Reasons for Rejection of the UK Study Visa

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Cyril Zachariah
Updated on Jun 07, 2023 02:53 PM IST

Applying for a student visa in the UK is one of the most important steps that all international students need to complete. However, in this article we discuss the several reasons why your UK student visa applications can be rejected by visa officers, as well what you can do if your application is rejected.

Reasons for Rejection of the UK Study Visa

Studying in the UK is a dream of many, not only because of the promise of receiving globally-renowned degrees but also because of the career opportunities the country has to offer. Receiving the CAS number from any one of the top UK universities brings you one step closer to pursuing higher education from one of the top countries in the world. However, the next step is very crucial to realizing your dreams, that is, to apply for the appropriate UK Study Visa. The final confirmation of your studying in your dream country is made only after the approval of the UK Study Visa.

While you must be confident with your visa application to study in the UK, you must not take the entire process of visa filing lightly, even if you have all the required documents and you fulfil the eligibility criteria. Even the slightest mistake in the application or documentation can lead to the rejection of a UK Study Visa.

Visa rejection is definitely an unpleasant experience but due to the importance of this document the possibility of a study visa getting rejected due to various reasons. There are genuine reasons for the rejection of a study permit such as incomplete application, fake documents, insufficient funds, and so on. Hence, you need to be extremely careful while applying for a student visa to the UK. Know about the possible reasons behind your UK study visa rejection and learn what to do in such a case.

Learn How To Write An Impressive Visa SOP!

Reasons for the Rejection of a UK Student Visa

As stated above, there are several reasons why visa officers may reject your student visa applications to study in the UK. The possible scenarios in which the UK Study Visa might get rejected are discussed below.

Error in the Visa Application

If you are applying for a study visa for the first time you may find the application complex with several questions, sections and segments that need to be completed. There are chances of making mistakes. In some instances, students have also provided wrong information in the application form which has been a major reason for the rejection of UK student visa applications.

Incomplete/False Documents

When submitting the form, there are certain documents that need to be submitted with the UK student visa application form. Thus, before you go ahead with the UK study visa process make sure you have all the required documents handy. If the list of documents you submitted is incorrect or incomplete, the visa officers may allow you some time to present them with the completed document list. However, failing to do so will lead to the rejection of your student visa application.

However, the biggest mistake you can make when submitting documents for a UK student visa is to present fake documentation. In case you are found submitting fake documents, the UKVI has the authority to ban you from applying for a study visa for the next 5 to 10 years. They might also ban you from travelling to the UK.

Duplicate Copies of Documents

Adding to the point above, all students applying for the UK student visa are required to present the original documents of required documents. In case they are unable to submit the original documents, their UK study visa application may get rejected.

Not Meeting the Financial Stability Requirements

When you apply for a UK study visa, you need to prove that you have enough funds to manage your academic and living expenses in the UK. As per regulations, you need to show valid and authenticated bank statements of the last few months as well as a source of funds or scholarships, if any. Your UK study visa cannot be approved without proof of financial stability.

Not meeting the financial requirements is one of the top reasons why UK student visas have been rejected in the past. Hence, make sure you have enough funds in the bank account while applying for a UK study visa.

Past Criminal Record

You must not have any past criminal record while applying for a UK study Visa. In case, a record is found by the visa authorities, your visa may be rejected, depending on the severity of the criminal record.

Not Able to Answer Questions in UK Study Visa Interview

You must be confident while attending the UK Visa interview. Sometimes, out of nervousness candidates are unable to answer questions asked in the interview or they tend to give inappropriate answers, which can directly lead to being a reason why visa officers could reject their student visa applications to the UK.

However, the best way to combat this issue is to reach out to our study abroad counsellors who, through their experience, can help you face the interview questions with better confidence. 

Not Sure About the Intent of Studying in the UK

One question that the UK Student Visa Interviewer would definitely ask you is your intent behind studying in the UK. You must be very sure about your desire to study in the UK and your career prospects. In case, the interviewer finds your intent of studying in Canada inappropriate or unsatisfactory, he/she may not approve your UK study visa application.

