United Kingdom student visa: the official document checklist

In short: the Student visa for United Kingdom asks for 4 documents from every applicant, and 9 more when they apply to you. This list follows the official checklist of the United Kingdom authorities, read on 16 October 2026. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Where applicants in Pakistan submit: Apply online on GOV.UK (earliest 6 months before the course). Then prove your identity (fingerprints and photo) at a UK visa application centre in Pakistan run by VFS Global. Third-party sources name Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Mirpur; the official VFS page blocked us, so confirm the city list there.

Passport: GOV.UK: 'a current passport or other valid travel documentation'. No blank-page or extra validity rule found on the pages read.

Documents every applicant needs (4)

• A current passport or other valid travel documentation (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your course provider
  A reference number from your university. It lists the documents the university used to give you the place. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate When: For a stay of 6 months or more if you have lived in a listed country - Pakistan is on the list
  Test at a Home Office approved clinic in Pakistan. The certificate is 'valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray'. Include it with your visa application. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Online Student visa application on GOV.UK
  Apply online. From outside the UK the earliest you can apply is 6 months before your course starts. You must prove your identity as part of the application. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Documents that depend on your situation (9)

• Proof of money to support yourself and pay for your course When: Not needed if you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date you apply
  Figures as printed by GOV.UK: '£1,529 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London' and '£1,171 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London', plus course fees for 1 academic year (the amount is on your CAS). 'You must have this money for at least 28 days in a row.' 'The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.' Appendix Finance: the most recent financial document must be dated within 31 days before you apply; the account must be in your name (or a parent's/legal guardian's, see sponsor_letter); the bank must be regulated and use electronic record keeping. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Written consent from your parent or legal guardian to use their money When: If the money is in your parent's or legal guardian's account
  Appendix Finance FIN 5.3: you must provide proof of the relationship and written consent from the parent or legal guardian to use those funds. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Letter of confirmation from your official financial sponsor / written consent from your sponsor When: If an official financial sponsor (for example a government or scholarship body) pays your fees or living costs, or sponsored you in the last 12 months
  Appendix Finance FIN 9.1: the funds must be stated on the CAS, or shown by 'a letter of confirmation from the official financial sponsor'. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate When: If your course and nationality need one (often for some master's and PhD subjects) (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Proof of your knowledge of English When: Unless your university (a higher education provider) assesses your English itself, or another exemption applies
  CEFR level B2 for degree level and above, B1 below degree level. Ways: a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider; a degree taught in English with an Ecctis assessment; or your university's own assessment (must be equivalent to B2). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Documents used to get your CAS (certificates or transcripts listed on the CAS) When: Needed unless your sponsor is a higher education provider with a track record of compliance (Pakistan is not a 'differentiation' country)
  One of: the certificate(s) of qualification, the transcript of results, or a print-out from the awarding body's online checking service. Each must show your name, the award title, the awarding institution and the award date (or confirmation it will be awarded). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Certified translation of any document not in English or Welsh When: If any document is not in English or Welsh
  A fully certified translation from a professional translator or translation company that the Home Office can verify. It must include: confirmation it is accurate, the date of translation, the full name and signature of the translator or company official, and the translator's or company's contact details. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Written consent from both parents or legal guardians When: If you are under 18
  Consent must cover your visa application, your living and care arrangements in the UK, and your travel to the UK. One parent is enough only if they have sole responsibility. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Birth certificate (or other government document showing your parents' names) When: If you are under 18, or if you use money held in a parent's account (proof of relationship)
  A copy is accepted for the under-18 rule. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

If you apply from another country

Each mission publishes its own list. What the official checklist for applicants in these countries adds or says differently:

Applying from Bangladesh

UK Visas and Immigration. Apply online, then give fingerprints and photo at a UK visa application centre in Bangladesh. Bangladesh nationals are NOT on the UK list of nationalities excused from sending money evidence, so they must send it. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (Required) When: You are coming to the UK for 6 months or more and have lived in Bangladesh (a listed country) for 6 months or more, within the last 6 months.
  Test must be done at a clinic approved by the Home Office in Bangladesh (official list of clinics: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-test-for-a-uk-visa-clinics-in-bangladesh). Certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Evidence of money (financial evidence) (Required) When: Bangladesh is not on the list of nationalities that do not need to send financial evidence (unless you have been in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months).
  You must have had enough money for 28 days in a row; the evidence must be from no more than 31 days before the date you apply; it must show your name, the bank's name and the balance. Accounts at banks not regulated by the financial regulator of the country where the bank operates cannot be used. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Student loan letter (If it applies to you) When: If you use a student or education loan as your money evidence.
  Loan must be from a government, a government-sponsored student loan company, or a regulated student loans scheme. Letter must be dated no more than 6 months before you apply. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in Bangladesh

