UK Student Visa Application Guide

The UK Student Visa route sits within a detailed statutory framework under the Immigration Rules. It governs entry to the UK for international students undertaking qualifying study at licensed institutions. For applicants, the route provides access to higher education and the wider benefits associated with lawful residence while studying. For sponsoring institutions, the system imposes strict compliance duties, including accurate record-keeping, engagement monitoring, responsible Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) allocation and timely reporting to UKVI. As a result, the student route requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of how the rules operate in practice.

What this article is about: This article provides a comprehensive guide to the UK Student Visa application process, explaining the legal requirements, eligibility criteria, documentation rules and procedural steps for applicants. It also examines the duties placed on licensed student sponsors and the compliance implications for institutions. The aim is to give applicants, employers and education providers a clear, authoritative understanding of how the student route works, what evidence is required, how decisions are assessed by the Home Office and how the “genuine student” requirement is applied in practice.

Applicants must satisfy course, sponsorship, financial, English language, genuineness and suitability requirements. These elements interact closely with institutional responsibilities and caseworker decision-making processes. Because the route is document-heavy and adherence to prescribed evidence formats is crucial, even minor errors or omissions can lead to refusal. Understanding the rules around maintenance, CAS content, English language testing, academic progression and credibility assessments is therefore central to a successful application.

The Student Visa sits within a broader immigration landscape, including the Graduate Route, Skilled Worker route and other work or family routes for those planning further study or post-study employment in the UK. For this reason, many applicants treat their student visa application as the first step in a longer-term immigration plan. Institutions should likewise be aware of the strategic importance of sponsorship, given their regulatory obligations, the consequences of non-compliance and the potential impact on future applications if students breach the conditions of their stay.

The remainder of this guide explains the eligibility requirements for the Student Visa, the application process, the rights and conditions attached to student permission and the main post-study options, including extensions, switching into other immigration categories and long residence routes to settlement.

Section A: Eligibility requirements

The eligibility rules for the UK Student Visa are set out in Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules. An applicant must meet every requirement in full. This section explains the core criteria, beginning with the nature of the course and sponsor before moving to financial, English language, genuineness and suitability rules. Each requirement must be met at the date of decision, and the burden of proof lies with the applicant. Sponsors also play a direct role through accurate CAS issuance, appropriate academic assessment, and compliance with Home Office guidance.

1. Course requirements

A student must be applying to study a qualifying course with a licensed student sponsor. Courses must meet the level and structure requirements of Appendix Student, including:

• RQF Level 3 or above for higher education providers with a track record of compliance.
• RQF Level 6 or above for other sponsors unless specific exceptions apply.
• Full-time study unless part-time study is expressly permitted under the rules. Part-time students cannot work in the UK and cannot bring dependants, which has implications for long-term planning.
• Academic progression for applicants extending their stay in the UK. The new course must normally be at a higher level unless the rules expressly allow an exception, such as completing a new qualification at the same level that complements prior study, integrated programmes or permitted repeats.
• ATAS clearance where required. Certain postgraduate and research courses in sensitive subjects require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, which must be obtained before the visa application is submitted. In practice, sponsors should not issue a CAS if ATAS is required and the student does not yet hold a valid ATAS certificate.

The course must have a clear start date, end date and defined learning objectives. Sponsors are expected to confirm the academic level, qualification type, mode of study and total time required for completion. Failure to match the Immigration Rules’ definitions often results in refusal.

2. Sponsorship & CAS requirements

An applicant cannot apply without a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by a licensed student sponsor. The CAS acts as the foundation of the application and confirms:

• The course details and qualification level
• The sponsor’s licence number and sponsor status
• Tuition fees and payments made
• How the applicant has been academically assessed and meets the course entry requirements
• English language assessment, where applicable
• Whether ATAS is required and, if so, that the applicant has obtained clearance
• Course start and end dates
• Whether academic progression applies and how it is met

The CAS must be assigned in accordance with Home Office guidance, including the rules on unconditional offers and pre-sessional courses. Sponsors must ensure complete accuracy, as a CAS containing errors or misleading information can lead to refusal or even sponsor compliance action. CAS information must also be consistent with the supporting documents submitted by the student.

