Student Visa
The UK is home to some of the best universities, colleges and schools in the world and is one of the most popular destinations for international students. Since Brexit, most international students require a visa to study in the UK. If you are 16 or over and would like to study in the UK for undergraduate or postgraduate studies, doctorate programs, post-doctoral research or a course at a college that is longer than 6 months, you are most likely required to apply for a Student visa. If you would like to come to the UK to learn the English language or attend another short-term course for up to 6 months, you may be required to apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead. If your English language course lasts between 6-11 months, you may need to apply for a Short-term Student visa.
If you are a national of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and have applied to remain in the UK via the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not require a Student visa to study in the UK. In addition, nationals of the British Overseas Territories and Commonwealth countries who qualify for the Right of Abode also do not require a Student visa to study in the UK
If you are not sure if you require a visa to study in the UK or what type of Student visa is right for you, our solicitors can help with advising on the relevant student visa requirements, completing the application form, reviewing necessary documents and other supporting evidence, and accompanying the process until your Student visa is issued.
If your Student visa application has been refused you do not normally have a right to appeal the decision. Depending on your particular circumstances, you might be able to challenge the UK Visas and Immigration’s decision or to make a new visa application.
If you decide to reapply, you shall address in the new visa application all reasons for your refusal, providing all missing information and relevant supporting evidence. If you choose to challenge the decision maker’s refusal of your visa, you may be able to make an application for Administrative Review if a mistake was made by the decision maker when issuing your visa refusal.
Get in touch with our team today
and one of our solicitors will contact you to discuss your visa support requirements
What I can or cannot do as a Student visa holder
As a Student visa holder, you can:
- Study
- Work as a student union sabbatical officer
- You may be able to work, depending on your course and whether you work during term-time or out-of-term-time.
- You may be able to bring your partner and children (‘dependants’)
As a Student visa holder, you cannot:
- Claim public funds (benefits) and pensions
- Work in certain jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
- Be self-employed
- Study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school)
What are the requirements for a Student visa?
You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:
- have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
- have sufficient money to support yourself and pay for your course
- have sufficient English language skills for your course
- have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17
What documents and information are required to make an application?
The actual list of documents required will dependent on the type of studies you are applying. Get in touch for your tailored advice on your application pack and supporting evidence.
How can I apply? How long does it take to get a decision?
If you are applying from outside the UK, the earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course. Your decision will normally be issued within 3 weeks.
If you are applying from the UK, you may be able to apply for priority service, with the decision made within 5 working days for all straightforward applications, or super-priority service, with the decision made the following day.
If you apply from inside the UK, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you start your course. You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring. Your decision will normally be issued within 8 weeks.
How long can I stay in the UK?
This depends on the length of your course and what study you have already completed in the UK. If you are 18 or above and studying for a degree, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If your studies are below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
You may be able to stay longer in the UK and extend your visa, if eligible, switch to a Student visa from another visa if you are already in the UK or switch to a Graduate visa.
What can I do if my visa is refused?
If your Student visa application has been refused you do not normally have a right to appeal the decision. Depending on your particular circumstances, you might be able to challenge the UK Visas and Immigration’s decision or to make a new visa application.
If you decide to reapply, you shall address in the new visa application all reasons for your refusal, providing all missing information and relevant supporting evidence. If you choose to challenge the decision maker’s refusal of your visa, you may be able to make an application for Administrative Review if a mistake was made by the decision maker when issuing your visa refusal.