Li Solicitors

Extension Of Student Visa UK

If you are already in the UK on a Student visa and need more time to complete your course, you may be able to apply for an extension. 

Extension Of Student Visa UK

If you are already in the UK on a Student visa and need more time to complete your course, you may be able to apply for an extension. An application must meet the immigration rules and be supported by the correct documents to avoid refusal.

Extending a Student visa requires careful preparation and accurate evidence. Each application is assessed on its own facts, including your course details, academic history and compliance with previous visa conditions. Professional advice can significantly improve your prospects of success.

Specialist Student Visa Solicitors

Our immigration solicitors have extensive experience in advising students on visa extensions and related applications. We understand the Home Office requirements and provide practical guidance at every stage of the process.

We offer clear, tailored advice, assist with preparing supporting documents and complete the application accurately on your behalf. Our aim is to reduce stress and ensure your application meets the relevant legal and procedural requirements.

Eligibility Requirements For extension of student visa

To qualify for a Student visa extension, you must continue to meet the relevant immigration criteria set by the Home Office.

You must hold valid immigration permission at the date of application You must have a genuine intention to study in the UK You must meet the financial maintenance requirement You must satisfy the English language requirement You must comply with academic progression rules You must study with a licensed student sponsor You must provide accurate and complete documentation You must apply before your current visa expires

Valid Confirmation Of Acceptance For Studies (CAS)

A valid CAS issued by a licensed education provider is essential for any Student visa extension application.

Your CAS must be issued specifically for your new course period It must confirm your course title, level and duration It must include your sponsor licence number It must confirm any course fees already paid It must state the academic progression assessment It must confirm your study mode and location It must be used within the validity period It must match the details in your application

Course Of Study Requirements

Your course must meet the requirements of the Student route and be appropriate for your academic background.

The course must be offered by a licensed sponsor The course must lead to an approved qualification The course must be at the correct academic level The course must follow academic progression rules The course must be genuine and credible The course must be full-time where required The course details must match your CAS The course duration must be clearly stated

Approved Qualification Requirement

The qualification you are studying towards must be recognised and approved under the Student visa rules.

It must be listed within the regulated qualifications framework It must be offered by an approved education provider It must be appropriate to your previous studies It must represent academic progression where required It must be capable of completion within your visa period It must not breach maximum study limits It must be supported by a valid CAS It must be clearly described in your application

Level Of Study Requirement

The level of study must be consistent with the immigration rules and your academic background. Your new course should normally represent academic progression unless a permitted exception applies.

The Home Office will consider your previous qualifications, your current course level and whether your new course builds on your earlier studies. Meeting this requirement is essential to avoid refusal on credibility grounds.

Academic Progression Requirement For Student Visa Extension

Academic progression means that your new course should normally be at a higher academic level than your previous course in the UK.

The Home Office will assess whether your course choice is logical, credible and consistent with your academic history. Where academic progression does not apply, your sponsor must confirm that your application still meets the relevant exceptions under the rules.

Place Of Study Requirement

Your place of study must be with a licensed student sponsor and at the location stated on your CAS.

You must attend the campus or learning site approved by your sponsor, and your course must be delivered in accordance with the terms of your visa. Any changes to your study arrangements should be confirmed by your education provider and reflected in your application.

(a) Studying in London

Type of Study Funds required
Residential Independent School Sufficient funds to pay outstanding fees (course fees and boarding fees) for one academic year
Doctorate Extension Scheme £2,530
All other cases Sufficient funds to pay any outstanding course fees as stated on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, and £1,265 for each month of the course (up to a maximum of 9 months)

You must show that you have held the required funds for the relevant period You must provide acceptable financial evidence in the correct format You must ensure the funds meet the Home Office definitions You must rely only on permitted sources of funding You must ensure documents are genuine and verifiable You must submit financial evidence with your application You must meet the maintenance level for your circumstances You must understand that failure to meet this rule can lead to refusal

English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate an adequate level of English language ability unless you qualify for an exemption. This requirement ensures that you can follow your course and participate effectively in your studies.

You may meet the requirement through an approved English language test You may rely on a previous qualification taught in English You may be exempt if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country

Your evidence must meet the strict Home Office criteria and be correctly referenced in your application.

You must ensure your test provider is approved You must ensure your test result is still valid

Combined Pre-sessional Course Requirement

If you are undertaking a combined pre-sessional course and main course, specific rules apply to your visa application and the way your CAS is issued.

