- Visa fee: £558 per applicant from outside the UK.
- IHS: £776 per year at the student and student dependant rate.
- Updated living costs: £1,529/month in London or £1,171/month outside London, up to 9 months, plus outstanding first-year tuition.
- 28-day funds rule: Required money must usually be held for 28 consecutive days. Bank evidence must usually be dated no more than 31 days before the online application date.
- TB certificate required for Pakistani applicants staying 6 months or more — must be from a Home Office-approved clinic.
- ATAS may be required for some postgraduate science, engineering, technology, medicine, AI, cybersecurity, and research-related courses.
- Dependants are restricted. Most undergraduate and taught master's students cannot bring dependants unless a current eligible exception applies.
- Graduate Route rules may change. Students should verify the rule in force at the time they graduate. Do not rely on any promise of Graduate Route approval.
Overview — UK Student Visa for Pakistani Students
The UK Student Visa is for international students aged 16 or above who want to study an eligible course at a licensed UK education provider. Pakistani students usually need a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, also called CAS, before submitting the visa application.
A strong UK Student Visa file is not only about getting admission. The student must also prepare correct financial evidence, meet the 28-day funds rule where required, provide a TB certificate from an approved clinic, check ATAS if relevant, and be ready to explain the course, university, funding, academic history, and future plan clearly.
Shaheen Visa helps Pakistani students review their course choice, admission documents, CAS details, financial evidence, source of funds, parent fund documents, TB/ATAS requirements, credibility interview preparation, previous refusals, and overall Student Visa file before submission.
This page is general guidance only. UKVI fees, financial thresholds, IHS amounts, dependant rules, Graduate Route rules, and university requirements can change. Students should always verify the latest information from GOV.UK and the university before applying.
Who This UK Student Visa Service Is For
For students applying after HSSC, A Levels, IB, foundation, diploma, or previous university study.
For students who need International Foundation Year, pathway, pre-master's, or pre-sessional English guidance.
For students applying for MSc, MA, MBA, LLM, MRes, MEng, or professional postgraduate programs.
For students who need supervisor fit, research proposal direction, ATAS guidance, and credibility preparation.
For students who already have an offer or CAS and need visa file preparation, financial evidence review, and credibility support.
For students using father's or mother's bank account and needing parent consent, relationship proof, and source-of-funds review.
For students who were refused before and need refusal risk review before reapplying.
For students who want to understand whether spouse or children can apply under current UK dependant rules.
How Shaheen Visa Helps With Your UK Student Visa Case
Academic history, marks or CGPA, study gap, work experience, budget, preferred intake, course level, family situation, and previous refusals.
We review CAS details — course title, sponsor, dates, fees, deposit paid, academic documents, English evidence, and ATAS requirement — before visa submission.
We check whether funds appear to meet the required amount, 28-day holding rule, bank statement date rule, and parent fund requirements where applicable.
Salary, business income, tax documents, savings history, sale deed, agricultural income, or other lawful evidence that may support the funds.
We help students understand whether TB and ATAS apply and what should be checked before submitting the Student Visa application.
Truthful, natural, case-specific preparation for course choice, university, funds, sponsor profile, career plan, and UK visa conditions.
For refused students, we review what may have weakened the previous application and whether genuine improvements exist before reapplying.
CAS, funds, forms, academic documents, TB, ATAS, parent consent, and supporting evidence organized so nothing contradicts each other.
UK Student Visa Process Overview
Every step should remain consistent. Your CAS, funds, bank documents, parent consent, academic documents, TB certificate, ATAS, application form, and credibility answers should support the same clear study purpose.
