UK Student Visa: Complete Guide to the Student Route (Tier 4 Replacement)

The UK’s immigration landscape changed significantly when the Student Route replaced the Tier 4 visa system. If you’re planning to study in the UK, understanding these changes is crucial for a successful application. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the current Student Route visa system.

From Tier 4 to Student Route: What Changed and Why It Matters

The UK Student Route visa officially replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa on October 5, 2020, as part of the UK’s new points-based immigration system. This wasn’t just a name change—it represented a fundamental shift in how the UK approaches international student applications.

Timeline of the transition:

• June 2019: Initial announcement of the new immigration system
• October 2020: Student Route launches, replacing Tier 4
• January 2021: Full implementation across all UK visa processing centers
• Present: Ongoing refinements and digital improvements

Key differences from Tier 4: The Student Route operates on a points-based system where applicants must score 70 points to qualify. Unlike the previous Tier 4 system, which relied heavily on documentary evidence, the Student Route emphasizes digital verification and streamlined processes.

What this means for you: The application process is now more straightforward, with clearer requirements and faster processing times. However, the financial and academic standards remain rigorous.

For existing Tier 4 holders: If you currently hold a Tier 4 visa, you can continue using it until it expires. When extending or switching, you’ll apply under the Student Route system.

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Many applicants assume the Student Route is “easier” than Tier 4. The standards are just as high, but the process is more efficient. Don’t let the streamlined system fool you into being less thorough with your application.

Student Route Requirements: The 70-Point System Explained

The Student Route uses a points-based system where you must achieve exactly 70 points to qualify. Here’s how the points break down and what each requirement really means.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) – 50 Points

Your CAS is the foundation of your application. This electronic document from your UK education provider contains crucial information about your course and personal details.

What really happens behind the scenes: Your education provider must assign you a CAS number within their annual allocation. Each provider has a limited number of CAS they can issue, making this a valuable commodity. The CAS system is directly linked to Home Office databases, allowing real-time verification of your offer.

Critical CAS requirements:

• Must be from a licensed Student sponsor
• Issued within 6 months of your application
• Course must be at the appropriate academic level
• Duration must match your intended study period

Common mistake we’ve seen: Accepting a CAS without verifying the course details match your academic transcripts. Even minor discrepancies can lead to automatic refusal.

If you’re applying from Nigeria, India, or Pakistan: These countries have historically higher refusal rates for CAS-related issues. Double-check that your CAS reflects your exact qualifications and that your education provider has properly verified your previous study.

Financial Requirements – 10 Points

You must prove you can financially support yourself during your studies. The current requirements are:

• £1,334 per month for up to 9 months for study in London
• £1,023 per month for up to 9 months for study outside London
• Plus full course fees for the first year

What this means for you: These amounts must be held in your account (or your parents’ account with proper documentation) for a consecutive 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before your application.

Behind the scenes insight: The Home Office uses sophisticated financial verification systems that can detect unusual banking patterns. Sudden large deposits or funds that appear temporarily are red flags.

Real red flags that lead to rejection:

• Borrowing money to meet the financial requirement
• Using credit card advances or loans
• Submitting bank statements with unclear transaction histories
• Currency fluctuations that drop your balance below the threshold

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Maintain your financial requirement funds for at least 3 months before applying. This demonstrates genuine financial stability and avoids any questions about fund origins.

English Language Proficiency – 10 Points

You must demonstrate English language ability at the required level for your course. Most undergraduate courses require B2 level (equivalent to IELTS 5.5-6.0), while postgraduate courses typically require C1 level (IELTS 6.5-7.0).

Accepted English tests:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• Pearson Academic (PTE)
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

What really happens behind the scenes: The Home Office maintains a database of all valid English test results. Your test score is automatically verified against this database, so fraudulent certificates are immediately detected.

If you’re from a majority English-speaking country: You may be exempt from English language requirements, but this exemption doesn’t apply to all countries where English is widely spoken.

Academic Qualifications Verification

While not part of the points system, your academic qualifications must be verified and appropriate for your chosen course level.

Critical verification process: Your education provider must verify your qualifications meet their entry requirements before issuing a CAS. For international qualifications, this often involves:

• Official transcript verification
• Degree certificate authentication
• Academic reference verification
• Credential evaluation services

Common mistake: Submitting photocopies instead of certified copies of academic documents. The Home Office requires either original documents or certified copies from official sources.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Navigation

The Student Route application process is entirely online, but understanding the behind-the-scenes workflow helps you avoid common pitfalls.

Step 1: Online Application Submission

The process: Complete your application on the official gov.uk website. The system is designed to be user-friendly, but several critical details often trip up applicants.

What this means for you: The online system automatically calculates your points and flags any missing information. However, it cannot verify the accuracy of your information.

Behind the scenes: Your application is initially processed by automated systems that check for completeness and obvious errors. Applications with missing information or inconsistencies are immediately flagged for manual review, which significantly delays processing.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Rushing through the application form without double-checking every detail. The system allows you to save and return, so take advantage of this feature.

Step 2: Document Upload and Submission

Required documents:

• Valid passport or travel document
• CAS reference number
• Financial evidence (bank statements, scholarship letters)
• English language test results (if applicable)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Tuberculosis test results (if from a listed country)

Digital submission process: Most documents are now uploaded digitally, but the system has specific requirements for file formats and sizes.

What really happens: Your documents undergo both automated and manual verification. The system checks for digital manipulation, while human reviewers verify content accuracy.

