Student visa: photo and application guide
Full-time study at a UK higher-education institution licensed as a Student sponsor by UKVI. Open to students aged 16+.
Quick answer
45 × 35 mm photo · £524 from outside the UK · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared UK 45 × 35 mm format. Biometric photo is captured at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment. Fee £524 from outside the UK; £775 in-country extension; plus Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year for students). Processing 3 weeks standard; priority slots offered to students with confirmed course start dates. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | UK Student Visa (Tier 4 successor) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Full-time study at a UK higher-education institution licensed as a Student sponsor by UKVI. Open to students aged 16+. |
| Application route | Online application via GOV.UK after Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the institution |
| Fee | £524 from outside the UK; £775 in-country extension; plus Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year for students) |
| Processing time | 3 weeks standard; priority slots offered to students with confirmed course start dates |
| Biometric appointment | Yes — at a VAC for new applicants |
| Official portal | GOV.UK — Student visa ↗ |
Photo specification
The Student visa uses the shared UK biometric photo standard. The digital photo uploaded with the online application is checked against this spec; the biometric capture at the VAC takes a fresh photo for the BRP card.
| Size | 45 × 35 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 29 to 34 mm chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain light grey or cream, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile) |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since 2016) |
| Digital file | JPEG, minimum 600 × 800 pixels, maximum 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the Student visa
The Student visa is route-sensitive: postgraduate routes have different sponsor obligations than undergraduate. The biometric photo from the visa application becomes the BRP photo, which the student uses to open bank accounts and rent accommodation. Worth taking a fresh photo within the last month of the trip.
Frequently asked questions about the Student visa
What size photo do I need for a Student visa?
45 × 35 mm portrait orientation. The Student visa uses the standard UKVI biometric photo: head 29 to 34 mm chin to crown, plain light grey background, neutral expression. The biometric capture itself happens at the VAC appointment.
How much does the Student visa cost?
£524 from outside the UK; £775 in-country extension; plus Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year for students). The visa fee is paid online during the application; the VAC service fee and Immigration Health Surcharge are separate charges.
How long does the Student visa take to process?
3 weeks standard; priority slots offered to students with confirmed course start dates. The clock starts after you attend the biometrics appointment, not when you submit the online application.
Is the biometric appointment mandatory for the Student visa?
Yes — at a VAC for new applicants.
Will I receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
Yes — most Student visa holders receive a BRP card on arrival in the UK (or by post for in-country switches). The photo on the BRP is the one captured at your VAC appointment, and the card is valid for the visa duration.
Other UK visa categories
Prepare your Student visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the UKVI 45 × 35 mm format and biometric framing automatically.