You must have a single CAS covering both courses You must meet the English level required for the combined offer You must study both courses with the same sponsor

Your sponsor must confirm that you meet the conditions for a combined course offer.

You must apply using the correct course dates You must ensure your documents reflect the combined programme

Work Placement Requirement

Any work placement must be an integral and assessed part of your course.

It must be confirmed on your CAS by your sponsor.

It must comply with the maximum time limits set by the immigration rules

Maximum Period Of Study Requirement

There are limits on the total length of time you can spend in the UK on the Student route. These limits depend on the level of your course and your previous study history.

The Home Office will consider your full immigration and study record when assessing your application. If you exceed the permitted study limits, your application may be refused unless a specific exception applies.

You should obtain advice if you have studied multiple courses in the UK or if your academic pathway is complex.

You must also ensure that your new course fits within the overall time limits You must check previous grants of leave carefully You must plan your studies in line with the immigration rules

Any errors in this area can result in refusal even if other requirements are met.

Documents Used To Obtain An Offer Requirement

The Home Office may assess the documents you used to obtain your course offer when considering your credibility and the genuineness of your application.

These documents can include academic certificates, transcripts, references and English language evidence. You should ensure that all documents are genuine, accurate and consistent with the information provided in your visa application.

If discrepancies are identified, this can lead to refusal and may affect future applications.

You should keep copies of all documents submitted to your sponsor You should ensure translations are provided where required You should check that dates and details are consistent

Parental Consent Requirement

If you are under the age of 18, you must provide written consent from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) for your application, your living arrangements and your travel to the UK.

You must provide clear and signed consent You must include evidence of your relationship

The consent must be specific and must meet the Home Office requirements.

Type of Course Period granted before course start date Period granted after course end date
A course of 12 months or longer 1 Month 4 Months
A course of 6 months or longer but shorter than 12 months 1 Month 2 Months
A pre-sessional course of less than 6 months 1 Month 1 Month
A course as a postgraduate doctor or dentist 1 Month 1 Month
A course of less than 6 months in length which is not a pre-sessional course 7 Days 7 Days

You must ensure you understand how much leave you are likely to be granted.

Work Rights And Work Conditions

Your work rights depend on your course level and sponsor type, and you must follow the conditions stated on your visa.

Type of Course Period granted after
course end date
Student following a full-time course of degree level or above study:
  • sponsored by a higher education provider with a track record of compliance; or
  • sponsored by an overseas higher education institution to undertake a short-term study abroad programme in the UK
20 hours per week during term-time (full-time employment permitted outside of term-time)
Student undertaking a full-time course below degree level study sponsored by a higher education provider with a track record of compliance 10 hours per week during term-time (full-time employment permitted outside of term-time)
All other study, including all part-time study No employment permitted

You must always comply with your work conditions You must not work more than the permitted hours You must ensure any employment is lawful You must understand that breaches can affect future applications You must seek advice if you are unsure about your work rights You must take responsibility for compliance at all times You must inform yourself of any restrictions that apply You must avoid any activity that could breach your visa conditions

Study Condition

You must continue to study in accordance with the conditions of your visa and the requirements of your education provider.

You must attend your classes as required You must engage with your course and assessments You must follow your sponsor’s monitoring requirements You must keep your contact details up to date

Your sponsor may report non-compliance to the Home Office, which can affect your immigration status.

You must remain enrolled throughout your course You must not stop studying without advice You must inform your sponsor of any issues You must take your responsibilities seriously

Super Priority Service (Decision Within 24 Hours) For Switching Into Student Visa

In some cases, you may be able to use the Super Priority Service to receive a faster decision on your application, usually within 24 hours of your biometric appointment.

This service is subject to availability and involves an additional fee. It is important to ensure that your application is fully prepared before using a priority service to reduce the risk of refusal.

How Can We Help For Switching Into Student Visa?

We provide comprehensive legal support for students who wish to switch into the Student route from within the UK.

We assess your eligibility and immigration history We advise you on the required documents and evidence We prepare and submit your application accurately We review your supporting documents in detail We address any complexities in your case We communicate with you clearly throughout the process We aim to minimise the risk of refusal We support you until a decision is received

Our Fee For Extension of Student Visa

Our fees are transparent and based on the complexity of your matter.

Our Service Our Fee
Complete help with application for switching into student visa to cover all the work until decision by the Home Office UKVI From £700 + VAT To £1,200 + VAT

A final fee will depend on the complexity of your case and will be confirmed before we begin work.

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