Critical formatting requirements:

• PDF format for official documents
• JPEG for photographs
• Maximum file size of 6MB per document
• Clear, readable scans without shadows or distortion

Step 3: Biometric Enrollment

The requirement: Provide fingerprints and a digital photograph at a visa application center or using the UK Immigration: ID Check app (available in some countries).

Behind the scenes: Your biometric data is checked against UK security databases and your previous visa history. This process typically takes 24-48 hours but can be longer if there are any matches requiring manual review.

What this means for you: Schedule your biometric appointment as soon as possible after submitting your application. Delays in biometric enrollment can significantly extend processing times.

If you’re applying from countries with limited visa application centers: Book your appointment well in advance, as slots fill up quickly, especially during peak application periods (June-August).

Step 4: Processing and Decision

Standard processing times:

• 3 weeks for applications from outside the UK
• 8 weeks for applications from inside the UK
• Priority services available for faster processing (additional fee applies)

What really happens during processing: Your application undergoes multiple verification stages:

1. Automated screening (24-48 hours)
2. Document verification (3-5 working days)
3. Background checks (varies by country)
4. Final decision (1-2 working days)

Red flags that extend processing:

• Discrepancies in documentation
• Previous UK visa refusals
• Extended travel history
• Academic qualification verification issues

Work Permissions and Graduate Opportunities

The Student Route offers more flexible work permissions than the previous Tier 4 system, opening up valuable opportunities for international students.

During Your Studies

Work allowances:

• 20 hours per week during term time for degree-level students
• Full-time work during official holiday periods
• Unlimited hours for work placements that are part of your course

What this means for you: These work permissions allow you to gain valuable UK experience and supplement your income, but they come with strict conditions.

Behind the scenes: The Home Office monitors student work compliance through National Insurance number tracking and employer reporting. Violations can result in visa curtailment or future application refusals.

Common mistake: Working more than 20 hours per week during term time, even temporarily. The system tracks your total weekly hours, not daily limits.

Types of work permitted:

• Part-time employment with any employer
• Freelance work (with restrictions)
• Self-employment (limited circumstances)
• Voluntary work (unlimited)

Work restrictions:

• No work as a professional sportsperson
• No work as an entertainer
• No permanent full-time employment
• No work as a doctor in training (without additional permissions)

Graduate Route Pathway

The opportunity: Upon successful completion of your degree, you can apply for a Graduate Route visa, allowing you to work in the UK for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates).

What really happens: The Graduate Route is your pathway to UK employment and potentially permanent residence. Many students use this time to secure skilled employment that qualifies for longer-term visa categories.

Critical timing: You must apply for the Graduate Route before your Student Route visa expires. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances.

Real mistake we’ve seen: Assuming the Graduate Route is automatic. You must still meet eligibility requirements and submit a separate application with the required fee.

Compliance and Monitoring: Staying on Track

The UK maintains sophisticated monitoring systems to ensure Student Route visa holders comply with their conditions. Understanding these systems helps you avoid inadvertent violations.

Attendance and Academic Progress Requirements

Minimum attendance: Your education provider must monitor and report your attendance. Most institutions require at least 80% attendance for visa compliance.

What this means for you: Frequent absences, even for legitimate reasons, can trigger compliance concerns. Always inform your institution immediately if you cannot attend.

Behind the scenes: Your education provider submits regular reports to the Home Office about your attendance and academic progress. Poor attendance can result in visa curtailment.

Academic progress monitoring:

• Regular assessment completion
• Satisfactory grade maintenance
• Timely progression through your program
• Engagement with academic support services

If you’re struggling academically: Proactively engage with your university’s support services. Demonstrating effort to improve your situation is viewed more favorably than ignoring academic difficulties.

Visa Condition Changes and Reporting

Mandatory reporting requirements:

• Change of address within 7 days
• Change of course or institution
• Early completion of studies
• Suspension or exclusion from studies
• Any criminal convictions

What really happens: The Home Office cross-references your reported information with data from multiple sources, including local authorities, educational institutions, and law enforcement.

Critical compliance points:

• Maintain valid passport throughout your stay
• Keep your contact information current
• Notify authorities of any material changes
• Maintain adequate health insurance

Common mistake: Failing to report address changes promptly. This is one of the most frequent compliance violations and can affect future visa applications.

Strategic Considerations for High-Risk Applications

Some nationalities and circumstances face higher scrutiny in the Student Route application process. Understanding these factors helps you prepare a stronger application.

Country-Specific Considerations

If you’re applying from Nigeria:

• Provide extensive financial documentation showing long-term financial stability
• Include detailed academic progression evidence
• Consider obtaining additional character references
• Ensure all documents are properly authenticated

If you’re applying from India:

• Academic credential verification is particularly rigorous
• Provide comprehensive employment history (if applicable)
• Include detailed study plans and career objectives
• Ensure English test scores significantly exceed minimum requirements

If you’re applying from Pakistan:

• Financial evidence scrutiny is particularly intense
• Previous travel history is closely examined
• Academic institution verification is extensive
• Consider professional document authentication services

Strengthening Your Application

Nice-to-have elements that significantly strengthen applications:

Financial evidence beyond requirements:

• 6-12 months of bank statements showing consistent income
• Investment portfolio statements
• Property ownership documentation
• Scholarship awards from recognized institutions

Academic credentials enhancement:

• Professional qualification certifications
• Academic awards and honors
• Research publications or presentations
• Letters of recommendation from academic supervisors

Personal statement optimization:

• Clear career progression plan
• Specific knowledge of UK education system
• Demonstrated ties to home country
• Realistic post-graduation objectives

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Submit a comprehensive study plan outlining your academic objectives, career goals, and how UK education specifically serves these purposes.