UK Student Visa Support
The UK Student route is procedurally clear and unforgiving about detail. Two things catch Pakistani applicants: how the money must be held, and an interview that is not on most checklists.
CAS comes first
You cannot apply without a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. A reference number issued by your university once it has an unconditional offer and, usually, a tuition deposit from you.
The CAS carries the details the Home Office assesses against: course, dates, fees, and what the university recorded about your qualifications and English. Anything wrong on it has to be corrected by the university before you apply, not explained afterwards.
The 28-day rule
This is the requirement that produces the most avoidable refusals. Maintenance funds must be held for 28 consecutive days, and the closing balance on your evidence must be dated within a set window before you apply. Dipping below the required amount on any one of those days resets the clock entirely.
The amount itself depends on your course length and whether you will study inside or outside London. Students routinely evidence the right figure over the wrong period, or use an account whose ownership they cannot demonstrate. Funds in a parent's account need the relationship and their consent documented.
The credibility interview
Many applicants are interviewed, usually by video. It is short and it is genuinely decisive: caseworkers refuse on credibility grounds even where the paperwork is complete.
The questions are simple and hard to fake. Why this course, why this university, what modules does it contain, what does it cost, who is paying, what will you do afterwards. An applicant who cannot describe their own course convincingly reads as someone who chose an agent rather than a degree, and we prepare for it accordingly.
The rest of the file
- The immigration health surcharge, paid as part of the application, covering you for NHS access.
- An approved English test where your CAS does not already record an exemption.
- ATAS clearance for certain sensitive science and technology subjects. Check early because it takes weeks.
- Tuberculosis screening at an approved clinic, required for applicants from Pakistan.
- Academic documents matching exactly what the university recorded on the CAS.
UK study visa plans
No plans are listed for this service right now.
Talk to a consultantFrequently asked questions
What is a CAS and when do I get it?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is a reference number your university issues once you hold an unconditional offer and usually have paid a tuition deposit. You cannot apply for the UK student visa without it, and it carries the course, dates and fees the Home Office checks, so verify every detail.
What is the 28-day rule for UK student visa funds?
Your funds must stay at the required amount for 28 consecutive days before you apply. Dropping below on any day can sink the application. The amount depends on course length and whether you study in London.
Will I be interviewed for a UK student visa?
Many applicants are interviewed, usually by video. The credibility interview checks why you chose this course and university, what the modules are and who pays. Applicants who cannot describe their own course are often refused.
Do I need a tuberculosis test for a UK student visa?
Yes. Applicants from Pakistan need a tuberculosis test at an approved clinic and the certificate goes with the application. Book early so the result is ready.
What is ATAS and does my course need it?
ATAS is a clearance certificate needed for postgraduate study in some sensitive science and technology subjects. It can take weeks, so check as soon as you get an offer.
Not sure this is the right route for you?
Send us your profile and we will tell you where you stand before you pay for anything.