UK Student Visa

When do I need to apply for a UK Student visa?

If you are seeking to come to the UK to study for more than six months and do not already hold another category of visa which permits this, you should apply for a UK Student visa.

What are the requirements?

In order to qualify, you will need to show that you:

• are aged 16 or over (and if under the age of 18 have parental consent to make your application);
• have been issued with a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (“CAS”) from a Home Office approved school, college or university in the UK;
• have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living costs in the UK; and
• can speak, read, write, and understand the English language.

What can’t I do in the UK?

If you are a student on the basis of this visa category in the UK, you are not allowed to:

• work for more than 20 hours per week during term-time (where you are studying at degree level or higher);
• be self-employed or engage in business activity;
• work as a professional sportsperson (including as a sports coach);
• work as an entertainer; or
• work in a position which would fill a permanent full-time vacancy.

How long can I stay in the UK?

If you will be studying on a course of 12 months or longer, you will be granted a visa valid for the duration of your course plus up to five months.

Overall, you cannot spend more than five years in the UK if you are 18 or over and your course is at degree level, or more than two years if your course is below degree level.

Can I settle in the UK?

This visa route does not lead to UK permanent residence in itself. However, you may be able to apply for permanent residence once you have lived in the UK for a continuous period of at least 10 years on the basis of multiple UK visas, which could include a Student visa.

For more information about us and our personal immigration services, please contact a member of the team who can answer any questions and guide you through the process.