Applying from China

Apply online to UK Visas and Immigration from China; a TB test is needed because China is on the UK TB list. Chinese nationals are on the UK 'differential evidence' list, so money and qualification papers are not sent up front unless asked. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (Required) When: You are coming to the UK for 6 months or more and you have lived in China (a listed country) for 6 months or more, and were living there within the last 6 months
  Test at a Home Office approved clinic; the certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Evidence of the financial requirement (differential evidence) (If it applies to you) When: Nationals of China applying from the country where they live (or from inside the UK) do not need to send financial evidence with the application under rule ST 22.1, but the decision maker may still ask for it
  Keep the evidence ready; it may be requested (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Documents used to obtain the offer (CAS) (differential evidence) (If it applies to you) When: Under rule ST 22.1, nationals of China applying from where they live do not need to send the documents used to get the offer, but the decision maker may still ask for them
  Keep the originals ready; they may be requested (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• ATAS certificate (If it applies to you) When: Your course or research requires ATAS; China is not on the list of exempt nationalities (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in China

Applying from India

UK Visas and Immigration. Apply online, then give fingerprints and photo at a UK visa application centre in India. India nationals are NOT on the UK list of nationalities excused from sending money evidence, so they must send it. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (Required) When: You are coming to the UK for 6 months or more and have lived in India (a listed country) for 6 months or more, within the last 6 months.
  Test must be done at a clinic approved by the Home Office in India (official list of clinics: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-test-for-a-uk-visa-clinics-in-india). Certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Evidence of money (financial evidence) (Required) When: India is not on the list of nationalities that do not need to send financial evidence (unless you have been in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months).
  You must have had enough money for 28 days in a row; the evidence must be from no more than 31 days before the date you apply; it must show your name, the bank's name and the balance. Accounts at banks not regulated by the financial regulator of the country where the bank operates cannot be used. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Student loan letter (If it applies to you) When: If you use a student or education loan as your money evidence.
  Loan must be from a government, a government-sponsored student loan company, or a regulated student loans scheme. Letter must be dated no more than 6 months before you apply. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Applying from Malaysia

Apply online to UK Visas and Immigration from Malaysia; a TB test is needed because Malaysia is on the UK TB list. Malaysian nationals are on the UK 'differential evidence' list. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (Required) When: You are coming to the UK for 6 months or more and you have lived in Malaysia (a listed country) for 6 months or more, and were living there within the last 6 months
  Test at a Home Office approved clinic; the certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Evidence of the financial requirement (differential evidence) (If it applies to you) When: Nationals of Malaysia applying from the country where they live (or from inside the UK) do not need to send financial evidence with the application under rule ST 22.1, but the decision maker may still ask for it
  Keep the evidence ready; it may be requested (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Documents used to obtain the offer (CAS) (differential evidence) (If it applies to you) When: Under rule ST 22.1, nationals of Malaysia applying from where they live do not need to send the documents used to get the offer, but the decision maker may still ask for them
  Keep the originals ready; they may be requested (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• ATAS certificate (If it applies to you) When: Your course or research requires ATAS; Malaysia is not on the list of exempt nationalities (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in Malaysia

Applying from Nepal

Apply online on GOV.UK (UK Visas and Immigration), then give biometrics at a UK visa application centre in Nepal. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (If it applies to you) When: You are coming to the UK for 6 months or more and you have lived in Nepal (a listed country) for 6 months or more, and were living there or in another listed country within the last 6 months.
  Test at a clinic approved by the Home Office. The certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray. Include it with your visa application. Clinic list for this country: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-test-for-a-uk-visa-clinics-in-nepal (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Applying from Nigeria

Apply online on GOV.UK (UK Visas and Immigration), then give biometrics at a UK visa application centre in Nigeria. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (If it applies to you) When: You are coming to the UK for 6 months or more and you have lived in Nigeria (a listed country) for 6 months or more, and were living there or in another listed country within the last 6 months.
  Test at a clinic approved by the Home Office. The certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray. Include it with your visa application. Clinic list for this country: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-test-for-a-uk-visa-clinics-in-nigeria (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in Nigeria

Applying from Saudi Arabia

Apply online on GOV.UK (UK Visas and Immigration), then give biometrics at a UK visa application centre in Saudi Arabia. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (If it applies to you) When: Saudi Arabia is not on the UK list of countries where a TB test is needed. You only need the test if you have lived for 6 months or more in a listed country (for example your home country) and were living there within the last 6 months, and you are coming for 6 months or more.
  If needed: test at a Home Office-approved clinic; certificate valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in Saudi Arabia