Inappropriate Behaviour

The UK study visa interview process is a crucial process. While attending the interview, it is important that you present yourself in the best possible manner, which includes your posture during the interview, the manner in which you answer questions as well as your professionalism. Any inappropriate or unsatisfactory behaviour during the interview can lead to the rejection of your UK study visa application.

Language Difficulties

A crucial part of any student visa interview is the applicant's ability to communicate in either the country's official language or the English language (the universally accepted language). In the case of the UK student visa, applicants need to provide proof of English language proficiency by providing scorecards of popular English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo and more. However, since most universities in the UK need international students to present proof of English Proficiency, you would have a scorecard in hand, which would be useful.

However, during the interview, the visa officer can test your ability to properly communicate in English, you will need to speak in English to buy daily items, access public transport, speak to peers and faculty and conduct day-to-day life, when studying in the UK. Therefore, train yourself and talk to people in English as much as possible, to ensure your proficiency in the language. Nevertheless, if you fail to do so, the visa officer may be inclined to reject your UK student visa application.

Academic Incompetency

The UK Visa issuing administrator can reject your UK Visa Application if he/she finds your academic qualifications to be insufficient according to the standards of UK academics. While it may be rare, however, the visa officer can choose to deny you your Student Visa if they find your academic report to be insufficient or unsatisfactory.

Related Read:

Reasons for Rejection of Visa in the USA

Reasons for Rejection of Visa in Canada

Reasons for Rejection of Visa in Germany

What to Do if You're Denied Student Visa

What to do if your UK Study Visa gets Rejected?

Broadly, there are two reasons why the UK Study Visa gets rejected. First is the genuine reason why you are unable to show the basic requirements for the acceptance of a UK study Visa i.e., academic background, language skills and financial stability. Another reason could be the negligence of visa-issuing authorities. In this case, if you are confident about submitting all the documents and meeting all the visa requirements but still have your student visa rejected, you can apply for an application review.

However, it is important to not jump to this conclusion, i.e. negligence from the authorities, as this is a rare circumstance. More importantly, all rejected applicants will receive a letter outlining the reasons why their student visa application was rejected in the first place. It is your duty to go through this letter and make the appropriate changes so that your next student visa application is approved.

However, if you are accused of the following reasons, there is nothing you will be able to do to rectify your mistakes.

  • False documents

  • Fake identity

  • Criminal records

  • Incorrect information

  • Inappropriate behaviour in the interview

  • Funds Fraud

The above reasons not only lead to the rejection of a UK study visa but its outcome can be adverse. The UKVI can ban candidates from applying for visas for the next 5 to 10 years and they can also impose a ban on travel in case one of the above-mentioned factors is the reason for the rejection of a visa application.

However, there is a solution for those who do not fall under the categories mentioned above. If you are one of the students who finds the reasons behind their rejection to not be entirely true, they can apply for an administrative review.

Apply for Administrative Review (AR)

UKVI allows candidates to apply for Administrative Review in case their UK study visas are rejected and wish to get their application reconsidered. You can apply for AR only if all the following conditions apply:

  • You are outside of the UK

  • You applied for UK Visa outside the UK

  • Your visa got rejected

  • You have the right to appeal for visa refusal

  • You did not apply for short-term student or a visitor

How to Apply for UK Study Visa Administrative Review (AR)?

Once you receive the email about the rejection of your UK study visa, there is no need to panic all of a sudden. In almost all cases, a document will be attached to the email explaining the reasons for the rejection of your study visa application. You must go through the documents carefully to understand if the reason for the rejection of the UK study visa is valid or not. Often there is a possibility for the review of the study visa application.

Points to remember when applying for Administrative review of a UK study Visa:

Once you decided to apply for an Administrative Review (AR) for a rejected student visa application, you must ensure the following:

  • Have strong reasons to apply for Administrative Review (AR)

  • Apply within 28 days of rejection

  • You can apply online on UKVI

  • Gather necessary proofs and documents

  • Further decisions are taken on the basis of errors pointed out by you

The cost of applying for a UK Administrative Review (UK AR) is GBP 80. It can take up to 6 months to receive the results of the AR. However. if the decision on the application is not received within 3 months, the Home Office will contact you for further updates.

Note: If the AR comes back in support of the visa officer's decision, you will not be able to apply for a second review.

