Step 4: Attend your appointment

Bring your passport and documents 

You need to bring your passport but you will usually receive this back either during the appointment or later the same day.

You will be told if you need to bring any other documents. The process can vary depending on the country and the visa application centre. 

Get your photo taken and fingerprints scanned 

Getting your photo taken and the scanning of your fingerprints (called biometrics) is the main part of the appointment. 

The photo for your visa will be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders against a plain light background. 

You should: 

• not wear a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)
• not have anything covering your face
• not be wearing glasses unless you have to do so
• wear coloured clothing (it should not be patterned, textured or pure white) 

Attend an interview, if you are invited

UKVI may interview you as part of your student visa application process. The purpose of the interview is to assess if you are a genuine and credible student.  

Credibility interviews 

Find out about the next steps from the visa application centre 

The visa application centre will tell you the next steps in the process. The process differs depending on the country where you have made your visa application and the chosen service. 

Next step 

Step 5: Wait for a decision