- Review academic profile and study goals
- Choose a suitable UK course and licensed sponsor
- Apply through UCAS, direct university application, or pathway route
- Receive conditional or unconditional offer
- Meet academic, English, deposit, and credibility conditions
- Complete university pre-CAS checks if required
- Receive CAS and check all details carefully
- Prepare 28-day financial evidence and source-of-funds documents
- Complete TB test at a Home Office-approved clinic in Pakistan
- Check ATAS requirement if applicable
- Submit the online Student Visa application
- Pay visa fee (£558) and IHS (£776/year, calculated during application)
- Attend biometrics or complete digital identity steps as instructed
- Wait for UKVI decision (usually around 3 weeks, but delays can happen)
- Travel with key documents after approval
UK Student Visa Fees and Financial Requirements
The Student Visa application fee from outside the UK is £558 per applicant. Students also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge during the application. The student/student dependant IHS rate is currently £776 per year, and the exact amount is calculated during the online application.
Living cost requirement:
- London: £1,529 per month × up to 9 months = £13,761
- Outside London: £1,171 per month × up to 9 months = £10,539
The total required amount is outstanding first-year tuition fees shown on CAS + living costs above. If tuition has already been paid and is shown on the CAS, that amount may reduce the tuition balance to show.
Official fees, IHS amounts, and financial thresholds can change. Verify the latest amounts at GOV.UK Student Visa money requirement before applying.
UK Student Visa Document Checklist for Pakistani Students
The exact documents depend on the course level, CAS, university, funds, sponsor, age, dependants, ATAS requirement, previous UK history, and previous refusals. This is a practical overview, not a final personalized checklist.
Identity and Visa Documents- Valid current passport and previous passports if relevant
- Online Student Visa application form and fee payment confirmation
- Immigration Health Surcharge payment confirmation
- CAS number
- TB certificate from approved clinic (if staying 6 months or more)
- Biometrics appointment or identity verification documents
- Certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh
- CAS statement or CAS number
- Offer letter
- Tuition deposit or payment proof
- Academic documents listed on CAS
- English language evidence if required
- ATAS certificate if required
- Accommodation details if available
- Matric / SSC certificate and marks sheet
- Intermediate / HSSC documents
- O Level / A Level / IB documents if applicable
- Foundation or diploma documents if applicable
- Bachelor's degree and transcript if applicable
- Master's degree and transcript if applicable
- CV or resume for postgraduate, MBA, PhD, or gap cases
- Personal statement, SOP, research proposal, or portfolio where required
- References if required
- Explanation for study gaps, low grades, or academic changes where needed
- Bank statement covering the required 28-day period
- Bank maintenance certificate as supporting evidence
- Source-of-funds evidence (salary, business, savings, sale deed, etc.)
- Salary slips, employment letter, tax documents, or business proof where relevant
- Student loan letter if using an approved education loan
- Official financial sponsorship letter if sponsored by an approved sponsor
- Parent consent letter
- Proof of relationship — birth certificate or Family Registration Certificate
- Parent CNIC/passport copy
- Parent bank statement
- Parent income and source-of-funds documents
Not sure which documents apply to your case? Get Free Study Visa Profile Review →
Financial Evidence: 28-Day Rule and Source of Funds
For a UK Student Visa, financial documents are one of the most important parts of the file. The student must usually show enough money for outstanding tuition fees plus living costs. If the student is using parent funds, parent consent and relationship proof are also required.
A strong financial file should show:
- Required balance held for 28 consecutive days
- Statement dated no more than 31 days before the online application date
- Account holder details are clear and verifiable
- Source of funds is lawful and explainable
- Parent funds include consent letter and relationship proof
- CAS tuition and deposit amounts match the visa application
Common financial red flags:
- Money held for fewer than 28 days
- Bank statement older than allowed on the application date
- Sudden large deposits without explanation
- Using uncle, brother, cousin, or friend funds directly
- Missing parent consent letter or birth certificate / FRC
- Incorrect currency conversion
- Unverifiable bank documents
- Funds in business account without proper strategy
- Relying on cryptocurrency, stocks, pension, or overdraft
Shaheen Visa reviews financial evidence for UKVI rule compliance, credibility, source of funds, parent funds, and avoidable refusal risks before submission.
CAS Review Before Visa Submission
CAS means Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. It is issued by the licensed UK university or college and confirms important details for the Student Visa application. Before submitting the visa application, students should check name and passport details, CAS number, sponsor name and licence, course title and level, start and end date, tuition fees, tuition deposit paid, academic documents used for admission, English language assessment, ATAS requirement, and any previous UK study or visa history.
