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Where you can apply

If you are an international student applying for a Student visa from outside of the UK you will need to make your application from the Country in which you normally live.

Usually this means your country of nationality. However, if you hold a residence permit in a country other than your nationality, you may be able to apply from there. You will be asked to provide proof of your immigration status for that country. You cannot be a Visitor in the country in which you apply.

Your application will be processed through the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in the country that you are applying. You can find out where this is by using the on the UKVI website. If your country does not have a visa centre, you may be expected to travel to a neighbouring country.

EU Nationals may be able to make their visa applications through the UKVI ID Check App, meaning they do not need an appointment to submit their biometrics and upload their documents.

When you can apply

You can apply once you have your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) statement from Goldsmiths, and no earlier than six months before the start date of your course date.

We recommend that you check the in your country so that you can plan ahead.

Visa application process

1. Accept your Unconditional Offer from the admissions team
2. Book and take a  (if applicable)
3. Apply for your CAS statement from us but no earlier than 3-4 months before your course start date
4. Pay the Advance Fee Payment or show us evidence that you have an official sponsor
5. Provide financial documents and other supporting documents, if requested
6. Receive your CAS statement from Goldsmiths 
7. Apply online following our instructions: You must submit the same documents with your visa application as those checked during the CAS process. If your financial documents were approved, you must apply online within 31 days of the date your bank statements were issued. If you apply after this date, your visa application will be refused
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9. Pay the visa application fee
10. If you didn't use the UKVU ID Check app, book an appointment for your ‘biometric’ data to be taken
11. Submit and print your application (download a copy of your visa application form – ‘VAF’ – for your records).  You may be asked to attend an interview as part of your application
12. Once your visa application is approved, you will receive an eVisa (a digital record of your identity and immigration status).  You will be able to evidence your immigration status with a 
13. Before you travel, check that your UKVI account details and eVisa are correct and that your current passport is linked to your account. You should get a share code to prove your immigration status to your carrier or a border official

Standard processing times are usually around three weeks from the date you submit your biometrics; however, this may vary and can take longer during the peak summer period. 

Visa Application Centres (VACs)

Your application will be processed through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in the country where you are applying. VACs are operated by commercial partners on behalf of UKVI. In most countries, this service is provided by VFS Global, although some locations may still use TLScontact. 

Who decides my visa outcome

Your visa application is assessed and decided by UKVI. VAC staff do not play any part in, or influence, the outcome of your application. Their role is to collect your documents and biometrics and ensure your application is submitted correctly. 

More information about VACs, including locations and opening times can be found by using the  on the UKVI website. 

Priority and super priority services are available in some locations. Where available, you will be able to select and pay for these services when booking your appointment. 

Applying for a visa if your visa application centre (VAC) is closed

If your VAC is closed for any reason, you may be able to  to submit your application and biometrics. You’ll need to make sure you’re permitted to travel to that country beforehand.

You’ll be able to make any type of UK visa application. You must  where you would like to submit your biometrics at the start of your application.

TB testing

If you are coming to the UK to study for six months or more and live in a particular country, then you will be required to undertake a TB test.