UK Study Visa Extension

UK Study Visa Extension: Eligibility Criteria, Application Process, Fees, Documents Required

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Shreyashi Pathak

| Updated On - Nov 6, 2024

The UK Study Visa Extension allows Indian students to continue their education in the UK without interruption. If you’re pursuing a new course or need more time to complete your current program, extending your visa is essential. This process involves meeting specific requirements, like having enough funds, receiving a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution, and applying before your current visa expires.

  • Students can apply for a visa extension up to 3 months before their new program starts.
  • The application must be submitted within 6 months of receiving the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the university.

Also Check - UK Student Visa Timeline


How Long Can You Extend Your UK Study Visa?

The table below shows the maximum time allowed for UK study visa extensions based on the type of study or specific situations:

Type of Study / Situation Maximum Time Allowed Key Points to Know
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree) Up to 5 years You can extend your visa as long as the total time studying in the UK doesn’t exceed 5 years. You must be moving to a higher level of study for each extension.
Postgraduate (Master’s Degree) Up to 8 years Extensions allowed up to 8 years in total for studies at the master’s level or higher.
Doctoral (Ph.D.) As long as needed to complete the Ph.D. No strict time limit. You can extend your visa to cover your full research and thesis submission time.
Short Term Courses Only for the length of the course Extensions typically cover only the course duration.
Special Cases (Medical Reasons) Varies based on need Extra time can be granted in situations like illness or other serious circumstances, but you need to provide proof, like a medical certificate.

Also Check: UK Student Visa Types


Eligibility for UK Study Visa Extension

The student must fulfill the following eligibility requirements to apply for a UK study visa extension:

Eligibility Requirement Details
Current Visa Status You must hold a valid Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa and apply before it expires.
Enrollment in a Recognized Course Must be enrolled in a full-time course at a licensed UK institution that qualifies as a Student Visa sponsor.
Academic Progression You also need an academic progress report, displaying that the course he wants to pursue is higher than the present course.
Proof of Funds You must show enough funds to cover tuition and living costs - £1,334/month (₹145,426) for courses in London, or £1,023/month (₹111,507) outside London. Funds must be held for at least 28 days.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) A new CAS from your institution is required, confirming your place on the course and matching the details in your application.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment The IHS must be paid upfront to access NHS healthcare, calculated based on the length of your visa extension (typically £624(₹67,896) per year).
English Language Proficiency You must meet the English language requirement for your course. If previously met, you may not need new proof if progressing within the same field.

Read More: Requirements for Study Visa in UK 


Documents Required for UK study Visa Extension

The documents required for UK study visa extension are:

  • A valid passport
  • Current Visa
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
  • Academic Transcripts and Certificates
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment Receipt
  • Bank Statements or Official Financial Sponsorship Letter
  • English Language Proficiency - IELTS(5.5+), TOEFL iBT (72+) and PTE Academic (51+)
  • Tuberculosis(TB) Test Result

UK Study Visa Extension Fees

The table below shows all the required fees for UK study visa extension:

Application Type Fee (GBP) Fee (INR)
Application Fees for Student Visa Extension £490 ₹53,410
Priority Service (Optional) £500 ₹54,500
Super Priority Service (Optional) £1,000 ₹109,000
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) £624 per year ₹67,896 per year

Note - An additional fee of £19.20 (₹2,092) might be required for the biometric information taken, including photo and fingerprints.

Check: UK student visa cost


Step-by-Step Guide to UK Study Visa Extension

The step-by-step guide for UK study visa extension are listed below:

  1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, such as being enrolled in a full-time course and having sufficient funds.
  2. Request a New CAS: Contact your university to obtain a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to support your visa extension.
  3. Prepare Proof of Funds: Gather financial documents showing you have enough money to cover living costs and tuition.
  4. Pay the Health Surcharge: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per year (₹67,896) for your visa extension.
  5. Fill Out the Online Application: Visit the UK government website, complete the visa extension application form, and double-check all details.
  6. Pay the Application Fee: Submit the standard application fee of £490 (₹53,410).
  7. Book a Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment to provide your fingerprints and photo at an approved UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.
  8. Prepare Additional Documents: Collect any extra documents required, such as academic transcripts, English language test results, and a tuberculosis (TB) certificate.
  9. Submit and Track: Submit your application and monitor its status online to keep track of the processing progress.
  10. Receive Your BRP: Once approved, collect or receive your new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as proof of your extended visa.
  11. Check Your BRP: Review your BRP to ensure all details are accurate, including your name and visa expiration date.

Note - In case the student has applied for an administrative review due to the rejection of their application, they are allowed to stay in the UK until the decision notification is received.

Also Check:


Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a UK Study Visa Extension

Some of the common mistakes that candidate should Avoid When Applying for a UK Study Visa Extension are listed below:

  • Start the application well before your current visa expires to avoid last-minute issues.
  • Ensure funds meet United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements and have been in your account for at least 28 days.
  • Double-check that your CAS information matches your application exactly.
  • Review all details carefully to avoid errors that can delay processing.
  • Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in full to prevent application rejection.
  • Include official bank statements or sponsor letters as per UKVI standards.
  • Attend your biometric appointment on time, as it’s essential for processing.
  • Make sure you’ve met the English requirement, especially if changing institutions.
  • Include any extra documents like TB certificates or police registration, if required.
  • Monitor your application’s progress to catch any issues early.

Also Check: Jobs in UK for international students

If the visa extension application process is complex, the student might need to attend a UK visa interview or have their supporting documents verified, which could extend the processing time. In cases involving personal circumstances, like a criminal conviction, additional checks may apply. If the applicant wants to edit or withdraw their application after submission, they can contact UKVI, but a refund is only possible if processing hasn’t started.

FAQs

Ques How long does the extension process usually take?

Ans Standard processing can take up to 8 weeks, However, with priority services, you can receive a decision within 5 working days, and with super-priority service, you may get a decision by the end of the next working day.

Ques Is it necessary to take an English language test for a visa extension?

Ans If you’ve already proven your English proficiency and are continuing at the same institution, you may not need a new test.

Ques Is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) required for every extension?

Ans Yes, the IHS is mandatory for every extension and must be paid for each additional year of your stay.

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