How to Reapply for a UK Student Visa?

Reapplying for a UK student visa is another way to get a visa again if you do not prefer the appeal route. There is no limitation on the number of times you can apply for a student visa. The old application will not impact your new application. That said, the procedure to apply for a new UK student visa is just the same as you followed the last time you applied. Here is a video explaining the UK visa application process step-by-step as well as other requirements needed for the application in case the process has faded from your memory:

In addition to this, keep in mind that while applying for a new visa you will also have to perform the following tasks:

Contact Your University

You should contact your university and let them know that your student visa has been rejected and perhaps you will not be able to arrive on time for the intake. The universities generally have international offices that deal with such problems. Complete these formalities soon to avoid delays. 

Email the Visa Refusal Letter to the University

It is advised that you send an email with your name and student number along with your refusal letter to the University so that they are aware of the same. They can help you with dealing with visa rejection and provide appropriate measures for the next application.

Request for Another CAS Letter

As it is not possible to reuse the original CAS in the new student visa application, you will have to request the university to send another one. The university may reassess your eligibility again for the new CAS and you may need to send them evidence as requested. This will ensure that your second visa application is successful.

Apply for the New UK Student Visa

After you have identified the reasons for the rejection of a UK student visa and received the new CAS letter, you will have to reapply for a new student visa following the steps you have followed previously. 

Tips for Making a Successful UK Visa Application 

UK visa application can lead to unnecessary hassle and the process of re-applying can also be cumbersome. By following the steps given below you can ensure a successful UK visa application process:

  • Make sure you know how much money is needed as financial proof to apply for the visa. Keep the funds ready so that the visa is not rejected for financial grounds.

  • Take enough time to complete the application process. Gather all the documents carefully so that as soon as you receive the CAS letter you can begin your visa application process.

  • Take proper guidance to fill up the visa application form from experts. Do not give any inappropriate or false information.

  • Be confident and speak fluently during the visa interview. This will increase your chances of getting a UK student visa. Also, your intent to stay in UK should not appear dubious in front of visa officers. 

As you can understand that UK student visa rejection delays your journey to intake and increase your burden, you must get your application correct the first time. Therefore, go through your documents, double-check them, prepare yourself well for the interview and leave no room for error. Following all these steps will guarantee your entry into the country. 

UK Study Permit is only granted to students who meet all requirements to travel to the country. Thus, students must be well prepared while applying for study visas and avoid making any mistakes while filling out the application.

If you seek professional assistance to apply for the UK Study Permit, write to us at abroad@collegedeko.com and quash your queries about studying abroad. 

Get Details about UK Student Visa Process!

FAQs

What is the UK student visa rejection rate?

The UK student visa rejection rate can be anywhere between 4 to 6% in a given year. The rejection rate was on the lower side in the previous year and most students successfully got their visas to study in UK. 

Does a UK student visa get rejected?

Yes, a UK student visa can get rejected due to incorrect documentation, insufficient funds or lack of proper financial evidence. The other reasons might be unsuccessful interviews, failure to meet student visa rules, not attaching an ATAS clearance certificate or not responding to calls and emails from the UK Home Office. 

Can I apply for administrative review after UK student visa rejection?

Yes, you can apply for administrative review after UK student visa rejection if you think that the reason for the rejection was incorrect. You must first read the rejection letter carefully to understand why the visa was rejected. As you get only 28 days to request for review you will have to act quickly. 

What happens when a UK student visa is rejected?

If a UK student visa is rejected, a letter or email explaining the reasons for rejection will be received by the student. The passport will be returned if it was kept as a part of the visa application. The letter will also contain an explanation of the right for administrative review or immigration decision appeal. 

Can I apply for a UK student visa after rejection?

Yes, you can apply for a UK student visa after rejection. You will have to request a CAS letter from your university and go through the application process again. Make sure not to repeat the same mistake again. Have all your documents ready and appear confidently for the visa interview.

Is there any limit on the number of UK student visa applications?

No, there is no limit on the number of UK student visa applications. You can apply multiple times if necessary. You will have to fill up the application form and pay the UK visa application fees. However, it is advisable to reconsider studying in UK if your visa application is getting rejected multiple times. 

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