong with their financial documents.
     • If applicable, you may need to show that you have paid your tuition fees already.

7. Accommodation Details
   • Proof of where you will stay during your time in the UK. This can be:
     • A letter from the institution stating where you will be staying.
     • If staying with family or friends, an invitation letterfrom your host, detailing the accommodation arrangements.

8. Travel Itinerary
   • Provide your flight details showing your arrival and departure from the UK, along with the date you plan to return to Pakistan.
9. Proof of Your Study Intentions
   • A personal cover letter explaining why you are choosing the UK for your studies, how the course aligns with your future career plans, and your intention to leave the UK after completing your course.
10. Evidence of Previous Qualifications (if applicable)
    • If you are taking a course that builds on previous qualifications, you may need to provide proof of your academic qualifications (e.g., degree certificates, transcripts).
11. English Proficiency (if applicable)
    • Depending on the course, you might be asked to provide evidence of English proficiency, such as an IELTS score or a letter from the institution confirming that the course is conducted in English.
12. Additional Documents (if applicable)
    • If you’re applying for a longer study period (11 months), you may need additional evidence, such as proof that you intend to return to your home country after the course.

Step 6: Submit Your Biometrics and Documents

• On the date of your appointment, visit the Visa Application Center (VAC) with all the required documents. During your appointment, you will provide biometrics(fingerprints and photograph).
• Once submitted, the VAC will send your documents to the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) office for processing.

  • Step 7: Wait for a Decision

    • The processing time for a UK Short-Term Study Visa is typically 15 working days.
    • If your visa is approved, your passport will be returned to you with the visa vignette (sticker).
    • You may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional documents if necessary, which could take longer to process.

    Step 8: Receive Your Visa and Travel to the UK

    • Once your visa is granted, you can collect your passport with the visa stamp from the VAC or receive it by mail (depending on your chosen service).
    • Make sure you carry all necessary documents with you when traveling to the UK, including your passport, visa, proof of course enrollment, financial documents, and any other supporting documents requested during the visa process.

• Important Things to Keep in Mind

  • Intention to Return: The Short-Term Study Visa is for short-term stays only. You must show that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your course. Providing evidence of your ties to Pakistan (such as family, a job, or property) is important for demonstrating this intent.
  • Sufficient Funds: You must be able to show that you can afford the cost of your studies and living expenses in the UK. If you are traveling with dependents, you will need to show extra funds for their stay as well.
  • Limited Work Rights: On a Short-Term Study Visa, you are not allowed to work in the UK, either part-time or full-time. You also cannot extend the visa within the UK or switch to a different visa type from this visa.
  • Duration of Stay: The maximum length of stay on this visa is 6 monthsfor general study, or 11 months for English language courses.