Student Visa

If you dream of studying in the UK at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, you’ll need a student visa.

Applying for a student visa isn’t overly complicated when you’re well-prepared.

At Lawhive, our network of expert immigration solicitors can help you maximise your chances of securing a student visa so you can enjoy living and studying in the UK.

Get in touch today for a free case evaluation.

• What is a student visa?

• Who can apply for a student visa?

• When can I apply for a student visa?

• How long can I stay in the UK on a student visa?

• Can I extend my student visa?

• Can I switch to a student visa from another visa?

• When can I travel to the UK on a student visa?

• How much does a student visa cost?

• Can I bring my partner and children on a student visa?

• What can I do on a student visa?

• What can’t I do on a student visa?

• Do I have to prove I have money to support myself when applying for a student visa?

• What level of English do I need to apply for a student visa?

• What documents do I need to apply for a student visa?

• How to apply for a student visa

• How long does it take to get a decision on a student visa?

• How can Lawhive help?

What is a student visa? 

A student visa is a points-based visa that allows someone to live, study, and work in the UK. Student visas can only be issued for certain courses. 

The courses must meet certain requirements such as a minimum level of qualifications to be eligible.

A student visa allows you to study in the UK for the duration of your course.

Who can apply for a student visa?

If you are over 16 and want to study at a higher education level in the UK for more than 6 months, you need a student visa.

To be eligible for a student visa you must have been offered a place by a licenced student sponsor.

You also must be able to pay for your course and support yourself financially. The required amount will vary depending on the type of course you study.

You’ll need to be proficient in English.

16- and 17-year-olds also need parental consent for a student visa. You have to provide evidence of this when you apply.

When can I apply for a student visa?

You can apply for a student visa when you have been granted a place on a course of higher education in the UK by a licenced student sponsor. 

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your programme begins. 

How long can I stay in the UK on a student visa?

A student visa or Tier 4 visa, as it is also known, will allow you to stay in the UK for the length of your course. 

Aside from this, there is a maximum time limit of 5 years you can stay in the UK studying a degree-level course on a student visa. 

If you’re studying a course below degree level, you’ll usually only be allowed to stay 2 years. 

Can I extend my student visa?

You may be able to extend your student visa under certain circumstances, if you:

• Have a Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa

• Have an unconditional offer from a licenced student sponsor

• Can provide a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies

• Are starting a new course that is a higher academic level than your current course.

Can I switch to a student visa from another visa?

You may be able to switch to a student visa if you’re already in the UK on another visa.

To switch to a student visa you must:

• Be in the UK already

• Have an unconditional offer on a course with a licenced sponsor demonstrated by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.

However, you can’t switch to a student visa if you have:

• A visitor visa

• A short-term student visa

• A parent of a child student visa

• A seasonal worker visa

• A domestic worker in a private household visa

• Leave outside the immigration rules

If you are settled or have pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you don’t need to apply for a visa to work in the UK.

When can I travel to the UK on a student visa?

When you have a student visa, the date that you can travel to the UK will be determined by the length of your course and its start date referenced on your confirmation of acceptance for studies. 

You must wait for your Entry Clearance Visa to become valid first, or your e-visa if you have been granted one. 

How much does a student visa cost?

A student visa costs £490 per applicant. 

The cost for a licensed solicitor to help with a Student Visa depends on the specific requirements of your case. On average it is expected to range from £675-£900 but in some cases, it could cost as much as £1,069.

If you need a solicitor to help with your student visa application, contact us today for a free no-obligation quote based on your circumstances.

Can I bring my partner and children on a student visa?

Yes, you may be able to bring your partner and dependents to the UK or extend their stay so they can remain in the UK longer.

To be eligible you must be:

• A government-sponsored student on a course lasting longer than 6 months

• A full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts 9 months or longer

You must provide evidence of your relationship when you apply, such as:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate for your partner

• Your child’s birth certificate.

What can I do on a student visa?

On a student visa, you can live, work (as a student union or sabbatical officer), and study in the UK. 

Whether you can work depends on how much you’re studying and whether you are working in or out of term time.

What can’t I do on a student visa?

There are a range of things you cannot do:

• You can't claim public funds, including any benefits and pensions

• Work in certain jobs, such as a professional sportsperson or coach

• Be self-employed

• Study at an academy or local authority-funded school.

Do I have to prove I have money to support myself when applying for a student visa?

You must prove that you have the finances to support yourself when applying for a student visa. You can do this by providing copies of bank statements and loan agreements.

If you have been living in the UK for 12 months before applying for a student visa you’re exempt from this financial requirement. Other exemptions include student sabbatical officers in training as a doctor or dentist.

What level of English do I need to apply for a student visa?

To be eligible for a student visa in the UK you must demonstrate that you can speak, write, and read English to a minimum standard on the CEFR scale. 

The standard you need to reach differs between courses and academic levels:

For degree level or above, you must meet the equivalent to CEFR level B2.

For qualifications below degree level, you must achieve the Equivalent to CEFR level B1.

What documents do I need to apply for a student visa?

For a UK student visa, you’ll usually require the following supporting documents:

• Your passport or valid travel document 

• A confirmation of acceptance from your institution 

• Proof of financial means, like bank statements

• An Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate, if required

• Tuberculosis test results if you’re from an affected country

• Written consent if you are being sponsored for the cost of your course

• If you’re under 18 at the time of your application you’ll need parental or legal guardian consent.

Documents in any other language than English or Welsh must be translated by an accredited translator. Both the original and translated documents will need to be submitted as evidence. 

How to apply for a student visa

To apply for a UK student visa, you must first be accepted onto a course at a UK educational institution. You must then apply for a Tier 4 visa, which allows you to study in the UK.

How long does it take to get a decision on a student visa?

How long it takes to get a student visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, a Tier 4 student visa can take up to 6 weeks.

You can also apply to have your decision fast-tracked using the priority or super-priority service.

If you need help with a student visa application, Lawhive aims to have the best solicitor for your matter assigned to your case within 24 hours. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote for our services.

How can Lawhive help?

Lawhive has one of the fastest-growing networks of immigration solicitors in the UK, ready to help you make an application for a student visa.

As soon as we’ve received details of your case, we will assign a specialist solicitor with relevant experience to help with your application.

To get started, contact us today.