If you wish to study in the UK, you need to get a student visa. Your student visa permits you to enter the UK for study purposes.
This visa is valid until the end of your program; however, there are situations where you may need to extend your visa to continue your studies or pursue further academic qualifications.
Maybe your program of study lasts longer than initially planned, and you’ll need to extend your visa to cover the additional time needed to complete your degree or course.
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If this is your circumstances, we are here to walk you through how to extend your student visa in the UK whether you are a graduate or undergraduate student.
Can I extend my visa in the UK as a Student?
Yes, you can extend your visa in the UK as a student, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the necessary application process outlined by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
While you can extend your student visa, you need to start the extension process early – start before your current visa expires.
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If your current visa expires before you receive a decision on your extension application, you may have to stop studying until your new visa is approved.
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Starting the process early will help you prevent any gaps in your legal permission to stay in the UK.
In addition, it will give you more time to address any potential issues that may arise during the application process.
If there are discrepancies in your documents or additional information is required, you’ll have time to resolve them without feeling rushed.
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Extending your student visa in the UK
If you’re studying in the UK and your course lasts longer than your current visa allows, or if you want to continue studying beyond your visa’s expiry date, you have to extend your student visa.
To extend your visa as a student in the UK, you need to make sure that you meet the student visa extension requirements set by the UKVI.
You need to have all the required documents such as your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your educational institution, you also need to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress and have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
To get started, check if you are eligible to extend your visa – if you are not eligible and you submit an application for an extension, your application will be rejected.
Eligibility criteria
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has a list of requirements that they expect you to have before you can apply for an extension of your student visa.
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These requirements include:
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): You must obtain a new CAS from your university or educational institution. The CAS serves as proof that you’ve been accepted onto a course of study in the UK.
- You also need proof of academic progression: You must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress in your current course of study. It means you need to pass your exams and meet the attendance requirements set by your institution.
- You also need sufficient funds: You must have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in the UK. The exact amount varies depending on your circumstances, so you need to check the latest financial requirements on the UKVI website.
- English Language Proficiency: If you’re applying for a Student route visa, you may have to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you can begin the application process for extending your student visa.
How to extend a student visa in the UK
To apply for an extension, you need to fill out the application and submit all the required documents
Step 1: Get all the required documents
Before applying for a visa extension, make sure you have all the necessary documents in hand.
You will need:
- Your passport or travel document
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you have one
- CAS statement from your university
- Evidence of academic progress
- Bank statements or financial sponsor letter
- English language test results (if applicable)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required)
Step 2: Go and complete the online application form
Visit the official UKVI website and complete the online application form for a student visa extension.
While filling out the form, make sure that you provide accurate information about yourself and your circumstances.
After filling out the form, double-check all details before applying.
Step 3: Pay the application fee
Once you are done with your form, you need to pay the required visa application fee and any additional healthcare surcharge if applicable.
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The fee amount varies depending on your circumstances and the length of your visa extension.
The free is very important because the date you pay the visa application fee will be regathered as your official date of application.
Step 4: Book your biometric appointment
Once you’ve submitted your online application, you’ll need to book a biometric appointment at a designated visa application centre.
During this appointment, you’ll provide your fingerprints and a photograph for identification purposes.
Step 5: Wait for a decision on your application
After completing all steps of the application process, you need to wait for a decision on your visa extension.
This can take several weeks – usually between 6 – 7 weeks. This is why you need to apply well in advance of your current visa expiry date.
Step 6: Receive your visa
If your application is approved, you’ll receive a new visa vignette (sticker) in your passport or a digital immigration status document.
Make sure you check all details carefully and keep your immigration documents safe.
Does student visa extension get rejected?
Yes, your student visa extension applications can be rejected if you do not meet the eligibility criteria or fail to provide sufficient evidence to support your application.
Also read: How to check UK visa status online
Can I extend my student visa in the UK for a resit exam?
Yes, you can extend your student visa in the UK if you need additional time to resit exams or fulfil other academic requirements. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria before you start the extension process and make sure that you follow the necessary application process.
Can I live in the UK after my student visa expires?
You cannot legally stay in the UK after your student visa expires unless you have applied for and received a visa extension or switched to another visa category that allows you to remain in the country.
How long can you stay in the UK after your student visa expires?
Once your student visa expires, you are expected to leave the UK unless you have applied for and received a visa extension or switched to another visa category.
If you stay in the UK after your visa expires without valid permission, you could face penalties and may be subject to removal from the country.
Conclusion
If your program in the UK is expected to last beyond your current visa, you need to extend your visa to legally stay in the UK till the end of your program.
To get started, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and start the visa extension process early to avoid any last-minute stress.
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If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your university’s international student support services or consult with an immigration advisor.
Good luck with your visa extension!