Applying outside the UK

Steps for making my visa application outside the UK

Fees

The Student visa application fees are:

  • £490 if you apply using the Standard Service which includes the biometric fee
  • An additional £500 if you apply using the Priority Service (only available at some centres)
  • An additional £1000 if you apply using the Super Priority Service (only available at some centres)
  • Some Visa Application Centres (VACs) charge a 'User payers fee' of £77.40.

You may need to use the Priority/Super Priority option to get your CAS from Oxford Brookes if you are applying late.

As part of your application, you will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). For more information on fees, visit our IHS page

Contact us

Please get in touch with the ISAT team if you have any questions about the information on this page.

1. CAS, supporting documents and financial evidence

Whether you are starting a new course, extending your visa for retakes, or returning from Approved Temporary Withdrawal, our Getting my CAS page explains what you need to do to request your CAS, including the:

It is essential you look at the financial evidence and supporting documents pages carefully - if you do not submit the correct documents, this will delay your CAS.

  • You must apply for your visa before the expiry date of your CAS.
  • You need to apply early enough that you will get your visa back in time for you to travel to the UK and enrol at Oxford Brookes before the enrolment deadline. This deadline will be on your CAS. If you arrive late, then you will not be able to enrol and your visa will be cancelled.

Student talking with ISAT adviser

2. Completing the visa application form

You will need to apply online in the country where you are normally living, unless you are applying in North Korea (UKVI).

When completing the visa application online, the application form will have asked you where you would like to collect your BRP. It is recommend you choose one of the local post offices the form suggests (based on the postcode of your institution). 

If you need help completing your visa application form, you can use our PDF guide for applying outside of the UK which takes you through a step-by-step process of completing the form. If you have any questions that are not answered by this guide, then please email a screenshot of the part of the form you want help with to isat@brookes.ac.uk.

3. Paying the Immigration Health Surcharge

When you submit your visa application, you will immediately be asked to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and then the visa application fee so have your bank details ready. 

For more information on fees, visit our IHS webpage.

4. Attending a biometrics appointment or using the Identity Check App

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. You’ll be told what you need to do when you submit your visa application.

Non-EU, EEA and Swiss nationals

You will be asked to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) as part of your application to have your fingerprints and photograph taken (biometrics). The VAC webpages for your country will have more detailed information, including if there are priority options available.

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals

If your passport has a biometric chip, you do not need to attend a biometrics appointment but you will need to use the 'UK Immigration: ID Check app' to scan your identity document and upload your photo.

The link below tells you how to use the app. There is also a helpline in the link if you are having problems completing your application or scanning your chip.

If you do not have a biometric passport or cannot use the app, you will need to go to a Visa Application Centre to verify your identity. You will do this after you have completed the online application.

5. Credibility interviews

Most people are interviewed as part of the application process. You must make sure you are very well prepared for your interview as if you are not your visa application could be refused.

Check your emails regularly to see if you have been invited to attend a credibility interview (including your 'spam/junk' emails). Failure to attend your interview could lead to a refusal.

Students talking to an ISAT adviser

6. What happens after I make my visa application?

You should not book your flight until after you have received your new visa back from the Home Office.

  • Evidence: If you are a country on the Differential Requirement List, then the UKVI may contact you to request your finance and your academic qualifications. Contact us immediately if this happens. If you do not send the required documents in the time specified by the UKVI, then your visa application will be refused.
  • Immigration Health Charge: The visa application form does not always correctly calculate the Immigration Health Charge so you may get an email from the UKVI asking you to pay more. You can check this with us first.