Table des matières:
Applying for a UK Student Visa Extension: Step-by-Step
If you are an international student in the UK and need more time to complete your course, you can apply to extend your Tier 4 (General) or Student visa. This guide covers eligibility, required documents, the application process, costs, and common pitfalls.
Am I Eligible to Extend My Student Visa?
You can apply for a student visa extension if you meet these conditions:
- You already hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 visa.
- Your current visa has not expired when you apply.
- You have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor for a new course or continued study.
- You meet the academic progression requirement (unless exempt).
- You have enough funds to support yourself and pay for your course.
Academic Progression Rule
Generally, you must be progressing academically. For example, moving from a foundation degree to a bachelor’s degree. Exemptions include repeating a year due to compassionate reasons or starting a new course at the same level if it is related and you have good reason.
When Should I Apply for a Student Visa Extension?
Apply as soon as you receive your CAS, but no earlier than 3 months before your new course starts. Your application must be submitted before your current visa expires. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before the course start date. If you apply after your visa expires, you may be considered an overstayer and risk refusal.
Documents Required for a Student Visa Extension
You will need to upload the following documents with your online application:
- Current passport and any previous passports
- CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) – provided by your university
- Evidence of financial funds – bank statements showing you have enough money for tuition and living costs for up to 9 months
- Academic qualifications – as stated in your CAS
- ATAS certificate if your course requires it
- Valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you have one
- Parental consent if you are under 18
Financial Evidence Requirements
You must show you have held the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days. The amount depends on your course location and length. For courses in London, you need £1,334 per month for living costs (up to 9 months). Outside London, it’s £1,023 per month. Tuition fees must be covered for the first year or the entire course if less than a year.
How to Apply for a Student Visa Extension Online
Follow these steps:
- Obtain your CAS from your university. Check all details are correct.
- Complete the online application on the UK Visas and Immigration website. Choose the ‘Student’ route.
- Pay the application fee – currently £490 for applications made inside the UK.
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge – £470 per year of visa duration.
- Upload your supporting documents – scan and upload them as PDF or JPEG.
- Book a biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre to provide your fingerprints and photo.
- Attend the appointment and submit your documents (if required).
- Wait for a decision – usually within 8 weeks, but you can pay for priority service (£500) for a decision within 5 working days, or super priority (£800) for next working day.
Costs of a Student Visa Extension
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £490 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £470 per year |
| Priority service (optional) | £500 |
| Super priority service (optional) | £800 |
Example: For a 1-year extension with standard service, total = £490 + £470 = £960.
What Happens After You Apply?
You can stay in the UK under the terms of your current visa while your application is being processed, as long as you applied before your visa expired. You cannot work more than the allowed hours (usually 20 hours per week during term time) until you receive your new BRP.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
- Applying too late – always apply before your current visa expires.
- Incorrect CAS details – double-check your name, course, and start/end dates.
- Insufficient funds – ensure you have the correct amount for the required 28-day period.
- Missing documents – use the document checklist provided by UKVI.
- Not meeting academic progression – if you are not progressing, you need a valid exemption.
Can I Work While My Extension Is Being Processed?
Yes, you can continue to work under the conditions of your existing visa until you receive a decision. However, if your visa expires before you apply, you must stop working immediately.
What If My Application Is Refused?
If your extension is refused, you may have the right to an administrative review or you may need to leave the UK. You cannot appeal a refusal for a student visa extension. You can reapply if you address the reasons for refusal, but you must do so before your current visa expires (if still valid) or from outside the UK.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start gathering documents early – especially financial evidence.
- Check your passport expiry date – your visa cannot be issued beyond your passport’s validity.
- Use the UKVI document scanning service if you are unsure about uploading.
- Keep copies of all documents and the application form.
- Inform your university’s international student office – they can help review your application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Visa Extensions
Can I extend my student visa if I have already completed my course?
No, you cannot extend a student visa to stay in the UK after completing your course. You must apply for a different visa, such as the Graduate visa, if you want to stay and work.
Can I switch from a Tier 4 visa to a Student visa inside the UK?
Yes, you can apply to switch from a Tier 4 to a Student visa if you meet the requirements. The process is similar to an extension.
How long does a student visa extension take?
Standard processing takes up to 8 weeks. Priority service takes 5 working days, and super priority takes 1 working day.
Can I apply for a student visa extension if my visa has expired?
Generally, no. You must apply before your current visa expires. If you overstay, you may be subject to removal and a re-entry ban.
Do I need to take a TB test again for an extension?
No, you do not need to take a TB test if you are already in the UK and have lived here for at least 6 months.
Can I include dependants in my student visa extension?
Only if you are a government-sponsored student on a course longer than 6 months, or a PhD student. Dependants must apply separately.
Next Steps After Your Extension Is Granted
Once your extension is approved, you will receive a new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) valid for the duration of your new course. Check the details carefully. You can then continue your studies and work as permitted. Remember to keep your contact details updated with your university and UKVI.
If you have any doubts, consult your university’s international student advisor or a qualified immigration solicitor.
Photo by Bruno Martins on Unsplash
This is really helpful, thanks! Quick question: do I need to show financial evidence for dependents as well if I’m applying alone?
If you are applying alone and not including any dependents in your application, you only need to show funds for yourself. However, if you have dependents who will join you later, they will need to show their own financial evidence when they apply. For your extension, just your own funds are required.
I’m planning to apply for an extension because I need to repeat a year due to health reasons. Will I be exempt from the academic progression requirement?
Yes, repeating a year for medical reasons is one of the exemptions to the academic progression rule. You will need to provide evidence, such as a doctor’s letter or counselling records, to show that the repetition is due to compassionate circumstances. Your university’s CAS should also confirm this.
What happens if I submit my application but my current visa expires before I get a decision? Can I still stay in the UK?
Yes, if you submit your application before your current visa expires, you are allowed to stay in the UK under Section 3C leave until a decision is made. This means your existing visa conditions continue. However, if your application is refused, you must leave the UK immediately unless you have another legal basis to stay.
Great article! One thing I’m unsure about: the 28-day rule for financial evidence. Does the balance need to be exactly the same for all 28 days, or can it fluctuate as long as it stays above the required amount?
The balance can fluctuate, but it must not drop below the required amount at any point during the 28 consecutive days. The closing balance on the statement must also meet the requirement. It’s safest to keep the funds untouched for the full period to avoid any issues.
I’m applying for a student visa extension but my passport is due to expire soon. Should I renew it before applying?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended to renew your passport before applying. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your new visa, and an expiring passport can lead to delays or refusal. If you can’t renew in time, include a cover letter explaining the situation and your new passport application receipt.