Template — UK — Editorial-only
SOP after UK Student Route refusal
UK Student Route refusals fall into four main categories: financial requirement failure, CAS credibility doubts, English language concerns, and genuineness under Appendix V. Unlike US §214(b) refusals, which centre on immigrant intent, UK refusals often focus on whether the funds are genuinely available and whether the course fits the applicant's academic history. This template structures a reapplication SOP around those specific doubts.
Who this template is for
- Applicants refused under Appendix V for failing the financial maintenance requirement.
- Students whose CAS details conflicted with their financial documents or academic record.
- Applicants whose bank statements did not meet the 28-day rule or whose funds were not genuinely accessible.
- Students reapplying to the same or a different UK institution with corrected documentation.
Annotated template
Replace bracketed fields. Each annotation explains what UKVI expects for that section.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE [Your full name] [Passport number] [Date] To: UK Visas and Immigration Re: Student Route visa reapplication — [Course name] at [University name] Prior refusal date: [DD MMM YYYY] 1. THE REFUSAL GROUND My previous Student Route application was refused on [date]. The refusal notice cited [specific paragraph — e.g., Appendix V para 320(2), financial requirement, CAS mismatch, or English language]. I have reviewed the refusal grounds and taken the following corrective steps. 2. CORRECTIVE STEPS TAKEN Since the refusal: • [Financial fix: new bank account with 28-day balance history, corrected sponsor letter, or removed unclear large deposits] • [CAS fix: obtained corrected CAS from the university with matching course title, fee, and start date] • [English fix: new SELT result at CEFR B2 or above from an approved provider] • [Academic fit fix: explained the progression from prior degree to this course with a clear skills gap] 3. FINANCIAL MAINTENANCE My tuition fees for [course name] are £[amount]. My living costs are calculated at £[1,334 or 1,023]/month for [number] months = £[amount]. Total required: £[amount]. These funds are held in: • [Bank name, account type, account holder name, currency] • [Opening balance date: DD MMM YYYY] • [Closing balance date: DD MMM YYYY — must be within 31 days of application date] • [Balance on closing date: £amount] The funds have been held continuously for 28 days. There are no unexplained large deposits. The source of the funds is [salary / savings / property sale / family gift — with supporting document reference]. 4. COURSE CHOICE AND ACADEMIC PROGRESSION I am applying for [course name] at [University name] because [specific module, research group, or career-relevant skill]. This course follows my prior qualification in [subject] from [institution] by addressing the gap in [specific skill or knowledge area]. After completing the [degree], I intend to return to [home country] to [specific job, family business, or professional licence requirement]. My [employer / family] has confirmed this plan in writing [attach letter reference]. 5. GENUINE STUDENT CRITERIA I meet the genuine student criteria because: • My academic history shows consistent progression in [field]. • The course is at a higher level than my current qualification ([RQF level]). • I have researched the course content, the faculty, and the career outcomes. • I can explain why this course, at this university, at this time—not a generic statement. 6. ENGLISH LANGUAGE I have passed [test name] at CEFR [level] with scores: [reading, writing, listening, speaking]. The test was taken on [date] at [centre name] and is listed on the UKVI approved provider register. Sincerely, [Signature] [Printed name]
Annotation — 28-day rule: UKVI requires funds to have been held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before the application date. The balance must not dip below the required amount on any day. See UKVI — Student visa money requirements.
Annotation — Genuine student: Appendix V requires officers to assess whether the course is credible given the applicant's academic and employment history. A gap of several years without explanation can trigger refusal. Address gaps directly.
Annotation — CAS consistency: The CAS must match the course title, fee, and start date on the unconditional offer letter. Any discrepancy—even a typo—can result in refusal.
Worked example
Student B was refused a Student Route visa for an MSc in Data Science after a £15,000 deposit three days before the statement date lacked source explanation. The reapplication SOP explains the deposit as property sale proceeds, attaches the sale deed and transfer record, and moves funds into a new account 35 days before the application. A module-by-module explanation replaces the generic "I want to study in the UK."
Common mistakes
- Submitting the same bank statement with the unexplained deposit still present.
- Writing a generic SOP that does not mention the specific refusal paragraph.
- Ignoring the 28-day rule by applying with a statement that ends more than 31 days before the application date.
Cited sources
Reviewer
This template was prepared by MyCaseworks Editorial. Reviewer programs for UK matters (SRA-regulated solicitors) are under development; until those programs launch, UK templates are editorial-only. The content is based on published UKVI guidance and the Immigration Rules. For case-specific legal advice, retain a solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.