UK departure checklist — CAS to landing

Your conditional offer becomes unconditional once you've met academic and English-language conditions and paid any required tuition deposit. Only after this can the university issue your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) — the single most important document in the entire process, as your visa application cannot proceed without it.

If a parent or sponsor is providing the funds, the money must have been held by them (or you) for the same unbroken 28 days, and specific rules apply to which relatives can act as a financial sponsor and what evidence is needed. Read the current sponsor rules on gov.uk/student-visa carefully — this is where many otherwise-strong applications fail.

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  Take IELTS for UKVI, not the general/academic test

  The Home Office only accepts an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) — check your university's exact requirement, as some accept a standard IELTS Academic score for admission but the Home Office still requires SELT-approved evidence for the visa in certain cases.

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  TB test at an IOM-approved clinic in Dhaka

  Mandatory for all Bangladeshi Student visa applicants. The test must be done at a Home Office-approved clinic — currently run via IOM in Dhaka — and the certificate is valid for 6 months from the test date. Book early; slots fill up around intake season.

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  ATAS certificate for sensitive postgraduate courses

  If your postgraduate course is in certain science, engineering or technology fields (check the current ATAS subject list), you need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate before you can apply for your visa — this can take several weeks, so apply for it as soon as your offer is unconditional.

The IHS is charged for the full length of your course in one lump sum at the time of application, not annually — this often comes as a surprise, so budget for it alongside the visa fee itself. Once paid, it entitles you to use the NHS on broadly the same basis as a UK resident.

1. 1

   Book your VFS Global biometric appointment in Dhaka

   After submitting the online application and paying the fee and IHS, you'll book a slot at the VFS Global visa application centre to give fingerprints and a photo, and submit supporting documents.

2. 2

   Wait for the decision

   Standard processing is typically a few weeks, but always check the current published waiting time on gov.uk before assuming a date — priority services may be available for an extra fee.

3. 3

   You will not receive a BRP card

   Since the shift to digital immigration status, most students no longer get a physical Biometric Residence Permit. Instead, your immigration status is stored digitally and you access it through a UKVI account (view and prove your immigration status online) — set this account up and check your eVisa details as soon as your visa is granted.

4. 4

   Screenshot and print your eVisa share code

   Even though your status is digital, carry a printed copy of your decision letter and a generated share code — useful at the UK border and when registering with a GP, bank or landlord.

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  Passport with visa decision letter / eVisa confirmation

  The single most important document in your bag.

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  CAS letter (printed)

  Border Force may ask to see it even though it's digitally linked to your application.

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  Original academic transcripts and certificates

  Sealed university envelopes where provided.

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  TB test certificate

  Keep a printed copy even though the result is on file.

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  Proof of accommodation and university contact details

  Address of your hall or first landlord, plus the international office's contact.

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  Initial funds — cash and cards

  Enough for the first few weeks before your UK bank account is open.

At UK immigration, an officer may ask about your course, university, how you're funding your studies, and your accommodation arrangements. Answer simply and consistently with your visa application — carry your CAS, offer letter and proof of funds summary in your hand luggage in case you're asked to show them.

1. 1

   Register with a GP

   Do this in week one even if you feel healthy — registration itself can take time, and you'll need it if you fall ill later.

2. 2

   Open a UK bank account

   Bring your passport, eVisa/share code, university enrolment letter and proof of address — see our banking guide for which banks are easiest for new international students.

3. 3

   Apply for a National Insurance number if you plan to work

   See our part-time jobs guide — apply at gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number as soon as you have a UK address.

4. 4

   Complete university enrolment and ID card collection

   You cannot access most campus services, including the library and student job listings, until enrolment is confirmed.