Applying from Sri Lanka

Apply online on GOV.UK (UK Visas and Immigration), then give biometrics at a UK visa application centre in Sri Lanka. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (If it applies to you) When: You are coming to the UK for 6 months or more and you have lived in Sri Lanka (a listed country) for 6 months or more, and were living there or in another listed country within the last 6 months.
  Test at a clinic approved by the Home Office. The certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray. Include it with your visa application. Clinic list for this country: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-test-for-a-uk-visa-clinic-in-sri-lanka (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Applying from United Arab Emirates

Apply online on GOV.UK (UK Visas and Immigration), then give biometrics at a UK visa application centre in the UAE. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (If it applies to you) When: The United Arab Emirates is not on the UK list of countries where a TB test is needed. You only need the test if you have lived for 6 months or more in a listed country (for example your home country) and were living there within the last 6 months, and you are coming for 6 months or more.
  If needed: test at a Home Office-approved clinic; certificate valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Financial evidence and documents used to get the offer (reduced evidence) (If it applies to you) When: UAE nationals applying from their country of residence or from the UK (UAE is on the Appendix Student list, rule ST 22.1). Does not apply to other nationals living in the UAE.
  Financial evidence and the documents used to obtain the offer do not need to be provided with the application, but the decision maker may ask for them. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in United Arab Emirates

Applying from United States

Apply online to UK Visas and Immigration from the USA. The USA is not on the UK TB-test list. US nationals are on the 'differential evidence' list and are exempt from ATAS. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

• Evidence of the financial requirement (differential evidence) (If it applies to you) When: Nationals of the United States of America applying from the country where they live (or from inside the UK) do not need to send financial evidence with the application under rule ST 22.1, but the decision maker may still ask for it
  Keep the evidence ready; it may be requested (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
• Documents used to obtain the offer (CAS) (differential evidence) (If it applies to you) When: Under rule ST 22.1, nationals of the United States of America applying from where they live do not need to send the documents used to get the offer, but the decision maker may still ask for them
  Keep the originals ready; they may be requested (official source, checked 16 October 2026)

Getting your papers ready in United States

How to prepare each document

Passport

• Valid for the whole stay plus the margin the country asks (often 6 months beyond).
• At least two blank visa pages.
• Scan the photo page in colour, flat, all four corners visible.
• If you renewed it, keep the old passport too.

Official verification: Only the issuing authority can confirm a passport; we never call it genuine.

Admission document

• The document the visa asks for (CAS, I-20, CoE, LoA, admission letter).
• Every detail must match your passport.

Official verification: The university can confirm it; ask its admissions office by e-mail.

Bank statement

• The period and balance the country asks, never dropping below the amount.
• Printed after the holding period, recent on the day you apply.
• Signed and stamped by the bank, or e-mailed by the bank where the mission asks.

Official verification: Only the bank can confirm a statement; we never call it genuine.

Sponsor's letter or affidavit of support

• Signed and dated, naming you, the relationship, the sponsor's job, and that the money is for your study.

Official verification: The notary's register.

Scholarship letter

• The award letter with the amount and what it covers.

Official verification: The awarding body.

Pre-clearance (ATAS, CAQ, PAL and similar)

• Apply as soon as the offer asks; some take weeks.

Official verification: The issuing authority.

Medical or TB test

• Only at the clinics the country approves; still valid on the day you apply.

Official verification: The approved clinic.

English (or other language) test result

• The test and score the university and visa accept (for the UK a UKVI SELT where asked).
• Valid on the date you apply.

Official verification: The test provider's online result check.

Degree certificates

• Every degree the checklist asks for.
• Attested or apostilled as the country requires, then copied as asked.

Official verification: The body that attests degrees in your country, and the foreign ministry, keep records; we never call a stamp genuine.

Certified translation

• Any paper not in English (or the country's language), translated by a qualified translator who signs and dates it.
• Keep the original and the translation together.

Official verification: The translator's registration.

Parents' consent (under 18)

• Signed by both parents, with copies of their IDs, as the checklist asks.

Official verification: The notary.

Birth certificate

• The computerised certificate from the civil registry.
• English version or a certified translation.
• Attested or apostilled if the checklist says so.

Official verification: The civil registry that issued it.

Visa application form

• Fill it online exactly as your passport (FF Assistant can fill it); print and sign the confirmation where asked.

These preparation points are practical guidance; the official checklist decides what is asked.

Related

• United Kingdom student visa: cost, money and steps
• Getting your papers ready, country by country

ForiForeign prepares and guides; you file your own application and the United Kingdom authorities decide. Checklists change: open the official source before you submit.

ForiForeign.com · admin@foriforeign.com · WhatsApp +92 310 5048760 · Information drawn from official sources shown on each rule; not legal advice.

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