A CAS is generally valid for six months and can be used for a single application only. Applicants must apply before the course start date deadline, which varies depending on location and sponsor policy, and must ensure that the details on the CAS are correct at the point of application.

3. Financial requirement

Applicants must show they have enough money to cover course fees and maintenance. The maintenance requirement depends on:

• Whether the student will study inside or outside London
• The length of the course
• Accommodation arrangements, including whether they are in university or private housing
• Whether any dependants are applying at the same time or joining later

Maintenance must generally be held for 28 consecutive days in a permitted account. The balance must not fall below the required level at any point during that 28-day period, and the closing balance on the evidence must be dated no more than 31 days before the date of application. The evidence must meet strict format rules, including full banking details, account holder information and dates covering the entire 28-day period.

Acceptable forms of evidence include:

• Personal bank or building society statements that meet the format rules
• Official financial sponsorship or scholarship letters
• Student loans from approved providers, with clear confirmation of release conditions

Where tuition fees have already been paid, this can usually be reflected on the CAS or supporting evidence and may reduce the amount of maintenance that must be demonstrated. Students must also ensure that funds are genuinely and immediately accessible; for example, funds locked into certain fixed-term accounts may be unacceptable unless the terms allow withdrawal at any time.

Applicants studying with a Higher Education Provider and who are classed as “differential evidence” (low-risk) nationals may qualify for reduced evidential requirements and may not need to submit financial documents with the application. However, UKVI retains the right to request full evidence, and failure to provide this within the specified timeframe will result in refusal. Low-risk applicants must therefore still hold the required funds and be ready to evidence them on request.

Common refusal reasons include:

• Insufficient funds compared to the required level
• Gaps in the 28-day evidential period
• Incorrect or missing account details on bank statements
• Use of an ineligible financial institution or account type
• Presenting funds from a third party not permitted under the rules

4. English language requirement

Applicants must meet the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level appropriate for their course:

• Level B2 for degree-level study and above
• Level B1 for lower-level study

English language can be met by:

• Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at the required level
• GCSE, A-level, Scottish National Qualification or equivalent earned during UK schooling
• A sponsor’s own assessment for degree-level or above, where permitted by the rules
• Holding a degree taught in English and verified through ECCTIS where appropriate

Some applicants are exempt based on nationality or previous study in the UK, but exemptions must be evidenced clearly. Failure to meet the English language requirement in the prescribed way will lead to refusal, even where the applicant plainly speaks English in practice.

5. Immigration status & suitability

Applicants must meet the general grounds for refusal under Part 9 of the Immigration Rules. Caseworkers will assess:

• Current and past immigration status, including any periods of overstaying
• Previous breaches of immigration conditions, such as working in breach or failing to comply with reporting requirements
• Criminal convictions and conduct
• Use of deception or false representations in previous applications
• Unpaid NHS debts or outstanding litigation costs owed to the Home Office

The student route is particularly sensitive to immigration history. Even historic overstaying or breach issues may impact credibility, which caseworkers consider alongside the specific suitability grounds. An adverse history can affect not only the immediate decision but also future applications under other routes.

6. Genuine student requirement & credibility

In addition to meeting the specific eligibility criteria, applicants must satisfy the “genuine student” requirement. UKVI must be satisfied that the applicant:

• Genuinely intends to study on the course described on the CAS
• Is capable of completing the course, taking into account academic background and English language ability
• Intends to comply with the conditions of their permission, including work and study restrictions
• Is a genuine applicant for entry or permission to stay, rather than using the route for other purposes such as work or settlement

Caseworkers may assess genuineness by reviewing the applicant’s academic history, immigration history, financial circumstances and any previous patterns of study in the UK. They may also consider personal statements, interviews and how the chosen course fits with the applicant’s stated career plans. Inconsistencies or implausible study plans can result in refusal on genuineness grounds even where documentary requirements are otherwise met.

Both students and sponsors should therefore ensure that the rationale for the course is clear, consistent and well documented. Sponsors must avoid issuing CAS to applicants who do not appear to be genuine students, as this can trigger compliance concerns and potential action against the sponsor licence.

