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If you are already in the UK on a Student visa, or in certain other visa categories, you may be able to apply for leave (permission) to remain in the UK on a Student visa from inside the UK.

If you are already in the UK with immigration permission, you may be able to apply for permission to stay in the UK on a Student visa from within the UK.

Please note:

  • If you are already in the UK on a Tier 4/Student visa, you can only apply to extend your Student visa from inside the UK if you fulfil the academic progression requirements.
  • If there is a gap of more than 28 days between the expiry date of your Tier 4/Student visa and your new course start date, you must leave the UK and apply for a new Student visa from outside the UK.
  • If you currently have permission to be in the UK in another immigration category, you will need to check whether you are eligible to switch to a Student visa from inside the UK. You cannot switch to a Student visa in the UK if you have:
    • a visit visa;
    • a short-term student visa;
    • a Parent of a Child Student visa;
    • a seasonal worker visa;
    • a domestic worker in a private household visa; or
    • leave outside the immigration rules.

Information on applying for a Student visa

  • When to apply for a Student visa

    You will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) in order to apply for a Student visa. You should apply for your Student visa as soon as you have received your CAS.

  • Ways to apply for a Student visa

    The application processing time and cost varies depending on the service you choose. If you want to get a decision more quickly than the standard 8 weeks, you can apply for:

    Application type Time for a decision Cost per person

    Standard

    8 weeks

    £490

    Priority

    10 days

    £990

    Premium

    Same day

    £1,290

    You will also pay an Immigration Health Surcharge when you pay your Student visa application fee.

    Standard application

    Step1 -  Check the Student visa guidance.

    Step 2 - Submit your online Student visa application form.

    Step 3 - Submit your supporting documents by courier or post. Use our document checklist to check which documents you will need to submit.

    • give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point; or
    • use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you will also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

    Step 4 - Make an appointment to attend a UKVCAS service centre (you will receive an email if you do not need to do this).

    Step 5 - Attend the UKVCAS appointment.

    Step 6 – When your visa has been processed, you will receive your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) by post or courier.

    Priority application

    If you are eligible, you will be given the option to select the Priority Service when you are making your online Student visa application.

    You will receive a decision on your Student visa application within 5 working days. The time starts from either:

    You will be advised whether you can prove your identity at a UKVCAS centre or using the app when you make your application.

    Super Priority application

    If you are eligible, you will be given the option to select the Super Priority Service when you are making your online Student visa application.

    You will get a decision:

    • By the end of the next working day after your appointment. If your appointment is on a weekday; or
    • 2 working days after your appointment, if your appointment is at the weekend or on a bank holiday.

    You cannot get a decision by the end of the next working day if you use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’.

  • Credibility Interview 

    The Home Office has announced a scheme that will allow Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) to request an interview with students in order to ascertain that the student's intentions to study in the UK are genuine.

    The process is carried out in two stages; students will be given a short interview lasting around 5 minutes at the point when your biometrics are taken. Students may then be called back for a further in-depth interview.

    What happens if you are called for an interview?

    It is essential that if you are called for interview, you are able to satisfy the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) in the following areas. (This is not a complete list and is only intended as a guide. You can be questioned regarding any aspect of your background or study plans):

    • Ability to speak English (regardless of IELTS score)
    • Knowledge of intended course of study/Ulster University
    • Academic/Employment background
    • Future Plans
    • Finances

    If you are called to interview you must attend. Remember to prepare carefully and request a transcript at your interview appointment.

    During your application process please ensure that you check your junk mail as this could be an email from the Home Office asking you to attend an interview. If you fail to attend an interview your application could be refused automatically.

In this section

Back to Your Tier 4 visa

Student visa document checklist

Documents you need to submit for your Student visa application.