UK Student Visa Application: A Step-by-Step Guide for Bangladeshi Students

The UK student visa (formerly Tier 4) is your gateway to studying at world-class universities. This guide walks you through every step of the application process specifically for Bangladeshi students.

Step 1: Get Your CAS

Before you can apply for a visa, you need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university.

What is a CAS?

A unique reference number

Valid for 6 months

Contains your course details and fees

How to Get It

1Accept your university offer unconditionally

2Pay any required deposit

3Submit passport details

4University issues CAS (usually within 5-10 working days)

Important: Check all details on your CAS carefully. Any errors can delay or invalidate your application.

Step 2: Gather Financial Documents

This is where most Bangladeshi students face challenges. UKVI requires proof you can afford:

Tuition Fees

First year fees (or full course if less than a year)

Shown in CAS

Living Costs

London: £1,334/month for 9 months = £12,006

Outside London: £1,023/month for 9 months = £9,207

Acceptable Financial Proof

Option 1: Bank Statements

Must be in your name or parent's name

Held for 28 consecutive days

Dated within 31 days of application

Must show required amount clearly

Option 2: Education Loan

Loan letter from recognized bank

Must cover full amount

No 28-day requirement

Option 3: Official Financial Sponsor

Government or international scholarship

Official sponsorship letter required

Bank Statement Requirements for Bangladesh

Must be from a recognized bank (Sonali, Dutch-Bangla, BRAC, etc.)

Statements should be in English or officially translated

Balance must not drop below required amount during 28 days

Online statements are accepted if they show all required details

Step 3: Complete Online Application

Apply at: gov.uk/student-visa

Required Information

Personal details

Passport information

CAS number

Course details

Immigration history

Financial information

Application Fee

£490 standard fee

Healthcare surcharge: £776/year

Step 4: Book Biometric Appointment

After submitting your application:

1Book appointment at TLScontact Dhaka

2Choose service level:

Standard: Free (15 working days)

Priority: £500 (5 working days)

Super Priority: £800 (24 hours)

Recommendation: Book early. Appointment slots fill up, especially during peak season (June-September).

Step 5: Prepare Supporting Documents

Essential Documents

[ ] Valid passport (valid for duration of stay)

[ ] CAS letter

[ ] Financial documents (28 days)

[ ] TB test certificate (from IOM Dhaka)

[ ] ATAS certificate (if required for your course)

Additional Documents

[ ] Previous qualifications (transcripts, certificates)

[ ] English language test results

[ ] Birth certificate (if using parent's funds)

[ ] Parent's financial documents and consent letter

[ ] Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Document Translation

If any document is not in English:

Must be officially translated

Translator must certify accuracy

Include translator's contact details

Step 6: Attend Biometric Appointment

At TLScontact Dhaka:

1Submit passport

2Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo)

3Submit supporting documents

4Pay any additional fees

What to Bring:

Appointment confirmation

Passport

Document checklist

All supporting documents (originals and copies)

Step 7: Wait for Decision

Processing times:

Standard: 3 weeks

Priority: 5 working days

Super Priority: 24 hours

Track your application through TLScontact online portal.

Common Reasons for Rejection

1. Insufficient Funds

Balance dropped during 28 days

Funds not held for full 28 days

Wrong calculation of required amount

2. Document Issues

Missing documents

Unclear or illegible documents

Outdated documents

3. Credibility Concerns

Inconsistent information

Unclear study intentions

Poor interview performance (if called)

4. Immigration History

Previous visa violations

Overstaying in other countries

Unexplained gaps in education

Tips for Success

Financial Planning

1Start Early: Open account 3 months before application

2Keep Balance Stable: Don't touch the money

3Document Everything: Keep records of all transactions

4Consider Education Loan: Often simpler than bank statements

Document Preparation

1Make Copies: Keep copies of everything

2Organize Neatly: Use dividers and labels

3Check Dates: Ensure all documents are current

4Verify CAS: Triple-check all details match

Application Strategy

1Apply Early: Don't wait until last minute

2Be Honest: Never provide false information

3Explain Gaps: Address any inconsistencies

4Show Ties to Bangladesh: Demonstrate you plan to return

After You Get Your Visa

Check Your Visa

Valid dates

Work restrictions

BRP collection details

Book Travel

Don't book before visa approval

Arrive no more than 1 month before course start

Prepare for Departure

Accommodation arranged

Airport pickup planned

Banking sorted

UK phone number ready

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I work on a student visa?

A: Yes, up to 20 hours/week during term time, full-time during holidays.

Q: Can my family join me?

A: Only if you're studying a postgraduate course of 9+ months or a PhD.

Q: What if my visa is refused?

A: You can appeal or reapply. Address the reason for refusal in your new application.

Q: How early can I apply?

A: Up to 6 months before your course starts.

Final Checklist

[ ] CAS received and verified

[ ] Finances in place for 28 days

[ ] TB test completed

[ ] Online application submitted

[ ] Biometric appointment booked

[ ] All documents prepared

[ ] Application fee paid

[ ] IHS paid

[ ] Documents submitted

[ ] Passport ready for collection

Need Help?

The visa process is complex, and mistakes can be costly. If you need personalized guidance:

Review your documents before submission

Practice interview questions

Understand your specific situation

Get a second opinion on your application

Good luck with your application!