So you’ve received your offer letter. Congratulations!
But what comes next? The visa application process—often the most nerve-wracking step of your study abroad journey.
Whether you’re heading to the UK, France, or Ireland, understanding the visa application process in advance can help you avoid last-minute panic and delays. In this blog, we break down the key steps for each country, highlight important timelines, and give you access to a downloadable checklist to stay on track.
Let’s dive in.
1. United Kingdom: Student Visa Process (formerly Tier 4)
Visa Type: Student Route (General)
Timeline: 3 weeks (on average)
When to Apply: Maximum 6 months before course start date
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Accept your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from your university |
| 2 | Pay the visa fee (~£490) and IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) |
| 3 | Book your biometrics appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre |
| 4 | Submit documents and biometric data |
| 5 | Wait for a decision (Standard: up to 3 weeks; Priority: 5 working days) |
| 6 | If approved, receive a visa vignette in your passport |
Required Documents:
- CAS from the university
- Valid passport
- Financial proof (bank statements, loan sanction letter, etc.)
- English language proof (if applicable)
- TB test (for Indian students)
- IHS payment receipt
Advice: Start collecting documents as soon as you accept your offer. Most delays happen due to incomplete financial documentation.
2. France: Visa de Long Séjour Étudiant (VLS-TS)
Visa Type: Long Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS)
Timeline: 3–6 weeks
When to Apply: At least 8-12 weeks before departure
| Step | Wait for a decision (Standard: up to 3 weeks; Priority: 5 working days) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply via Etudes en France (EEF) platform – complete Campus France interview |
| 2 | Receive admission approval from Campus France |
| 3 | Book a visa appointment through VFS France |
| 4 | Submit biometrics and documents |
| 5 | Collect your passport with visa after approval |
| 6 | Upon arrival in France, validate visa online via OFII within 3 months |
Required Documents:
- Campus France No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- University admission letter
- Financial proof (approx. €7,380 minimum)
- Accommodation proof
- Passport and photos
- Medical insurance
- Travel ticket details
Advice: France has multiple pre-visa steps, so don’t delay your Campus France application — it’s mandatory before the visa appointment.
3. Ireland: Irish Student Visa Process
Visa Type: D Study Visa
Timeline: 6–8 weeks
When to Apply: 3 months before your course begins
| Step | Wait for a decision (Standard: up to 3 weeks; Priority: 5 working days) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Accept your university offer and pay deposit (minimum €6,000) |
| 2 | Fill online application on AVATS portal |
| 3 | Book your biometrics appointment and upload all documents |
| 4 | Submit physical copies to Irish Visa Office (New Delhi or Mumbai) |
| 5 | Await decision – status can be tracked online |
| 6 | Collect visa and plan travel |
Required Documents:
- University offer letter and fee receipt
- Financial proof (bank balance min. €10,000 for 1 year)
- Academic documents
- Valid passport
- Medical insurance
- Letter of explanation/purpose
- Proof of accommodation
Advice: Make sure your bank statements are consistent and follow Irish embassy guidelines – financial proof is the most scrutinized part.
Visa Application Process Comparison at a Glance:
| Criteria | UK | France | Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Timeline | 3–4 weeks | 3–6 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
| Language Test | Required by some unis | May be waived with MOI | Often waived with MOI |
| Financial Requirement | £1,334/month (London) | €615/month | €10,000/year |
| Health Insurance | NHS (via IHS fee) | Private/CPAM | Private insurance required |
| Unique Step | IHS payment | Campus France interview | Hard-copy document submission |
Real Talk: Why Early Planning Matters
Too many students lose out on dream admits simply because their visa application process was rushed or incomplete. Booking your visa slot late, missing financial proofs, or failing to validate your visa on time can delay your arrival or even cancel your study plans.
That’s why at Eleevate Overseas, we recommend preparing at least 3 months in advance, especially for France and Ireland. Each country’s visa process is unique, and staying ahead means you stay in control.
Don’t Let the Visa Process Hold You Back
Whether it’s the structured system of the UK, the cultural prep of France, or the detailed paperwork of Ireland, the visa application process is completely manageable when you know what’s coming.
But you don’t have to do it alone.
