Student Visa

STUDENT VISA

Study in the United Kingdom

The UK Student Visa allows international students to study at licensed educational institutions throughout the United Kingdom. Whether you are planning to undertake an English language course, Foundation Programme, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree or PhD, obtaining the correct immigration permission before travelling to the UK is essential.

The Student Visa is designed for genuine students who have been accepted by a licensed education provider and meet the requirements set out in the UK Immigration Rules. A successful application allows you to live in the UK for the duration of your studies and, subject to your visa conditions, work during your course. Upon successful completion of your studies, you may also be eligible to switch into another immigration route.

OUR IMMIGRATION ADVISORY SERVICES

We provide comprehensive legal and practical support throughout every stage of your Student Visa application.

Our services include:

• Assessing your eligibility before you apply
• Advising on the most suitable education and immigration pathway
• Reviewing your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Ensuring your financial evidence complies with Home Office requirements
• Reviewing all supporting documentation
• Preparing and submitting your online visa application
• Advising on the English language requirement
• Providing advice on dependant applications where eligible
• Assisting with Student Visa extensions and switching applications
• Providing immigration advice following your arrival in the United Kingdom

Every application is assessed individually in accordance with the latest Home Office guidance and the UK Immigration Rules.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for a Student Visa, applicants must satisfy a number of immigration requirements.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Before submitting your application, you must have a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by a Home Office licensed education provider.

Your CAS will include details such as:

• Name of the education provider
• Course title
• Course level
• Course start and end dates
• Tuition fees
• Any payments already made
• Sponsor Licence Number
• Your unique CAS Reference Number

It is essential that all information contained within your CAS is accurate and up to date.

Licensed Education Provider

The institution where you intend to study must hold a valid Student Sponsor Licence issued by the Home Office.

Licensed sponsors include:

• Universities
• Higher Education Institutions
• Further Education Colleges
• Eligible Independent Schools

Only licensed education providers are authorised to issue a CAS.

Genuine Student Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate that their primary purpose for coming to the United Kingdom is to study.

The Home Office may consider factors including:

• Your educational background
• Academic qualifications
• Previous immigration history
• Whether your chosen course is appropriate for your previous studies and future career plans
• Your future career objectives
• The consistency and credibility of the information provided within your application

For this reason, it is important that all documents and information submitted are accurate, consistent and fully supported.

English Language Requirement

Most applicants must demonstrate that they meet the required level of English language ability.

This requirement may be satisfied through:

• An approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)
• Academic qualifications taught in English
• Assessment by your education provider where permitted
• Exemptions available under the Immigration Rules

The required English language level depends on the course you intend to study.

Financial Requirement

Unless exempt, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of their studies and living expenses in the United Kingdom.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to show evidence that you can meet the cost of:

• First-year tuition fees
• Living expenses (maintenance)
• Other study-related costs

Bank statements and other financial documents must comply with the Home Office’s evidential requirements.

Tuberculosis (TB) Test

Applicants applying from certain countries are required to provide a valid Tuberculosis (TB) certificate issued by a Home Office approved clinic.

Whether a TB certificate is required depends on the country from which the application is made.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Students intending to study certain postgraduate and doctoral courses, particularly in science, engineering and technology subjects, may be required to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before submitting their Student Visa application.

Your education provider will advise you if this requirement applies to your course.

WHO CAN APPLY?

You may be eligible to apply for a Student Visa if you:

• Are aged 16 or over
• Have received an offer from a licensed education provider
• Hold a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Meet the English language requirement
• Meet the financial requirement
• Satisfy the Genuine Student requirement
• Meet the suitability requirements under the UK Immigration Rules

ELIGIBLE COURSES

Examples of courses that qualify under the Student Visa route include:

• English Language Courses
• Foundation Programmes
• International Foundation Year
• Undergraduate Degrees
• Master’s Degrees
• Doctoral (PhD) Programmes
• Professional Qualifications
• Pre-sessional English Courses
• Student Union Sabbatical Officer positions

WORKING DURING YOUR STUDIES

Many Student Visa holders are permitted to work while studying, subject to the conditions of their visa.

The number of hours you are permitted to work depends on:

• The level of your course
• Your education provider
• The conditions attached to your visa

However, certain types of employment are prohibited. In particular, Student Visa holders are generally not permitted to be self-employed or work as professional sportspeople or sports coaches.

DEPENDANTS

Not all Student Visa holders are eligible to bring family members to the United Kingdom.

Eligibility depends on factors including:

• The level of study
• The type of course
• The current Immigration Rules
• The applicant’s individual circumstances

Where eligible, applications may be made for a spouse, partner and dependent children.

SWITCHING TO A STUDENT VISA

Certain individuals already in the United Kingdom may be able to switch into the Student Visa route.

However, switching is not permitted from every immigration category.

We can assess your current immigration status and advise whether switching is available in your particular circumstances.

EXTENDING A STUDENT VISA

You may be able to extend your Student Visa if:

• You require additional time to complete your course
• You are progressing to a higher level qualification
• You have obtained a new CAS
• You continue to meet the Student Visa requirements

Applications should normally be submitted before your current immigration permission expires.

AFTER COMPLETING YOUR STUDIES

Following the successful completion of your course, you may be eligible to switch into another UK immigration category.

Potential options include:

• Graduate Visa
• Skilled Worker Visa
• Global Talent Visa
• Innovator Founder Visa
• Family Visa Routes

We can advise you on the most appropriate immigration pathway based on your long-term plans and individual circumstances.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Documents commonly required include:

• Valid passport
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Financial evidence
• Evidence of English language ability
• Academic qualifications
• Academic transcripts
• Tuberculosis (TB) certificate (where applicable)
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (where required)
• Certified translations of documents that are not in English or Welsh
• Any additional documents requested by the Home Office

The exact documents required will depend on your individual circumstances.