Section A summary

Eligibility for a UK Student Visa rests on satisfying every element of Appendix Student. The course must meet the prescribed academic level, the sponsor must issue a compliant CAS, and the applicant must meet strict financial and English language requirements, as well as the genuine student and suitability tests. Immigration history, financial evidence and credibility are all scrutinised closely, and sponsors must ensure CAS accuracy and responsible academic assessment to avoid refusal. Meeting these requirements in full at the date of decision is fundamental to a successful application.

Section B: Application process

The application process for a UK Student Visa is structured and evidence-driven. Applicants must submit a complete, compliant application before travelling, starting their course or switching immigration category. Institutions must also understand the procedural framework, as timing, documentation, identity verification and sponsor reporting directly affect the student’s ability to enrol. This section sets out each stage of the application process, from preparing documents to receiving a final Home Office decision.

1. When and where to apply

Students can apply from outside the UK or inside the UK if they meet the requirements for an in-country application. As a general rule, applications can be submitted:

• Up to 6 months before the course start date when applying from abroad
• Up to 3 months before the course start date when applying from within the UK

An applicant must not travel to the UK until a decision has been issued and their entry clearance is valid. Travelling to the UK before the vignette start date can result in refusal at the border and cancellation of the visa. In-country applications require valid immigration status at the date of application and must be submitted before any existing permission expires. If an applicant leaves the UK while an in-country application is pending, the application will normally be treated as withdrawn.

Students switching from other visa categories must check whether switching is permitted. For example, switching from a Visit Visa to a Student Visa is not allowed and would lead to refusal if attempted in-country.

2. Documents required

The Student Visa route is evidence-specific. The core documents typically include:

• A valid passport or travel document
• A compliant CAS issued by the licensed student sponsor
• Financial evidence covering the required 28-day period and meeting the 31-day timing rule
• Evidence of tuition fee payments already made, if applicable
• English language evidence, unless a specific exemption applies
• An ATAS certificate where required by the course
• A TB test certificate for nationals of certain countries
• Official translations for any documents not in English or Welsh
• Parental consent and proof of relationship for applicants under 18

The Home Office has strict rules about documentary format, translations and digital uploads. Documents must be clear, legible and fully consistent with the information on the CAS. Even minor discrepancies in financial or CAS-related information can lead to refusal. Applicants should ensure that names, dates of birth, course details and fee figures match across all documents.

3. Biometric enrolment & identity verification

Applicants must verify their identity through one of the following routes:

• A Visa Application Centre (VAC) appointment outside the UK
• A UKVCAS appointment inside the UK
• The UK Immigration: ID Check app for eligible applicants who can complete the process digitally

Biometric enrolment involves providing fingerprints and a photograph. Applicants using the digital app may not need to attend an appointment, but must follow the app instructions carefully, including face-scan verification and document capture. Failure to complete identity verification correctly can delay the application or lead to rejection.

With the ongoing phase-out of Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), many applicants granted permission are issued with digital immigration status only. Students must check their online status via the “View and Prove” service and be ready to share their digital status with sponsors and employers when required, as part of right to work and right to study checks.

4. Fees & Immigration Health Surcharge

Applicants must pay both the Student Visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which covers access to the NHS for the duration of their permission. The exact fee levels differ depending on whether the application is made inside or outside the UK and the length of the course and visa.

Payment failures or inconsistencies between course length, CAS details and the period for which IHS is paid can lead to delays or automatic rejection of the application. In some circumstances, partial or full refunds of IHS may be available if an application is refused or withdrawn before a decision, or where the IHS has been overpaid, but applicants should not assume that all fees will be recoverable.

Priority and super priority processing services, where available, incur additional fees. These services are optional and do not guarantee a successful outcome; they only shorten the decision-making timeframe where the application is straightforward and no further checks are needed.

5. Decision times & priority services

Standard processing times are typically:

• Around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK
• Around 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK

Priority (around five working days) and super priority (next working day) services may be available in certain locations, though availability is subject to change and can be withdrawn at short notice. Applicants should check current availability at the time of applying and should avoid making non-refundable travel or accommodation arrangements until a decision has been issued and their entry clearance or digital status is confirmed.

