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A Student visa enables international students aged 16 and over to study in the UK at a school, college or university which has a sponsor licence issued by the Home Office.
This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) Student visa.
In order to successfully apply for a Student visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:
A Student visa is valid for the duration of the course with additional time given at the beginning and end of the course so that students can arrange their affairs.
Before the expiry of a Student visa, an applicant may be able to apply to extend their stay in the UK as a Student. If an applicant has dependants, they also may extend their stay.
To note, there are time limits on how long an applicants can study on a Student visa once they turn 18. If an applicant is under the age of 18, there is no limit to their permission.
Once an applicant turns 18, the applicant can spend up to 2 years on a Student visa studying a course(s) that leads to a qualification below degree level. In certain circumstances the limit is extended to 2 years and 11 months.
If an applicant is studying a course at degree level, then the time limit is usually 5 years. In certain circumstances the limit is extended to 2 years and 11 months.
Some courses are exempt from the time limit including architecture, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and some legal qualifications.
The Student visa route does not lead to settlement. However, a Student visa holder may be eligible to switch to a category which does lead to settlement i.e. a Skilled Worker visa.
In certain circumstances Student visa holders can bring their partner and/or dependant children to the UK.
To note, new restrictions coming into place in January 2024 will further restrict international students to bring their family members to the UK.
The Home Office usually process a Student visa application made from outside the UK within 3 weeks. An application made within the UK will usually be decided within 8 weeks.
The Home Office fee for applications made from outside the UK for both main applicants and dependants is £363.
The Home Office fee for applications made from inside the UK for both main applicants and dependants is £490.
Applicants will also have to pay the immigration health surcharge, how much they pay depends on the length of their stay and age.
Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.
If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.