Introducing the Student visa
With over 150 higher education institutions to choose from, the United Kingdom remains an educational hub of the world. Over half a million international students come to the UK to study every single year. All students from outside the United Kingdom need a UK Student Visa before they can begin their studies.
Visa holders studying at degree level can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years on this visa; below degree level, this is usually up to 2 years.
Student visa requirements
Visa candidates can apply for a UK Student Visa if they are 16 years of age or older and:
- They have been offered a place on a higher education course by a licensed student sponsor
- They have enough money to support themselves and pay for their course
- They can speak, read, write, and understand English
- They have consent from their parents if they are 16 or 17
Skilled Worker visa application process
Visa candidates can apply for the Skilled Worker visa online.
Applicants will need to provide documentary evidence to show that they meet the requirements for this visa.. The key document here is the Certificate of Sponsorship issued by a licensed sponsor, which will confirm the details of the applicant’s employment, including the skill level and the salary.
To meet the English language requirement, applicants can rely on:
- a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English,
- a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English,
- an English Language Test – it is critical to ensure the test provider is approved by the Home Office for the test results to be accepted.
All applicants will also need to demonstrate their knowledge of English at B2 level for those planning to study at degree level or above, and B1 level for those studying below degree level.
What Student visa holders can and can’t do
Student visa holders can:
- Study
- Work as student union sabbatical officers
- Work – depending on their course of study and whether the work takes place during term-time or not
- Switch to another visa category
Student visa holders can’t:
- Claim public funds
- Work in certain jobs, such as athletes or sports coaches
- Be self-employed or start a business
- Study at an academy or maintained school
Student visa application process and fees
Applicants need to have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor. A licensed student sponsor is any UK education institution that holds a government permit to educate students from outside the UK. The full list of education institutions that hold this permit can be accessed on the gov.uk website.
Once applicants are offered a place on the course, their education provider will send them a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, or CAS. This number must be entered on the visa candidate’s Student Visa application.
Before applying, all applicants will need enough money to pay for their course for 1 academic year as well as money to support themselves during their studies. The amount applicants need to demonstrate is currently set at £1,334 per month for courses in London and £1,023 for courses outside the UK.
- The earliest a visa candidate can apply from outside the UK is 6 months before their course is due to start. A decision on the visa is usually made within 3 weeks. The application fee is £348.
- The earliest a visa candidate can apply from inside the UK is 3 months before their course is due to start. They must apply before their current visa expires. Usually, it takes 8 weeks for a decision to be made. The application fee is £475.
Quick Consultation Form
Would you like to learn more about this visa or find out which UK immigration route best suits your needs? Speak to us at +44 (0) 020 808 73583 or fill out our Quick Consultation form.
Head Office
- International House, 6 South Molton St., Mayfair London W1K 5QF, UK
- Tel/WhatsApp/Telegram: +44 (0) 7741 856 535
- Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 020 808 73583
- info@lexmanlaw.com
Lexman Law Ltd is registered in England and Wales, Companies House Reg. No 13094604 and regulated by Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Reg. No F202100401.
lexmanlaw.com is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority, SRA ID 515394. lexmanlaw.com is a trading name of FjM International Solicitors and Lawyers LLP.