Home Office caseworkers may request additional evidence or clarification during processing. Failure to respond within the stated timeframe will usually result in refusal. It is therefore important that applicants regularly check the email address used on the application and respond promptly to any UKVI correspondence.

Section B summary

The application process requires applicants to complete identity verification, provide all prescribed evidence, and pay the correct fees and Immigration Health Surcharge. Timing is central to a successful application, and sponsors must ensure the CAS is issued early enough to allow for biometric enrolment and processing times. A methodical, accurate submission and prompt response to any further information requests significantly reduces the risk of refusal and avoids disruption to study plans.

Section C: Rights & conditions of stay

Once a Student Visa is granted, the applicant must comply with the conditions attached to their permission. These conditions govern work rights, study restrictions, dependant eligibility, travel rules and reporting obligations. Non-compliance can result in visa cancellation, refusal of future immigration applications or sponsor compliance action. This section sets out the key rights and limitations that apply during a period of student permission.

1. Permitted work & restrictions

Students may work in the UK subject to strict conditions based on the type of sponsor and the level of their course. The main rules include:

• Up to 20 hours per week during term time for students on degree-level (RQF 6+) courses with a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.
• Up to 10 hours per week for sub-degree courses (RQF 3–5) with a qualifying sponsor.
• Full-time work permitted during official vacation periods and after course completion, provided the student remains within the validity of their visa.
• Prohibited work includes self-employment, engaging in business activity, filling a permanent full-time vacancy except where the student has completed their course and is transitioning to another immigration category, and working as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.

Students may also undertake full-time salaried work as a student union sabbatical officer, which is a specific exception to the normal student work restrictions.

Employers must conduct statutory right to work checks, as students hold restricted work permissions. Working in breach of conditions is treated as a serious violation and may lead to visa curtailment and potential consequences for the sponsoring institution.

2. Study conditions & course changes

Students must study only with their sponsoring institution unless an approved exception applies. Key restrictions include:

• Students cannot switch to another institution without obtaining a new CAS and making a fresh visa application.
• Changes to the course require sponsor approval and must continue to satisfy academic progression rules where applicable.
• Supplementary study is permitted if it does not interfere with the main course and does not undermine sponsor monitoring obligations.
• Full distance learning is not permitted under Appendix Student, and blended learning is limited to what is expressly allowed by UKVI policy. Students must spend the required amount of time studying in the UK in person.
• Students must comply with attendance and engagement requirements, which sponsors must monitor and report through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).

Sponsors must report non-enrolment, non-attendance, withdrawal, deferral or early course completion promptly to UKVI. Any material breach of study conditions can lead to reporting and potential visa curtailment.

3. Dependants

Dependants are permitted only in specific circumstances. Since January 2024, students may bring dependants if:

• They are studying a postgraduate research-based programme at RQF level 8 or other eligible research-heavy Master’s programmes (as defined by course codes in UKVI guidance).
• They are government-sponsored and studying a course of at least six months.

Dependants must meet separate financial requirements and are normally granted work rights, except as professional sportspeople. Their permission is tied to that of the main applicant. If the student’s leave is curtailed or lapses, dependant permission will also end.

4. Travel, re-entry & absences

Students may travel freely during their visa period but must be mindful of certain restrictions:

• Leaving the UK while an in-country application is pending will automatically withdraw that application.
• Arriving in the UK before the entry clearance vignette start date can result in refusal and cancellation of the visa.
• Excessive absences may trigger sponsor reporting duties and can affect academic progression.
• Students must hold valid permission and, where required, a valid passport to re-enter the UK. Those with digital status must access their immigration record via the online system.

Students are also subject to the condition of no recourse to public funds. Breaches of this condition, or accumulation of NHS debt, may affect future immigration applications.

Section C summary

The conditions attached to a Student Visa determine what students can and cannot do while in the UK. Work rights, study limitations, dependant eligibility, sponsor reporting rules, travel restrictions and the prohibition on public funds all carry significant consequences if breached. Understanding and adhering to these conditions is essential to maintaining lawful student status and protecting future immigration options.

