Student visa
You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you are 16 or over and you have been offered a place in a course by a licensed UK student sponsor (licensed UK educational institution). The sponsor must be listed on the register of licensed student sponsors.
If you are an overseas student wanting to study in the UK, the earliest you can apply for a Student visa is 6 months before you start your course.
If you are already in the UK and want to remain in the UK to study or want to extend your Student visa, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires.
How long you can stay in the UK depends on the length and type of your course.
This is a points-based application. To apply, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Have admission to study at a licensed UK educational institution;
- Have a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) including a CAS number from your UK course provider;
- Meet minimum financial requirements to live, pay tuition, and cover other expenses during your stay in the UK;
- Have proof of English language proficiency. There are some exceptions: Nationality from an English-speaking country or an accepted English language degree or successfully passing an accredited English language test;
- Provide tuberculosis test results if applicable;
- Have parental consent if you are 16 or 17 years old.
You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.
If you have, or previously had, permission as a Student and are applying for permission to extend your stay as a Student, it is usually a requirement to show academic progress from the previous course(s) of study.
A person who wants to study a course for 6 months or less without a student sponsor but with an accredited provider should apply for the Visitor route.
Our team of immigration lawyers has vast experience in assisting with Student visas. For assistance, please contact our experienced immigration lawyers today on 07429429892, 02038563516 or info@dmlawpractice.com
With a Student visa you can:
- Study the course for which your Student visa has been granted;
- Work as a student union sabbatical officer;
- You may be able to work – how much depends on what you’re studying and whether you’re working in or out of term-time;
- You may be able to bring your dependant partner and dependant children with you under certain circumstances, for example if you are studying at postgraduate level or on a government sponsored scheme;
- Travel abroad and return to the UK during the visa validity period;
- You may be able to extend your Student visa to stay longer and continue your course or study a new course if you meet the academic progress requirement. This includes if you currently have a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
With a Student visa you cannot:
- Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension;
- Work in certain jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson;
- Be self-employed;
- Study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school).