TB Test and ATAS Guidance
Pakistani applicants applying to stay in the UK for 6 months or more normally need a TB certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic. Certificates from non-approved clinics are not accepted. Students should book the TB test early because appointments may not always be immediately available.
ATAS is required for some postgraduate courses and research areas, especially in science, engineering, technology, medicine, mathematics, AI, cybersecurity, aerospace, advanced materials, and related fields. It does not apply to every course. Students should check TB and ATAS early because missing or delayed documents can affect CAS, visa submission, or travel planning.
Your Course Choice Should Match Your Background
A strong UK Student Visa case should show why the selected course is a logical next step. The course should connect with the student's previous education, skills, work experience, academic progression, and future career plan.
Examples of logical progression:
- FSc Pre-Engineering to engineering, computer science, data science, or technical pathways
- Business background to business analytics, finance, management, marketing, or MBA
- Computer science or IT background to data science, cybersecurity, AI, or software engineering
- Health background to public health, healthcare management, health informatics, or related programs
- Research background to MRes, MPhil, PhD, or supervisor-aligned research programs
Risky course choices:
- Lower-level course after a higher degree without strong explanation
- Repeating the same qualification already completed
- Unrelated course with no career or academic logic
- Long study gap without evidence
- Course selected only because admission is easy
- Course selected mainly for work or settlement reasons
Your Statement, SOP and Credibility Story Should Match
For UK admissions, students may need a UCAS personal statement, SOP, research proposal, or course-specific statement depending on the level and route. The statement should not sound copied or generic. A strong statement should explain why this course, why this university, academic background, relevant experience, career goals, and any study gap or academic change honestly.
For the visa stage, the student's CAS, statement, financial evidence, application form, and credibility interview answers should not contradict each other.
Credibility Interview Preparation
Pakistani students may face university credibility checks and possible UKVI credibility questions. Answers should be truthful, specific, and consistent with the CAS, financial documents, academic history, and career plan.
Students should be ready to explain:
- Why this course and why this university?
- Why the UK — why not study in Pakistan?
- Who is funding the studies and what does the sponsor do?
- What is the course fee and how much deposit has been paid?
- What are the living costs and where will the student live?
- What are the plans after graduation?
- What are the Student Visa work restrictions?
- Are there relatives in the UK?
- What changed after a previous refusal, if any?
Shaheen Visa does not train students to memorize fake answers. We help students prepare truthful, natural, case-specific explanations that match their documents.
Can UK Student Visa Applicants Bring Dependants?
UK Student Visa dependant rules are restricted. Most undergraduate students and most taught master's students cannot bring dependants unless they meet a current eligible exception. Dependants may be possible in limited cases, such as government-sponsored students on eligible courses longer than 6 months, or certain full-time postgraduate research students where current rules allow.
Dependant fund requirements (if eligible):
- London: £845 per month × up to 9 months per dependant
- Outside London: £680 per month × up to 9 months per dependant
Work Rights and Post-Study Options
Many UK Student Visa holders may work during studies, but only within the conditions attached to their visa and university term dates. Students must check their exact eVisa conditions and should not rely on UK work to fund the visa application. Students must avoid working more hours than allowed, working before permitted, self-employment where not allowed, or relying on future UK income to meet financial requirements.
Graduate Route: The Graduate Route may allow eligible students to stay in the UK after successfully completing an eligible qualification. However, rules can change, so students should verify the rule in force at the time they graduate. Do not rely on any promise of Graduate Route approval or UK settlement.
Common UK Student Visa Refusal Risks for Pakistani Students
- Insufficient funds or wrong living cost calculation
- 28-day rule not met or bank statement too old
- Missing parent consent letter or relationship proof
- Sudden large deposits without source explanation
- Unverifiable bank documents
- CAS details not matching the application
- Missing TB certificate or ATAS where required
- Weak credibility interview answers
- Poor explanation of course choice or academic progression
- Dependants applying when not eligible
- False or inconsistent documents
- Previous refusals not addressed honestly
A previous refusal does not always mean the student can never be approved, but reapplying with the same weak file usually does not help. The new application should address the actual refusal reasons with stronger evidence and clearer explanation.
