Course Eligibility Criteria for a UK Student Visa

Applicants seeking a UK Student Visa must enrol in one of the following approved courses:

• Full-time study below degree level (RQF Level 3, 4, or 5): The course must include at least 15 hours of organised daytime study per week.

• Full-time degree-level or higher course (RQF Level 6, 7, or 8): Recognised qualifications at undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral levels are eligible.

• Overseas courses equivalent to UK higher education: A degree-level (RQF Level 6, 7, or 8) programme delivered as part of an international course structure is acceptable.

• Part-time postgraduate courses (RQF Level 7+): These courses must exceed degree level.

• Foundation training for postgraduate doctors or dentists: Applicants must hold a recognised UK degree in medicine or dentistry, issued by a licensed student sponsor, with at least two years of academic study in the UK.

• Accredited English language courses: Programmes at CEFR Level B2 or higher are required.

Additional Eligibility for Student Visa Applications

You may also apply for a UK Student Visa if you are:

• Seeking to extend your stay under the Doctorate Extension Scheme (applicable if you currently hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 (General) Student visa, and your course leads to a PhD).

• Taking up a full-time, elected role as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.

Place of Study Regulations

Unless attending a course-related work placement, study abroad programme, or pre-sessional course, your studies must take place at the official premises of your licensed student sponsor or one of their accredited partner institutions.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Once you receive an unconditional offer, your sponsoring institution will issue a CAS reference number. You must apply for your visa within six months of receiving this CAS.

Important requirements include:

• The CAS must not have been used in a previous visa application (approved or refused).

• The sponsoring institution must not have withdrawn its offer.

• Your CAS will include details of your course, tuition fees, accommodation costs, payment history, and English language proficiency.

Financial Requirements for a UK Student Visa

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of their studies.

Tuition Fees

• You must show proof of funds to pay for one full academic year (up to nine months).

• Payments made towards tuition fees will reduce the required financial evidence if confirmed on the CAS or backed by official receipts.

• Accommodation deposits (up to £1,265) can also offset the required amount.

Living Expenses

• For study in inner London: £1,265 per month (up to 9 months).

• For study outside London: £1,015 per month (up to 9 months).

• For the Doctorate Extension Scheme: £2,530 (London) or £2,030 (outside London).

Funds must be held in your account for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of your application date.

Special Financial Exemptions

Applicants automatically meeting financial criteria include:

• Those with valid UK immigration status for 12+ months prior to applying.

• Student Union Sabbatical Officers.

• Postgraduate doctors or dentists on a recognised foundation programme.

• Nationals of certain ‘low-risk’ countries, though they must still maintain required funds.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate English skills in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding:

• CEFR Level B2 – for degree-level or higher courses.

• CEFR Level B1 – for sub-degree level courses.

You may need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) unless you are:

• From a majority English-speaking country.

• A holder of an English-taught qualification equivalent to a UK degree.

• A Canadian national or a student on a US study abroad programme.

The Genuine Student Requirement

UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will assess your intentions as a genuine student. During the credibility interview, you may be asked about:

• Academic background and immigration history.

• Choice of course and institution.

• Study objectives and post-graduation plans.

• Financial stability and personal circumstances.

Failure to satisfy the Entry Clearance Officer may result in visa refusal.

Switching to the Student Visa Route

You can switch to the Student route from within the UK if you hold valid leave to remain, excluding:

• Visitors, Short-term Students, Parents of Child Students, Seasonal Workers, Domestic Workers, or those on immigration bail.
  
  
• Individuals last granted leave outside the rules (unless it was specifically to find a new student sponsor).

Apply for a UK Student Visa

For individuals applying for a UK Student Visa from outside the United Kingdom, it is essential to submit the application no earlier than six months prior to the commencement date of the academic course.

If the application is made from within the UK, the earliest submission window is three months before the start of the course. Furthermore, the course must commence no later than 28 days after the expiration of the applicant’s current visa or immigration permission.

UK Student Visa Processing Times

Applications for a UK Student Visa submitted from outside the country generally receive a decision within three weeks.

If applying for an extension or permission to remain as a student within the UK, applicants can typically expect a decision within eight weeks.

Travelling to the UK on a Student Visa

Upon approval of the Student Visa, entry into the UK is permitted up to one week before the course start date for programs lasting six months or less. For courses exceeding six months, entry is allowed up to one month before the commencement date.

Duration of Stay on a UK Student Visa

Applicants aged 18 or above undertaking a degree-level course are generally granted permission to remain in the UK for up to five years.

For programs below degree level, the standard maximum duration of stay is two years.

Certain specialist courses, including architecture, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, law, and some music degrees, may have exceptions to these limits.

The permitted stay is calculated based on the total duration of the visa grant, not solely the period of active study. Any extension of stay under section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 is also included within this duration.

This time cap applies whether the studies involve one course or multiple courses, and irrespective of whether the application was made within or outside the UK.

Employment Rights on a Student Visa

Students pursuing a full-time degree-level course or higher are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holidays.

For students enrolled in a full-time course below degree level, work is restricted to 10 hours per week during term-time, with full-time work allowed outside of term periods.

Part-time students and other categories of student visa holders are not permitted to work under this visa route.

Family Members as Dependents on a Student Visa

For Courses Commencing Before 1 January 2024:

The following students may bring dependent partners or children to the UK:

• Postgraduate students (RQF Level 7 or above) studying full-time for 9 months or longer.

• Newly enrolled government-sponsored students on courses exceeding 6 months.

• Doctorate Extension Scheme students.

Dependents must have access to sufficient maintenance funds:

• £845 per month (for up to 9 months) for London-based courses.

• £680 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.

These funds must be held continuously for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end date no more than 31 days before the dependent visa application.

Dependents already in the UK for at least 12 months on a valid visa, or applicants from countries listed under the “differential evidence requirement,” are exempt from demonstrating maintenance funds.

For Courses Commencing On or After 1 January 2024:

International students starting courses on or after this date are generally prohibited from bringing dependents to the UK.

The only exception applies to students undertaking a PhD, other doctoral qualifications, or research-based higher degrees (as defined in Immigration Rules), who may continue to bring dependents.

Existing student dependents in the UK may extend their stay.

Extending Stay on a Student Visa

Students currently holding leave to remain under the Student or Tier 4 (General) Student route may be eligible to extend their stay. Dependents may also apply for an extension simultaneously.

To qualify, the applicant must have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor. Additionally, except in limited circumstances, the new course should represent academic progression beyond the current qualification level.

Applicants who have been in the UK for less than 12 months on a valid visa must also provide evidence of sufficient financial resources for living expenses.

Settlement Eligibility for Student Visa Holders

The Student Visa route itself does not directly lead to permanent settlement in the UK. However, upon completing studies, visa holders may switch to alternative immigration pathways that offer routes to settlement, such as skilled work or other eligible categories.

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

At Link and Day Lawyers, we specialize in delivering comprehensive immigration solutions tailored for international students who aspire to study in the UK or extend their stay to continue their academic journey.

Our seasoned immigration barristers possess in-depth expertise in UK student visa pathways and are well-versed in navigating the intricate regulations and policies set forth by the Home Office. From initial consultations to the successful submission of your application, we provide step-by-step guidance to ensure a seamless and stress-free process.

We take pride in our client-focused approach listening attentively to your individual needs, addressing your concerns with precision, and offering strategic advice that prioritizes your success. At Link and Day Lawyers, our proactive and dedicated team is committed to delivering transparent, accurate, and professional immigration services with a friendly and approachable touch.