Student Visa: Secure Your UK Visa

Student Visa

The UK Student Visa allows international students aged 16 and over to study full time at a licensed university, college or school. This route is designed for those who have been accepted onto an approved course and can demonstrate the required academic, English language and financial readiness to live and study in the UK.

What Is the UK Student Visa?

The Student Visa is a temporary immigration category for individuals who intend to study at a Home Office–licensed Student Sponsor. It permits you to:

• Live in the UK for the duration of your course, plus a short additional period before and after.
• Access educational facilities such as libraries, laboratories, academic support and university accommodation.
• Work part time (usually up to 20 hours per week in term time) depending on course level and sponsor type.
• Bring dependants only if you meet the narrow eligibility criteria for postgraduate research courses.

Student Visa holders must maintain full-time study, attend classes and comply with their sponsor’s monitoring requirements.

This route does not normally lead to ILR directly, but you may later switch to a work visa such as Skilled Worker.

Who Can Apply for a UK Student Visa?

To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements.

Academic Offer and CAS

You must have an unconditional offer and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Your CAS will include:

• Course title and level
• Course start and end dates
• Tuition fees for the first academic year
• Any payments already made
• Evidence the institution has assessed your suitability (academic qualifications, interviews, English level)

Your CAS must be issued by a licensed Student Sponsor, and you must apply within six months of its issue date if applying from outside the UK.

English Language Requirement

You must meet the minimum English language level for your course:

The specific requirements depend on the course, which may accept:

• A Secure English Language Test (SELT), such as IELTS for UKVI
• A degree taught in English
• Nationality from an English-speaking country
• Previous study at GCSE/A-level or equivalent in the UK

Financial Requirement

You must show that you have held the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days. This includes:

• Tuition fees (as shown on the CAS)
• Living costs:
  • £1,334 per month if studying in London
  • £1,023 per month if studying outside London
    (Up to a maximum of nine months of maintenance required)

Acceptable financial evidence includes:

• Personal bank statements
• Parent or guardian bank statements (plus evidence of relationship and parental consent)
• Official student loan letters from approved providers
• Official sponsorship letters from governments, international programmes or academic institutions

Funds must be in an account in your name, or in your parent or partner’s name, unless you are fully sponsored.

Genuine Student Requirement

You must demonstrate a genuine intention to study. The Home Office may request:

• A credibility interview
• Academic transcripts
• Explanation of how the course fits your future plans
• Financial background information
• Evidence of previous immigration compliance

Age and Parental Consent

Applicants aged 16–17 must provide written parental or guardian consent and evidence of suitable accommodation and care arrangements in the UK.

Switching Visa Rules

You cannot switch into the Student Visa route from a Visitor Visa or short-term study permission.
You may switch from certain other categories such as Skilled Worker or some family visas.

Dependant Eligibility

Only certain postgraduate research students may bring dependants. This includes:

• a government-sponsored student starting a course that lasts longer than 6 months
• a full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts 9 months or longer

If your postgraduate level course starts on or after 1 January 2024, it must be either:

• a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8)
• a research-based higher degree

Partners and children must meet additional financial requirements.

Documents You’ll Need

Typical documentation includes:

Identity

• Valid passport or travel document

CAS and Course Documents

• CAS reference number
• Qualifications listed on your CAS
• Transcripts or certificates used to obtain your offer

Financial Evidence

• Bank statements covering the full 28 days
• Bank letters confirming the required balance
• Scholarship or sponsorship letters (must include sponsor details, amount covered, duration and confirmation the sponsor supports your UK study)

If relying on your parent’s funds, include:

• Your birth certificate
• A signed parental consent letter
• Their bank statements or financial documents

English Language Evidence

• SELT certificate
• Degree certificate if taught in English
• Evidence of nationality from an exempt country

Additional Evidence

• TB test certificate (if required by your country of residence)
• ATAS certificate for certain postgraduate research courses
• Parental consent documents for applicants aged 16–17

Dependant Documents (if applicable)

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Birth certificates of children
• Proof you meet additional dependant financial requirements

All documents not in English must be translated by an approved translator.

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa

Step 1 – Check You Meet All Requirements

Ensure you have your unconditional offer, meet the English language level, and hold sufficient funds in the correct format.

Step 2 – Receive and Review Your CAS

Review all details on your CAS, such as:

• Course dates
• Tuition fees
• Pre-paid fees
• Sponsor licence number
• Course level and award

Report any inaccuracies to your institution immediately.

Step 3 – Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather and organise all evidence according to Home Office standards. Ensure your financial documents meet the 28-day rule and show the correct amounts.

Step 4 – Submit the Online Application

You will:

• Complete the online form
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
• Pay the visa application fee
• Upload your supporting documents
• Book and attend a biometrics appointment unless eligible for the digital app

You must not apply from inside the UK as a Visitor.

Timing Your Application

• Applications from overseas can be made up to six months before the course start date
• Applications from inside the UK can be made up to three months before your course begins
• You must apply before your current visa expires

Decision Times

• Overseas: approximately 3 weeks
• Inside the UK: approximately 8 weeks
  Priority and super-priority services may be available.

Fees and Processing Times

Application Fees

• Application fee (overseas): £524
• Application fee (inside the UK): £524

Immigration Health Surcharge

• £776 per year for each applicant
  This grants access to NHS services.

Priority Processing

• Priority service, additional £500 (around 5 working days)
• Super priority, additional £1000 (next working day)

Availability varies by country.

Dependants

Dependants pay the same visa and IHS fees.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Insufficient or Incorrect Funds

Common issues include:

• Falling below the required balance during the 28-day period
• Using statements from unregulated financial institutions
• Submitting online screenshots instead of official statements
• Using funds held in joint or business accounts not permitted by the rules

CAS Inconsistencies

Incorrect fee amounts, course dates or personal information can lead to delays or refusals.

English Language Issues

Applicants often overlook SELT test validity (usually 2 years).

Applying from the Wrong Status

Visitors cannot switch into the Student route inside the UK.

Ineligible Dependants

Many students incorrectly assume partners or children can accompany them. This is now restricted.

Misunderstanding Settlement Rules

Time spent on a Student Visa does not normally count towards ILR.

After You’re Approved

Immigration Status

You will receive:

• A digital immigration status (eVisa)
• Instructions on accessing your online account
• Confirmation of your visa start and end dates

Working Rights

Most degree-level students can work:

• Up to 20 hours a week during term time
• Full time outside term time
• On placement if the placement is an assessed part of the course

You cannot:

• Be self-employed
• Work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
• Take a full-time permanent role unless permitted by the rules

Long-Term Options

After completing your course, you may consider switching to:

• Skilled Worker
• Graduate Route 

Why Choose Migrate UK

Migrate UK provides specialist guidance to students across the world, from initial planning through to arrival in the UK. Our experienced team can assist with:

• Detailed financial evidence checks to avoid refusals
• Review of your CAS and academic documents
• Preparation and submission of your complete application
• Support for eligible dependant applications
• Advice on switching routes or planning your long-term immigration plans.

We stay fully up to date with changing rules, ensuring every application we handle meets compliance standards.