UK Student Visa Preparation Timeline
Estimated: 1–2 weeks. Academic background, marks or CGPA, study gap, work experience, budget, preferred intake, course level, and previous refusals if any.
Estimated: 1–2 weeks. UCAS, direct university, pathway route, foundation, pre-master's, postgraduate taught, or research route.
Estimated: 2–4 weeks. Academic documents, passport, CV, personal statement or SOP needs, English test status, references, research proposal, and missing records.
Estimated: 3–8 weeks. Prepare application materials, submit, track deadlines, respond to university requests, and review offer conditions.
Estimated: 2–4 weeks. Meet academic and English conditions, arrange deposit, complete credibility checks, and review CAS details carefully.
Estimated: 4–6 weeks. Prepare bank funds, maintain the 28-day period, collect source-of-funds documents, parent consent if required, and currency calculation review.
Estimated: 1–3 weeks. Complete TB test, check ATAS if required, organize CAS, financial evidence, academic documents, and all supporting documents.
Estimated: 1–2 weeks. Submit online application, pay visa fee and IHS, book biometrics or complete identity steps.
Estimated: usually around 3 weeks for standard outside-UK decisions, but delays can happen. Monitor decision, check eVisa details, prepare travel documents and accommodation information.
Timelines vary by university response speed, intake deadlines, CAS processing, bank funds readiness, ATAS processing, TB appointments, UKVI workload, and each student's profile. Starting early is always better.
After UK Student Visa Approval
After approval, students should check their visa/eVisa details carefully and make sure travel document information is correct. The student should carry key documents when travelling because border officers may ask questions at arrival.
Carry in hand luggage: Passport, visa/eVisa access details or decision letter where applicable, CAS details, offer letter, TB certificate, financial proof, accommodation details, university contact details, ATAS certificate if applicable, and parent consent or dependant documents if relevant.
Why Pakistani Students Choose the UK
- Wide range of universities, colleges, foundation pathways, bachelor's, master's, MBA, PhD, and research programs
- Shorter degree options compared with some countries
- Strong academic reputation and international exposure
- Multiple admission routes including UCAS, direct postgraduate, and pathway providers
- Graduate Route may be available for eligible students who complete an eligible UK qualification, but rules should be verified before planning
Frequently Asked Questions
💡 Ready to get started? Get a free review of your UK Student Visa profile — CAS, finances, course fit, TB/ATAS, and credibility preparation reviewed before you invest. Start your free case analysis →
Official Resources
- GOV.UK — UK Student Visa main guidance
- GOV.UK — Student Visa money requirement
- GOV.UK — Financial evidence for Student and Child Student routes
- GOV.UK — Student Visa family members
- GOV.UK — TB test for UK visa
- GOV.UK — Tuberculosis testing in Pakistan
- GOV.UK — ATAS guidance
- GOV.UK — Check if you need a UK visa (Pakistan)
- GOV.UK — Visa processing times
- UCAS — Undergraduate application guidance
Shaheen Visa professional service fee is confirmed in writing before payment. Official visa, biometric, embassy, appointment, courier, insurance, medical, translation, tuition and third-party fees are separate unless clearly stated in writing.
Need SOP or Personal Statement Support?
For UK Student Visa applications, your personal statement or SOP should explain your academic background, course choice, why this university, financial context, and career goals. Shaheen Visa can help prepare case-specific writing support based on your real profile, not generic templates.
Planning to Study in the UK from Pakistan?
Get a free study visa profile review before you invest in university applications, tuition deposits, CAS, TB test, ATAS, financial documents, and UKVI submission. We provide professional guidance and document preparation support. Visa approval is never guaranteed and depends on each applicant's profile, documents, and UKVI's decision.