Section D: After the course: extensions, switching & ILR pathways

Students nearing the end of their course must consider their next immigration steps. The student route itself does not lead directly to settlement, but it provides a foundation for progression into work routes, further study or long residence options where lawful status is maintained over time. This section explains the main post-study options, including extending existing permission, switching into other categories, using the Graduate Route and planning a long-term pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

1. Extending a Student Visa

Students may extend their visa to complete a further period of study if they continue to meet the requirements of Appendix Student. In broad terms, a student seeking an extension must:

• Hold a new CAS for a qualifying course issued by a licensed student sponsor.
• Show that the new course meets the academic progression rules unless an express exemption applies.
• Apply before their existing permission expires to avoid gaps in lawful residence.
• Meet the financial requirement again, unless they are exempt under reduced evidential rules.
• Continue to satisfy English language, genuineness and suitability requirements, including immigration status checks under Part 9.

Academic progression usually requires the new course to be at a higher academic level than the previous one. Exceptions exist, for example where the student is:

• Completing an integrated programme (such as an integrated Master’s).
• Repeating modules or resitting assessments due to academic failure, where justified and supported by the sponsor.
• Completing a course at the same level that represents a genuine deepening or specialisation of their previous study.

Extensions are time-sensitive, particularly where the student wishes to maintain a continuous record of lawful residence for long residence purposes. Sponsors must ensure that the CAS clearly explains how academic progression is met and that any repeats or changes of course are justified. A poorly reasoned or inconsistent CAS can lead to refusal on both academic progression and genuineness grounds.

2. Switching to other routes

Students may switch into various immigration categories from within the UK, provided they meet the specific route requirements and switching is permitted by the relevant Appendix. Common switching routes include:

• Skilled Worker, where the applicant has a sponsoring employer, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship and meets the salary and skill thresholds.
• Graduate Route, for eligible students who have successfully completed a degree-level qualification with an approved sponsor.
• Innovator Founder, for entrepreneurs with approved innovative business ideas meeting endorsement criteria.
• UK Ancestry, where the applicant has a UK-born grandparent and satisfies the route’s requirements.
• Youth Mobility Scheme, where the applicant meets the nationality, age and other eligibility criteria.
• Global Talent, subject to endorsement or qualification under the relevant pathways.

Switching from a Visit Visa or other short-term routes into the Student route or into work routes is not permitted from within the UK; applicants in those categories must normally leave and apply from overseas. Students who intend to switch into Skilled Worker or other work categories should plan ahead, ensuring that they complete their studies, maintain lawful status and secure sponsorship in good time before their student permission expires.

For Skilled Worker applications, the student must ensure that their employment offer meets the minimum salary threshold, the appropriate occupation code requirements and any transitional arrangements in place at the time of application. Sponsors must also conduct right to work checks and ensure that the role is genuine and compliant with sponsor guidance.

3. Graduate Route overview

The Graduate Route provides a post-study work option for eligible students who have successfully completed:

• A degree-level or higher qualification with a licensed Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.
• The course for which they were last granted permission as a student, with study undertaken in the UK as required by the rules.

The route grants:

• 2 years’ permission for most undergraduate and Master’s graduates.
• 3 years’ permission for PhD or other doctoral graduates.

Graduate Route permission allows full-time work at any skill level, aside from work as a professional sportsperson. The route does not require sponsorship, and individuals can change employer or role without notifying the Home Office.

To qualify, applicants must apply from inside the UK while they still hold valid student permission, after their sponsor has reported course completion to UKVI. Applying before course completion is reported, or after student permission has expired, will lead to refusal. Students should therefore coordinate closely with their institution to ensure completion is reported promptly and that they apply within the allowed timeframe.

Time spent on the Graduate Route does not count towards the five-year qualifying period for ILR under the Skilled Worker or other work routes, but it can contribute towards the ten-year long residence route if continuous lawful residence is maintained. Many graduates use this period to secure Skilled Worker sponsorship, which then starts the five-year clock for work-based settlement.

