Traduction en cours. Contenu en anglais affiché temporairement.
Visa Services
United Kingdom Visa Guide
Documents, biometrics, and application steps for Student Route, work, and visitor visa applications
Application channel
UKVI online portal + TLScontact (Casablanca) biometrics
Processing time
3 weeks standard | 5-day priority (extra fee)
Biometrics
Mandatory at TLScontact for all applicants
Visa fees
Student GBP 490 | Visitor GBP 115 | Priority +GBP 500 (≈ 6,150 / 1,440 / 6,280 MAD)
Overview
All UK visa applications are managed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Moroccan residents complete the online application, pay fees, and book biometrics through TLScontact (Casablanca). Supporting documents are uploaded digitally before attending the appointment.
This guide covers the main visa categories relevant to students, graduates, professionals, and visitors, with checklists, processing expectations, and post-arrival obligations.
UK Visa Types
Student Route Visa
Required for full-time studies longer than 6 months. Issued after receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.
Skilled Worker & Graduate Route
Skilled Worker visa needs a job offer from a licensed sponsor. Graduate Route gives 2 years (3 for PhD) of work permission after completing a UK degree.
Standard Visitor Visa
For tourism, business visits, short courses under 6 months, and medical treatment.
Family & Settlement Visas
Spouse/partner, dependent child, and family reunion visas that can lead to settlement (ILR).
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate genuine intentions, sufficient resources, and compliance with UK immigration rules. Requirements vary by route.
general
- Passport valid for the duration of stay with two blank pages.
- Completed online application form with accurate personal history.
- Payment of visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (if applicable).
- Proof of funds covering tuition/living costs or stay expenses.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate issued by an approved clinic (required for Morocco).
student specific
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.
- Financial evidence showing tuition + GBP 1,334/month (London) or GBP 1,023/month (outside London) for up to 9 months.
- English proficiency (IELTS UKVI Academic or equivalent) if required by the institution.
- Academic transcripts and qualifications matching the offer.
Required Documents Checklist
Core Documents
- Valid passport and all previous passports (if available).
- Online application summary (UKVI) and appointment confirmation.
- Visa payment receipt and Immigration Health Surcharge receipt (if required).
- Two recent passport photos (35mm x 45mm) if biometrics centre requests.
Financial Evidence
- Bank statements or bank letters covering 28 consecutive days, issued within 31 days of application.
- Sponsor letter and bank documentation if parents/guardians fund the studies.
- Scholarship or bursary letters indicating amount awarded.
Purpose-Specific Documents
- Student Route: CAS letter, academic certificates, English test results.
- Skilled Worker: Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), employment contract, salary details.
- Visitor: Invitation letter, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, evidence of ties to Morocco.
- Family: Marriage certificate, birth certificates, proof of relationship, sponsor’s immigration status.
Supporting Documents
- TB test certificate from IOM Clinic (Casablanca) or other UKVI-approved centre.
- Police clearance certificate if requested for specific categories.
- Translations by certified translators if documents are not in English.
- Evidence of previous travel history (visas, entry stamps).
Application Steps
1. Complete Online Application
Visit gov.uk, select your visa route, create an account, and fill the online form. Answer all sections accurately to avoid delays.
2. Pay Visa Fee & Immigration Health Surcharge
Pay using a debit/credit card. Student visa IHS is GBP 776 per year; Skilled Worker depends on length of stay.
3. Book TLScontact Appointment
Choose TLScontact Casablanca, select optional services (priority, courier) if desired, and confirm booking.
4. Upload Documents
Upload scans to TLScontact prior to appointment or use their paid document scanning service at the centre.
5. Attend Biometrics
Submit fingerprints, digital photo, and passport. Provide TB certificate, bank statements, and supporting documents if requested.
6. Wait for Decision
UKVI will process your application. Track status via TLScontact account. You may receive an email when a decision is made.
7. Collect Passport
Receive SMS/email when passport is ready. Collect in person or via courier. Verify visa vignette carefully.
