Quick Definition
UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) is the UK Home Office division responsible for processing all UK visa applications. It sets immigration rules, approves Sponsor Licences for universities, maintains the IELTS UKVI accreditation framework, and issues decisions on Student and Graduate Route applications.
UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) — Full Explanation
UKVI processes overseas visa applications through the VFS VAC network. It maintains the Sponsor Register that applicants must verify their university is on. All UK student visa application decisions are made by UKVI — not the universities or VFS Global.
Country Relevance
UK
AS
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Arjun SinghAcademic Counsellor — Test Prep & Complex Profiles
Frequently Asked Questions
Online at gov.uk, then biometrics at a UKVCAS/VFS centre. UKVI processes and decides — typical processing 3 weeks from biometrics submission outside the UK.
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