4. ILR pathways after student status

The student route does not, by itself, lead directly to ILR under the standard five-year rules. Students who intend to settle in the UK generally need to transition into a route that leads to settlement, such as:

• Skilled Worker – typically leading to ILR after five years of qualifying employment, subject to salary thresholds and continuous residence.
• Global Talent – which can offer accelerated settlement after three or five years depending on the endorsement category.
• Innovator Founder – which may provide a route to settlement after three years if specific business and investment criteria are met.
• Certain family routes, for example as a partner of a British citizen or settled person, which can lead to ILR after a qualifying residence period.
• Long residence – ILR after ten years of continuous lawful residence in the UK across different categories.

For ILR based on ten-year long residence, applicants must show:

• Ten years’ continuous lawful residence without lengthy gaps or periods of overstaying.
• Total absences from the UK not exceeding 548 days over the ten-year period.
• No single absence exceeding 184 days, save where a limited discretion applies.

Short periods of overstaying may be disregarded under historic rules (such as overstaying of up to 28 days before 24 November 2016, or up to 14 days in some circumstances thereafter), but these concessions are tightly defined and should not be relied on as a matter of course. Any curtailment of leave, breach of conditions or extended period without permission can disrupt long residence eligibility and may lead to refusal.

Students who are planning towards settlement should therefore consider their long-term route at an early stage, including how and when to move into a settlement-leading category and how to avoid gaps in permission. Sponsors also need to be aware that accurate completion reporting, attendance monitoring and timely notification of changes are relevant to the integrity of the student’s immigration history and may indirectly affect future ILR applications.

Section D summary

After completing a course, students may extend their visa for further study, switch into work or talent routes, or rely on continuous lawful residence to pursue long residence in the future. Each pathway carries its own eligibility conditions, timing requirements and evidential rules, and the student route itself does not confer settlement. Careful planning, continuous compliance with immigration conditions and close coordination with sponsors help ensure a smooth transition into post-study routes and, for those who qualify, eventual ILR.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The Student Visa route raises recurring questions for applicants, sponsors and employers. These FAQs address some of the most common issues, reflecting the requirements in Appendix Student and related Home Office guidance.

1. How long does a UK student visa take to process?

Standard processing is usually around three weeks for applications made outside the UK and around eight weeks for those made inside the UK. Priority and super priority services may offer faster decisions where available, but availability varies by location and can change over time. Applicants should avoid making non-refundable travel or accommodation arrangements until a decision has been made and their entry clearance or digital status is confirmed.

2. Can I work full time on a student visa?

Students may work full time during official vacation periods and after their course has been completed, provided they remain within their visa validity and they do not work as a professional sportsperson or in other prohibited roles. During term time, degree-level students are normally restricted to 20 hours per week, and sub-degree students to 10 hours per week. Self-employment, setting up a business and filling a permanent full-time vacancy are generally prohibited while on a Student Visa, unless and until the student switches into another immigration category that permits such work.

3. Must I show financial evidence if I am a low-risk (differential evidence) applicant?

Low-risk applicants benefit from reduced evidential requirements and may not be required to submit financial evidence with their application. However, UKVI can still request full evidence at any stage. If this happens and the applicant cannot provide acceptable documents covering the 28-day period and 31-day timing rule, the application will be refused. Low-risk applicants must therefore hold the required funds and be prepared to evidence them if asked.

4. Can I switch from a Visit Visa to a Student Visa in the UK?

No. Switching from a Visit Visa to a Student Visa is not permitted from within the UK. Visitors who wish to study on a course that requires sponsorship under Appendix Student must normally leave the UK and apply from overseas. Attempting to apply in-country from an ineligible category will lead to refusal.

5. Can I extend my student visa if my course is delayed?

Extensions may be possible if the student receives a new CAS, continues to meet the requirements of Appendix Student and satisfies the academic progression rules or a recognised exemption. Delays caused by resits, repeating modules or course restructuring may justify an extension where properly evidenced and supported by the sponsor. The financial requirement will usually need to be met again, and the application must be submitted before the existing permission expires.

