What is the UK student visa success rate from Sylhet?
The UK Home Office publishes student visa outcomes by route and nationality, not by city or visa application centre. Use UK-wide approval trends as your benchmark and focus on the quality of your file.
The numbers you should know (2024–2025):
- Overall approval climate: In 2024, the Student route achieved a grant rate of around 94%. Early 2025 quarterly figures remained strong, although they varied by intake.
- Most recent volumes: In the year ending June 2025, the UK issued 431,725 sponsored study visas in total, including 413,921 for main applicants and 17,804 for dependants.
- Bangladesh context: Bangladesh remains a significant source country (e.g., 7,963 main-applicant study visas in a recent annual period), though not top five by mid-2025.
- Policy shaping demand: Since 1 January 2024, most taught students are no longer allowed to bring dependents, which has reduced dependant visas without altering the evidence standards for main applicants.
Does applying in Sylhet change your chances?
No. Decisions are made by UKVI, not the Sylhet Visa Application Centre. Choosing Sylhet or Dhaka does not affect outcomes. Sylhet is a convenient location, but it carries an additional user-pay fee of £76.50.
Costs and timelines in 2025
- Student visa fee (outside UK): £524
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year for students
- Sylhet VAC user-pay fee: £76.50 (optional, if you choose Sylhet)
- Typical processing time: About 3 weeks from biometrics/ID verification
- eVisa rollout: Most new work/study applicants now receive a digital eVisa and manage their status through a UKVI account
What UKVI actually checks
Offer & CAS
- Unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor and a valid CAS. Ensure course details, fees paid, and dates exactly match your documents.
Money (28-day rule)
- Hold the required tuition + living costs for 28 consecutive days in an acceptable account. Your statement’s closing balance must be within 31 days of application. Sudden large deposits without proof are high-risk.
Genuineness and English
- A coherent study plan that links your past study/work to the chosen UK course and clear post-study plans in Bangladesh. Be prepared to address credibility questions regarding funding, course selection, and career outcomes.
TB test
- TB certificate from an approved clinic in Bangladesh. Only approved centres are accepted.
Clean paperwork
- Passport, academic records, bank evidence, translations, and TB certificate properly scanned, labelled, and consistent across all forms.
Graduate route status (post-study work)
The Graduate visa remains available as of 22 September 2025: typically 2 years (or 3 years after a PhD) to work or look for work in the UK after completing an eligible UK degree.
Step-by-step for a Sylhet applicant
- Plan finances early
- Keep the required funds in place for 28 days; time your statement so it’s valid at submission.
- Keep the required funds in place for 28 days; time your statement so it’s valid at submission.
- Secure your TB certificate.
- Book an approved clinic and keep the original certificate ready to upload.
- Book an approved clinic and keep the original certificate ready to upload.
- Apply online and pay fees.
- Submit the visa fee and IHS; choose Sylhet for biometrics only if it suits you, noting the £76.50 user-pay fee.
- Submit the visa fee and IHS; choose Sylhet for biometrics only if it suits you, noting the £76.50 user-pay fee.
- Biometrics and document upload
- Attend VFS Sylhet or Dhaka. Remember, VFS does not influence the decision.
- Attend VFS Sylhet or Dhaka. Remember, VFS does not influence the decision.
- Decision, eVisa, and travel
- Expect ~3 weeks for a decision. Set up your UKVI account, access your eVisa, and keep your status share-code handy.
- Expect ~3 weeks for a decision. Set up your UKVI account, access your eVisa, and keep your status share-code handy.
FAQs
Is there a Sylhet-specific success rate?
No—city-level approval rates aren’t published. Use the UK-wide rates as your guide.
Is Dhaka safer than Sylhet for approval?
No. Location doesn’t affect outcomes. Pick the centre that fits your travel and budget.
Can my family join me?
Mostly not for taught courses starting on or after 1 January 2024. Postgraduate researchers and a few other categories may qualify.
How long will it take?
Plan for around 3 weeks, but apply early in peak months.
Key takeaways for Sylhet students
- No official Sylhet success rate exists; what matters is your evidence.
- Approval odds are strong for well-prepared files, with ~94% UK-wide in 2024.
- Budget correctly: £524 visa fee, £776/year IHS, and an optional £76.50 for Sylhet VAC.
- Execute flawlessly: 28-day funds, accurate CAS, approved TB certificate, and a credible academic-career story.
Ready to maximise your approval odds? UniEducation counsellors will
- Audit your CAS, SOP, and finance evidence against UKVI standards
- Create a personalised 28-day funds plan and timeline to ensure your statements are valid on the day of your application.
- Prepare you for credibility questions with a mock interview tailored to your background and course.
- Create a clean document pack (TB, bank, transcripts, translations) to prevent avoidable refusals
- Guide you through VFS Sylhet booking, IHS/fee payments, and eVisa setup
Message us today to get a free pre-assessment and a custom checklist for your Study Abroad intake.