Fees & Costs
Fees are paid in GBP during the online application. Currency conversions show approximate MAD amounts using latest exchange averages.
| Fee type | GBP | MAD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Route visa | GBP 490 | ≈ 6,150 MAD | Fee per applicant |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | GBP 776 / year | ≈ 9,740 MAD | Charged annually for students |
| Standard Visitor visa (6 months) | GBP 115 | ≈ 1,440 MAD | Single or multiple entry |
| Priority processing (optional) | GBP 500 | ≈ 6,280 MAD | Decision in 5 working days |
| Super priority (optional) | GBP 1,000 | ≈ 12,560 MAD | Decision by next working day |
| Biometrics at TLScontact | Included | Included | Basic service included in visa fee |
| Document scanning (optional) | GBP 18-45 | ≈ 225-565 MAD | If TLScontact uploads documents for you |
Processing Times
UKVI publishes indicative processing times. High season (June-September) can extend decisions beyond the service standard.
Standard processing
Student & Skilled Worker: 3 weeks | Visitor: 3 weeks
Peak season
June–September
Allow 4–6 weeks; submit early
Priority options
Priority (5 working days) and Super Priority (next working day) available at extra cost.
Processing: 5 working days (priority) / 1 working day (super priority)
Fee: GBP 500 / GBP 1,000 respectively
Tracking & Communication
Monitor your application through multiple channels to ensure you do not miss document requests or decision notifications.
TLScontact portal
Status updates, appointment management, decision notifications.
Email & SMS alerts
Opt in for SMS; check email (including spam) regularly for UKVI updates.
UKVI contact centre
Paid phone/email service for status enquiries if processing exceeds standard times.
After Approval
Once your passport is returned with a visa vignette, prepare for travel and arrival formalities.
Checklist
- Verify visa vignette details (name, passport number, validity dates).
- For Student Route, note the start date on the vignette (usually 90 days before course start).
- Print the visa decision letter and keep it with travel documents.
- Arrange accommodation, airport pickup, and initial finances.
- If staying longer than 6 months, pay for and book Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) collection within 10 days of arrival (from designated post office or university).
Border entry
Show passport, visa, CAS/CoS, proof of funds, and TB certificate if requested.
BRP collection
Collect BRP before the deadline printed on the decision letter to confirm immigration status.
Police registration
Currently suspended but check latest UKVI guidance; some nationalities previously required to register.
Common Issues & How to Avoid Them
Insufficient financial proof
Maintain required funds for 28 consecutive days and provide official bank statements with bank letterhead.
Incorrect or missing CAS information
Check that CAS details (course, fees paid, accommodation) match your application and correct inconsistencies before submission.
Expired TB certificate
TB certificates are valid for 6 months. Schedule the exam close to application date but leave time to receive the certificate.
Late response to UKVI enquiries
Monitor email/TLScontact messages daily and respond immediately to additional document (ADR) requests.
Travel booked before visa issuance
Wait until passport with visa is returned before purchasing non-refundable tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I apply for a UK visa?
You can apply up to 6 months before course start (Student Route) or 3 months before travel for other routes. We recommend applying at least 8–10 weeks before intended arrival.
Do I have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
Yes, for visas longer than 6 months. The IHS grants access to NHS healthcare during your stay.
Can I work while on a Student Route visa?
Full-time degree students can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time in vacations. Work restrictions are printed on the BRP.
Is the CAS mandatory?
Yes. UKVI will refuse a Student Route application without a valid CAS number issued by a licensed sponsor.
What if my visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal notice outlining reasons. Address the issues, gather new evidence, and submit a fresh application. Administrative review is an option for certain categories.
How long can I stay with a Standard Visitor visa?
You can stay up to 6 months. Extensions are rarely granted unless for compelling reasons.
Can my dependants join me?
Postgraduate students on research programmes or government-sponsored students can bring dependants; undergraduates generally cannot. Skilled Worker main applicants can bring dependants.
Do I need an English test for the visa?
Students must meet CAS language conditions. Work visas may require English at CEFR B1 or higher unless exempt.
Where do I take biometrics?
TLScontact Casablanca is the designated UK visa application centre for Morocco.
Can I switch from Student to Graduate Route in the UK?
Yes. Apply online before your Student visa expires once you receive confirmation of course completion.