How long does a UK Student visa take to be decided?
Typical decision time for a Student visa applied for from outside the UK, when you can apply, what priority services cost, and the mistakes that add weeks.
Reviewed 28 September 2026 · 1 min read
Short answer: Most decisions on applications made from outside the UK come within three weeks of your biometrics appointment. You can apply up to six months before your course starts. Priority services (five working days) or super-priority (24 hours) exist in many countries for £500 to £1,000 extra.
The sequence
- CAS issued by your university. Do not apply before you have it.
- Apply online on GOV.UK, up to six months before the course starts, and pay the fee and health surcharge.
- Biometrics: fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre, or the ID Check app if your passport supports it.
- Decision: usually within three weeks from outside the UK. You then receive an eVisa rather than a card; set up your UKVI account as soon as you are asked to.
What slows it down
- Money that has not been in the account for 28 consecutive days, or a statement older than 31 days.
- A CAS with an error in the course dates or fees.
- A missing TB certificate where your country is listed.
- Applying at the September peak without leaving margin.
When to book flights
After the visa is granted, not before. You can enter the UK up to one month before the course starts if the course is longer than six months. The step-by-step guide covers each stage in order.
Sources
General information, not regulated immigration advice. Rules change; check the source before you act, and speak to an IAA-registered adviser about your case.