The UK Student Route visa — which replaced the old Tier 4 student visa — is now a well-established process. But it contains several requirements that consistently catch Nepali students by surprise, most notably the strict 28-day bank balance rule and the upfront Immigration Health Surcharge. This guide walks you through every step so there are no surprises.
What Has Changed in 2026
Financial maintenance requirements are stricter. English language test scrutiny has increased. Dependant visa rules have been significantly tightened — only students on government-sponsored programs or PhD-level studies can bring dependants to the UK. For most Nepali students on Master’s programs, bringing family members is no longer possible under the student visa.
Step 1: Receive Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Your UK university will issue a CAS number after you accept your unconditional offer and meet all entry conditions. This is a unique reference number that ties your visa application to your university place. You cannot apply for a UK student visa without a CAS. Do not apply for your visa before receiving it.
Step 2: Prepare Your Financial Evidence — The 28-Day Rule
This is the most misunderstood requirement in the entire UK visa process. You must show that you have held the required funds in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, and that 28-day period must end no more than 31 days before you submit your visa application.
The required amount is:
- If studying outside London: GBP 1,023 per month for up to 9 months (GBP 9,207 total) plus your full course fees
- If studying in London: GBP 1,334 per month for up to 9 months (GBP 12,006 total) plus your full course fees
This means you need to plan your bank balance at least two months before you intend to submit your visa application. The funds cannot dip below the required amount on any single day within that 28-day window.
Step 3: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The IHS is paid as part of your visa application and is non-negotiable. The current rate is GBP 776 per year. It must be paid upfront for the entire visa duration before your application is submitted.
For a 1-year Master’s: GBP 776 total. For a 3-year undergraduate degree: GBP 2,328 paid all at once.
This cost is missed by the majority of Nepali families during budget planning. Add it to your calculations from the start.
Step 4: Submit Your Online Application via UKVI
Apply through the official UK Visas and Immigration portal. Upload your CAS number, financial evidence, English test results, academic transcripts, passport photograph, and any other documents requested. Pay the visa application fee of GBP 490.
Step 5: Book Your VFS Global Appointment in Kathmandu
UK visa applications from Nepal are processed through VFS Global in Kathmandu. After submitting your online application, book an appointment to submit your biometrics and original documents. Your passport will be retained at this appointment and returned to you with your visa decision. Some other documents will be returned immediately.
Step 6: Attend Your VFS Appointment
Bring every original document. Do not bring photocopies without originals. Staff will verify documents, take your biometrics, and forward everything to UKVI. Processing typically takes 3 to 8 weeks from the date of your biometrics appointment.
You are permitted to apply up to 6 months before your course start date. Apply as early as you are eligible.
Your Full Timeline at a Glance
| Milestone | When to Do It |
|---|---|
| Research and shortlist universities | 10–12 months before intake |
| Take IELTS UKVI or PTE Academic | 9–10 months before intake |
| Submit university applications | 7–9 months before intake |
| Meet all offer conditions | 5–6 months before intake |
| Receive CAS from university | 3–5 months before intake |
| Begin 28-day bank balance period | 3–4 months before intake |
| Submit visa application online | 3–4 months before intake |
| VFS biometrics appointment | Within 2 weeks of online submission |
| Receive visa decision | 1–3 months before course start |
The Most Common Mistakes Nepali Students Make
Not understanding the 28-day rule and letting the bank balance drop even once. Forgetting to budget for the IHS. Using a standard IELTS score instead of IELTS UKVI, which is the specific test the UK visa requires. Applying for the visa before receiving the CAS. Submitting photocopies instead of originals at the VFS appointment.
These are avoidable errors. Preparation and attention to detail are what separate successful applicants from those who face delays or refusals.
Book a free session with our counselors if you want someone to check your documents and timeline before you apply.