Jun 10, 2025
Deciding whether to study in the world’s economic superpower or the cultural superpower is like choosing between two incredible journeys. The USA offers Unmatched Innovation and Global Networks, while the UK opens doors to Historic Universities and a Dynamic Campus Experience. Both are top choices for international students, and both come with their own Student Visa processes.
While the dream to study in USA or the UK is exciting, understanding the Student Visa requirements can often feel a little challenging. But don’t worry, this article is here to guide you through the entire process in a clear and simplified way. Whether you decide to study in the USA or the UK, with the right information, you will be one step closer to making your international education journey smooth and stress-free.
Table of Content
Before starting your application process, it is important to understand the types of Student Visas available in the US and the UK to choose the one that best aligns with your academic goals. To help you get started, we have outlined the key Student Visa categories in the table below for easy reference.
| Types of Student Visa for the US | Types of Student Visa for the UK |
| F-1 Visa: For full-time courses at a US University or College or an English language program. | Tier 4 (General) Student Visa: For courses longer than Six Months at a recognized UK Institution. |
| J-1 Exchange Visa: For an Exchange Program at the High School or University level. | Short-Term Study Visa: For Short Courses in the UK, a stay of more than 6 months or up to 11 months is permitted for the English Language Program. |
| M-1 Visa: For Vocational or Non-Academic programs in the United States. | _ |
Once you’ve selected the right visa type, the next thing that likely comes to mind is the application fee. So, let’s take a closer look at the Student Visa Application Fees in the next section.
Understanding the costs involved will not only help you plan your budget more effectively but also ensure there are no surprises along the way. So, to give you a clear picture, we’ve outlined the fees in the table below.
| Student Visa Application Fees for the US | Student Visa Application Fees for the UK |
F1 Visa
| Tier 4 (General) UK Student Visa
|
J-1 Visa
| Short-term Study Visa Up to 11 Months (for English Courses Only): £214 |
M-1 Visa
|
Now that we’ve covered the fees, the next important step is to understand the eligibility criteria. Let us explore the qualifications you need to meet to obtain a student visa for the US or the UK.
Although both study destinations are over 4,000 miles apart and have different Student Visa Eligibility Criteria, some requirements are similar due to their shared emphasis on English Language Proficiency and Educational Frameworks. Here is what you need to know about each in the table below.
| For the United States | For the United Kingdom |
| You need to have an Acceptance Letter from a School that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). | You need to be from a Country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. |
| You need to demonstrate a sufficient level of English Language Proficiency for your chosen course of study. | You need to get the required score on your English Language Proficiency Test. |
| You need to show Proof of Financial Stability, which is US$70,000 to support yourself and cover your living expenses in the US. (The amount can vary as per the University) | You need to show sufficient funds for tuition as stated in the University’s offer letter and living expenses of at least £1,483/month (up to 9 months) for courses in London or £1,136/month (up to 9 months) for courses outside London. |
| You intend to leave the country after completing your course of study. | You need to have an offer from a course provided by an authorized Tier 4 Sponsor. |
| Regular attendance and passing your classes are mandatory. | You need to provide a valid Passport or other acceptable travel documents. |
| For the M-1 visa, you should show a clear intent to follow a specific Vocational or Non-Academic program. | If you are under 18, Parental Consent is required. |
With these eligibility requirements in mind, it is important to gather the necessary documentation to support your application. So, grab a file and read on to the next section to get a complete list of documents for the US and the UK Student Visa application process.
Some of the documents required for your Student Visa Application might already be with you, while others will need to be arranged in advance. To help you stay organized and avoid any last-minute hassles, here is a list of the essential documents you’ll need to prepare for the US Student Visa or the UK Student Visa application.
| For US Student Visa | For UK Student Visa |
| A Passport that remains valid for at least Six Months beyond your intended stay in the US. | A valid Passport for identification purposes. |
| Printed confirmation of your SEVIS and DS-160 payment. | Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses throughout your course. |
| A Passport Sized Photo (digital or physical copy). | Reference number provided from the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. |
| Bank Statements or other Financial Documentation showing your ability to fund your studies. | Medical documents (Tuberculosis tests) are required by the specific Visa type. |
| School Transcripts and Official Test Scores, as mentioned in your University Application. | Academic Documentation, including Certificates and Diplomas. |
| A Diploma, if applicable, for prior educational qualifications. | Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, if needed for specific programs. |
| Standardized test scores, as required by your program. |
With your documents prepared, it is time for some real action. So, let us walk through the essential steps to be followed to submit your US or UK Student Visa application smoothly and successfully.
Whether your goal is to pursue a Masters in UK or a Bachelor’s Degree in the US, the Student Visa Application Processes in both countries share a few similarities but may differ in key areas. To understand the procedures better, refer to the table below for a clear comparison between the two.
| US Student Visa Application Process | UK Student Visa Application Process |
| Fill out the DS-160 Form online and keep a copy of the confirmation page. | Submit the Online Application Form, Health Surcharge and Visa Application Fee. |
| Make the SEVIS I-901 fee payment online and print the payment confirmation. | Complete the biometric appointment as part of the Visa Application Process. |
| Schedule your Visa Interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. | After receiving a successful outcome for the Visa application via email, follow the provided instructions to access the e-visa link on the UKVI account. |
| Meet with a Consular Officer who will review your application and eligibility. | Attending a Credibility Interview, if required, where an officer will assess your Visa eligibility. |
Well, we understand that navigating the process of the US or the UK Student Visa can feel like stepping into a maze, but with the right guidance and support, you can find your way with ease. So, if you have decided on your study destination and feel that the Student Visa application process can be a little challenging for you, KC Overseas Education is here to light the way.
Our team of experts is ready to guide you through every step, from understanding your Visa options to gathering the necessary documents and completing your application. Additionally, for the USA Student Visa, we even conduct mock interviews to help you prepare and shine with confidence.
Those who need guidance from the University and Course Shortlisting to Applications and Overseas Education Loans can also connect with us for personalized assistance.
Team KC Overseas will be thrilled to help you board this exciting new chapter with certainty and clarity.
Once the DS-160 form is submitted and the visa fee is paid, scheduling a US Visa Interview is a relatively quick process. It takes around 15–20 minutes to create a profile on the US Travel Docs Portal and book the required appointments. Applicants need to schedule two separate appointments: one at the Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) for biometrics and another for the visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.
If a student is unable to attend their scheduled US Visa Interview, it is considered a ‘No Show.’ In such cases, the student does not need to restart the entire application process or repay the visa fee. They simply need to log in to their US Travel Docs account and reschedule both the OFC (biometrics) and Visa Interview appointments.
The processing time for a UK Student Visa varies based on the service selected. With standard processing, applicants receive a decision within 15 working days (approximately 3 weeks) from the date of their biometrics appointment. Those who opt for the Priority Service can expect a decision within 5 working days, while the Super Priority Service generally provides a decision by the next working day after biometrics.
There is no official limit on how many times a student can reapply for a UK or US Student Visa after a rejection. However, it is important to address the reasons for the initial rejection before submitting a new application.
For the US, the I-20 form includes a field titled ‘Earliest Admission Date,’ which is usually 30 days prior to the course start date. For example, if the classes begin on 22nd September 2025, students may enter the US on or after 23rd August 2025.
For the UK, the entry period depends on the course duration. If the course lasts six months or less, students can arrive up to one week before the start date. If it is longer than six months, the student can arrive up to one month early. However, students must not enter the UK before the date mentioned on their visa, regardless of their course start date.