UK Student Visa

Expert Immigration Support for International Students

Our specialist education immigration solicitors provide comprehensive UK student visa services for international students. From initial applications to extensions and post-study work routes, we ensure successful applications meeting all financial and academic requirements. Contact us today: 0203 909 8399 | Book a Consultation

What Is A UK Student Visa?

The UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) enables international students aged 16 and over to study at licensed educational institutions in the UK. This points-based visa route covers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate programs, providing a pathway to world-class education and potential post-study work opportunities through the Graduate route.

When Do You Need A Student Visa?

You need a Student visa when:

Studying a course longer than 6 months in the UK
Pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees
Attending English language courses (over 11 months)
Enrolling in foundation or pre-sessional programs
Switching from another visa category to study
Extending your current student status

Financial Requirements 2025

Living Cost Requirements

Updated rates from January 2, 2025:

London: £1,483 per month (previously £1,334)
Outside London: £1,136 per month (previously £1,023)
Calculate for up to 9 months maximum
Boarding school students: Pay boarding fees instead

Total Funds Required

You must show funds for:

First year’s tuition fees (or outstanding balance)
Living costs for up to 9 months
Course fees minus any deposits already paid
Additional funds for each dependent

28-Day Rule

Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days
Bank statement must end within 31 days of application
Cannot use money during the 28-day period
Parents’ accounts acceptable with consent letter

Student Visa Categories

Student Route (16+ years)

Degree level and above
Below degree level courses
English language courses
Foundation programs
Pre-sessional courses

Child Student Visa (4-17 years)

Independent schools only
Different financial requirements
Parental consent required
Care arrangements needed

Short-term Study Visa

Courses up to 6 months
English language up to 11 months
Cannot extend or switch
No work permitted

Academic Requirements

Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS)

Valid CAS from licensed sponsor
Confirms course details and fees
States tuition deposits paid
Used only once for application
Valid for 6 months

English Language Requirements

SELT from approved provider
B2 level for degree courses
B1 level for below degree
Exemptions for certain nationalities
Previous UK degree acceptable

Academic Qualifications

Meet course entry requirements
Provide transcripts and certificates
ATAS certificate if required
Genuine Student requirement

Work Rights and Restrictions

During Studies

20 hours per week during term time
Full-time during holidays
Course-related work placements
Some jobs prohibited
Self-employment not allowed

Post-Study Options

Graduate Route (2-3 years)
Skilled Worker visa switch
Start-up/Innovator routes
Global Talent visa
Family visa if eligible

Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

Receive unconditional offer from university
Pay tuition deposit and get CAS
Prepare financial documents
Complete online application
Pay visa fees and IHS surcharge
Book biometric appointment
Submit documents (if required)
Await decision (usually 3 weeks)

Required Documents

Valid passport
CAS reference number
Financial evidence
Academic qualifications
English language results
TB test (if applicable)
ATAS certificate (if needed)
Parental consent (under 18)

Application Fees 2025

Student visa from outside UK: £490
Extension within UK: £827
Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year
Priority service: £500 extra
Super Priority: £1,000 extra

Visa Conditions and Compliance

Academic Progression

Maintain satisfactory attendance
Progress academically
Complete course within timeframe
Report changes to sponsor
Cannot repeat same level

Reporting Requirements

Changes in circumstances
Address updates
Course changes
Absence from studies
Police registration (if required)

Extension and Switching

Extending Student Visa

Apply before current visa expires
New CAS required
Show academic progression
Meet financial requirements again
Good immigration history

Switching to Student Visa

Eligible to switch from:

Visitor visa (limited circumstances)
Short-term study visa
Dependent visas
Some work visas
Graduate route

Cannot switch from:

Visit visa (standard)
Short-term student visa
Parent of child student
Immigration bail

Bringing Dependents

Eligible Students

Postgraduate (9+ months) at RQF 7
Doctorate students
Government-sponsored students
Must prove additional funds

Dependent Requirements

Spouse/partner relationship proof
Children under 18
Additional financial requirements
London: £845 per month per dependent
Outside: £680 per month per dependent

Common Refusal Reasons

Financial Issues

Insufficient funds shown
Money not held for 28 days
Incorrect bank statements
Funds not accessible
Large unexplained deposits

Documentation Problems

Invalid or expired CAS
Missing documents
Incorrect translations
False information
Genuine student concerns

Our Student Visa Services

Initial Applications

CAS review and verification
Financial requirement calculations
Document preparation
Application form completion
Interview preparation
Priority service guidance

Extensions and Switches

Academic progression assessment
New CAS applications
Switching route advice
Dependent applications
Graduate route transitions

Problem Resolution

Refusal appeals
Administrative reviews
Fresh applications
Sponsor compliance issues
Academic progression problems

Why Choose Connaught Law

SRA regulated solicitors
Education sector specialists
University partnership experience
Complex case expertise
Same-day emergency service
Multi-language support

Our Education Law Expertise

Student visa specialists
Institution compliance advisors
Academic progression experts
Graduate route specialists
Appeals and judicial review
Sponsor license advisors

Client Support Services

Pre-arrival guidance
Airport pickup assistance
Bank account opening help
Accommodation advice
NHS registration support
University liaison services

Next Steps

Secure your UK education journey with expert student visa assistance. Our specialist immigration solicitors guide international students through every stage, from initial applications to post-study work transitions. We ensure compliance with the latest 2025 requirements and maximize your chances of success. Call 0203 909 8399 or Book Online for comprehensive student visa support.

Priority services available for urgent applications. Fixed fees with payment plans. Free initial eligibility assessment.