How to Extend Your Student Visa in the UK
Can You Extend Your Student Visa?
If you are in the UK on a Student Visa, you may be eligible to extend your stay to continue your current course or start a new one. This also applies if you hold a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
To extend your visa, you must:
✅ Be in the UK on a valid Student Visa.
✅ Have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor.
✅ Meet the academic progress requirement (exceptions apply).
If you have been in the UK for less than 12 months, you will need to prove you have enough funds to support yourself.
Your dependents (partner or children) must apply separately for a visa extension.
If you are completing your course, you may be eligible to switch to a Graduate Visa, allowing you to stay in the UK for at least two years.
Read This: Graduate Visa UK: Stay & Work After Studying
Meeting the Academic Progress Requirement
To extend your Student Visa, your new course must usually be:
📚 At a higher academic level than your current course.
📚 At the same level, but related to your previous course or career goals (for degree-level studies at a Higher Education Provider).
📚 An intercalated course (for medical, dentistry, or science degrees).
Who Is Exempt from This Requirement?
You do not need to meet the academic progress requirement if you are:
✔️ Resitting exams or repeating modules.
✔️ Completing a course started at an institution that lost its sponsorship licence.
✔️ Finishing a PhD or doctorate.
✔️ Applying after working as a student union sabbatical officer.
✔️ Continuing a medical, dentistry, or science degree after an intercalated course.
✔️ Extending your stay to complete studies that included a work placement or study abroad.
When to Apply for a Student Visa Extension?
📅 The earliest you can apply is three months before your new course starts.
📅 You must apply before your current visa expires.
📅 Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
For example:
- If your visa expires on 1 December, you must apply before 1 December.
- Your new course must start by 29 December.
🔹 You must also apply within six months of receiving your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
✅ You can stay in the UK while waiting for a decision.
✅ If your application is refused, you can stay in the UK while applying for an administrative review.
Fees for Extending a Student Visa
💰 Visa Extension Fee: £490 per applicant.
💰 Healthcare Surcharge: Additional fee based on visa duration.
📌 You will need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre. There is no extra fee for this.
How to Apply for a Student Visa Extension?
📝 All applications must be submitted online.
🔹 Apply online for a Student Visa extension
During the application process, you must:
📌 Verify your identity, either by:
- Using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
- Visiting a UKVCAS service point for biometric data collection.
📌 Submit supporting documents by:
- Uploading them to the online service.
- Scanning them at your UKVCAS appointment.
🚨 Do not leave the UK while your application is being processed—if you do, your application will be automatically withdrawn.
Processing Time for Student Visa Extensions
🕒 A decision is usually made within 8 weeks.
⚡ You may be able to pay for a faster decision—this will be shown as an option when you apply.
Your application may take longer if:
📌 Your documents need additional verification.
📌 You are asked to attend an interview.
📌 You have personal circumstances (e.g., a criminal record).
After You Apply
✅ If your application is successful, you will receive an eVisa (a digital record of your immigration status).
✅ Your decision email or letter will explain how to access your UKVI account.
🚨 If you need to change details in your application after submission, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
🚨 If you decide to withdraw your application, you may be eligible for a refund if UKVI has not yet started processing it.
Extending your Student Visa in the UK is a straightforward process if you meet the eligibility criteria. Make sure to apply before your current visa expires, provide the correct documents, and pay the necessary fees.
📌 Need more information? Visit the official UKVI website or seek advice from an immigration specialist.
Source / Ref.: Gov.uk Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.
