Scammers target students who are far from home and under time pressure.
Warning signs
- A call or message claiming to be from the Home Office and demanding payment.
- Someone offering a guaranteed visa or a job offer in exchange for money.
- A website that looks official but does not end in gov.uk for government services.
What to do
- Stop, and do not pay.
- Check the web address and contact details independently.
- Report to Action Fraud and tell your university.
Real application fees are paid on official gov.uk pages.
Sources
Last checked 22 Oct 2026. Rules change, so confirm on gov.uk.
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General information only. This page does not say whether you qualify for anything, and rules change, so check the linked gov.uk pages. For advice on your own case, use an IAA-registered adviser or a solicitor.