6. What happens if my student visa is refused?

The refusal notice will explain the reasons for the decision and whether administrative review is available. Common refusal reasons include financial evidence that does not meet the 28-day or 31-day rules, CAS errors, failure to meet English language requirements, adverse immigration history and failure to satisfy the genuine student requirement. A student cannot start or continue their course unless they have valid permission, and further applications will need to address the reasons for refusal directly.

7. Can dependants work in the UK?

Where dependants are permitted under the post-January 2024 rules – typically for students on eligible postgraduate research programmes or government-sponsored courses of at least six months – dependant partners are generally allowed to work, including full-time employment, except as professional sportspeople. Their permission is linked to the main student’s visa. If the student’s permission ends or is curtailed, the dependant’s permission will normally end at the same time.

8. Does time spent as a student count towards ILR?

Time spent on the Student Visa route does not usually count towards the standard five-year qualifying period for work-based ILR routes such as Skilled Worker. However, lawful residence as a student can contribute towards the ten-year long residence route, provided the applicant maintains continuous lawful residence and complies with the absence limits. Many students use the route as a stepping stone to work or talent routes that do lead directly to settlement.

9. Can I study remotely on a UK student visa?

Full distance learning is not compatible with the Student Visa route. While some blended or remote learning elements may be allowed in line with current UKVI policy, students are generally expected to undertake their studies in person in the UK and to meet attendance and engagement requirements. A pattern of prolonged absence or remote study may trigger sponsor reporting and could put the visa at risk.

10. What is meant by ‘no recourse to public funds’ on a student visa?

Most students are granted permission with a condition of ‘no recourse to public funds’, meaning they cannot claim most state benefits or certain forms of social housing assistance. Breaching this condition, or incurring significant NHS debt that is not repaid, can adversely affect future immigration applications and may be taken into account under the suitability and credibility rules.

FAQs summary

These FAQs highlight the issues that most commonly arise when applying for, holding and moving on from a Student Visa. Processing times, work restrictions, financial evidence, switching, dependants, distance learning and long residence all involve detailed rules that applicants and sponsors must understand to avoid refusal or loss of status.

Conclusion

The UK Student Visa route operates within a detailed regulatory framework under Appendix Student and associated Home Office guidance. Applicants must meet strict requirements relating to course suitability, sponsorship, financial evidence, English language, genuineness and overall suitability under Part 9 of the Immigration Rules. Sponsors must ensure accurate CAS issuance, robust attendance and engagement monitoring, timely reporting through the Sponsorship Management System and compliance with all aspects of their sponsor duties.

For applicants, early preparation and precise documentation are central to a successful application. The financial requirement must be met exactly, including the 28-day and 31-day timing rules, and all evidence must be presented in the correct format. English language evidence, ATAS clearance where required and consistency across CAS details and submitted documents all carry significant weight. Credibility assessments can determine the outcome of an application even where documents are otherwise compliant, meaning applicants must show a clear, coherent rationale for their chosen course and future plans.

For sponsoring institutions, the quality of CAS issuance and monitoring practices directly influences both individual applications and wider sponsor compliance. A CAS that fails to justify academic progression, contains errors or contradicts supporting documentation can lead to refusal and risk compliance action against the institution. Effective record-keeping, accurate reporting and internal oversight help ensure that students maintain lawful status and do not breach their conditions of stay.

The student route often forms the first step in a longer UK immigration journey. While time spent as a student does not count towards the five-year work-based ILR routes, it can contribute towards long residence, and many students use the route as a platform to transition into Skilled Worker, Global Talent or Innovator Founder categories. Understanding the post-study options and planning early—particularly regarding switching requirements, sponsor reporting and course completion verification—reduces the risk of gaps in lawful residence and enhances long-term immigration prospects.

A well-prepared application, supported by compliant documentation and overseen by a responsible sponsor, significantly increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. Ensuring that students understand their work rights, study restrictions, dependant rules, travel conditions and prohibition on public funds is equally important to maintaining lawful status throughout their stay. By approaching the Student Visa requirements systematically, both applicants and sponsors can navigate the route effectively, maintain compliance and support future immigration goals.

Glossary

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