The UK student visa extension (often called UK student visa renewal) is something many international students worry about. You’re midway through your studies, or maybe finishing one course and starting another, and you realise your current visa is going to expire soon. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
UK Student Visa Extension
Extending your Student visa in the UK (or applying for a UK student visa extension) means that you, as an international student, are requesting additional leave to stay beyond your current visa’s expiry. This may be so you can:
- Finish your current course if it’s taking longer than expected,
- begin a new course,
- switch between degree levels (for example, from undergraduate to postgraduate), or
- meet other academic requirements.
To be eligible for the UK student visa extension, you must:
- Hold a valid Student visa or have a valid visa that allows switching to or staying on a Student visa.
- Apply before your current visa expires. You cannot wait until it expires.
- Have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor for your new or continuing course.
- Demonstrate sufficient finances to cover your tuition fees and living costs under UKVI rules.
- Meet any English language requirements and other supporting document requirements.
Process of Student Visa Extension
Here’s the step-by-step UK visa extension process when extending your Student visa:
| Step | What You Do | Key Notes / Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Confirm you need an extension | Are you finishing a current course, starting a new one, or is your current course changed/delayed? | Identify whether a new CAS is needed (often yes). |
| 2. Obtain or request a new CAS | Your university or institution issues this once you satisfy the conditions for the new/continuing course. | CAS is valid for 6 months; make sure you request it well before visa expiry. |
| 3. Prepare supporting documents | Passport, BRP (if you have), proof of finances, academic transcripts, English language evidence, etc. | If translations are needed, get certified ones. |
| 4. Online application | Apply via the official UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) portal. Must apply before the current visa expires. | You can apply up to 3 months before the expiry of your current visa. |
| 5. Pay fees, including Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Pay the Student visa application fee + IHS proportionate to the time of stay. | Be sure to calculate correctly. |
| 6. Confirm identity/biometrics | Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app if possible, or visit a UKVCAS service point for fingerprints + photo. | Don’t travel outside the UK while waiting for a decision. |
| 7. Wait for the decision | Typical processing is about 8 weeks from inside the UK. There may be priority or super-priority services in some cases. | |
| 8. After approval | You’ll get a digital immigration status (e-visa) or BRP, depending on your situation. Continue following your visa conditions. | Check that all details are correct. |
UK Student Visa Extension Fee & Related Costs
One of the most important parts when applying for a UK student visa extension is understanding the UK student visa extension fee and related charges:
- The standard application fee for extending the Student visa is £524 if you’re inside the UK.
- You’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). For students, the rate is £776 per year, and £388 for periods under 6 months.
- If you want a faster decision (priority / super-priority service), additional fees may apply. Universities often inform whether those options are available.
Common Issues & Tips for a Successful Application
Here are some tips to avoid delays or refusals when you are extending your Student visa:
- Apply in time: Do not wait until the last moment. Applying before your current visa expires is essential. Even a few weeks’ delay can cause complications.
- Accuracy of documents: Ensure CAS details, personal details (passport name, DOB), and course information are all correct and consistent.
- Proof of finances: Show sufficient funds for tuition + living costs. UKVI has specific amounts. For example, many universities require proof of living expenses of about £1,136 per month for nine months for full-time students.
- Biometrics/identity check: Use the ID Check app or attend UKVCAS on time. If you wait too long, appointments may be full.
- Don’t travel outside the UK while your extension application is pending (if you applied inside the UK), as this may invalidate the application.
What Happens if Your Application is Rejected?
If your UK student visa extension application is refused:
- You will usually be given reasons for refusal. It may be that documents were missing, finances were insufficient, CAS didn’t meet the criteria, etc.
- In some cases, you may be able to ask for an Administrative Review.
- If you still have time (visa hasn’t expired), you might reapply. Make sure you fix whatever caused the refusal.
- Always check if you have bridging leave (you remain lawful while your new application is pending), if your application was submitted before the old visa expiry.
Extending your Student visa in the UK (also called UK student visa renewal or Apply for UK student visa extension) may sound daunting, but if you follow the steps we mentioned, it is quite manageable. The key is to avoid procrastination, check all details carefully, and keep up with official guidelines from UK Visas & Immigration.
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