Student Visa for UK: New Immigration Rules

Student Visa for UK: New Immigration Rules

International students 16+ are required to apply for a study visa in the UK. The Study Visa is not required for short-term courses. The New Immigration Rules state that students 16 or 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK are eligible for a Child Student visa. This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa. Keep reading to learn all about the UK study visa.

When to Apply for UK Study Visa?

The UK Student visa is required to legally study in the UK. The right time to apply for a UK study visa depends on whether you are living in the UK or elsewhere. Below, we have discussed both the criteria to apply for the UK study visa for international students. 

If You Are Outside the UK

Applicants applying from outside the UK must apply for a student visa 6 months before their class commences. The visa processing time is 2 to 3 weeks. This will provide students with sufficient time to book student accommodation, prepare checklists, and other resources.

If You Are In the UK

Applicants applying from the UK can apply for they study visa 3 months prior to their course. Such applicants must apply for the study visa before their current visa expires. Their new course must start within 4 weeks of their current visa expiring. Such applicants will get a decision within 8 weeks.

UK Study Visa Duration

Your UK study visa allows you to stay in the UK beyond the completion of your degree. However, how long you can legally stay depends on your course’s length and your academic level.

  • Applicants 18 or above with a degree level course can stay for up to 5 years in the UK. 
  • If it is below degree level, you can then stay only for up to 2 years in the UK.

How to Extend Visa Duration?

Graduates in the UK can stay longer than their visa duration if:

  • They extend their visa to study in the UK further.
  • Switch to a Student visa from another one, if they are already in the UK.
  • Switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for 2 more years after completing their degree.

When Can You Travel to the UK?

International students can arrive in the UK before their classes start.

  • Up to 1 week before, if the duration of the course is less than 6 months.
  • Up to 1 month before, if the duration of the course is more than 6 months.

*Note – You are not allowed to arrive in the UK before the start date given on your study visa.

UK Student Visa Fees

The UK study visa fee is £490. Students living in the UK on another visa and wish to extend or switch to a study visa will have to pay £490 more. The visa fee is only accepted via digital or card transactions. No cash is accepted. Moreover, the visa fee is non-refundable. 

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

As part of your application, you are required to pay the healthcare surcharge. The Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) must be paid with the visa application fees. The IHS fee depends on your visa duration and can only be paid by debit or credit card. Students are required to pay £776 per year for themselves, their dependents, and those on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa.

FAMILY Member

When applying for a study visa, applicants must submit their and their family members’ details, if they are applying too. Applicants with a relative in the UK must submit their details, unless:

  • They’re a UK citizen
  • Have EU citizenship
  • Permission to stay in the UK permanently.

What Does the Visa Allows You to Do?

The UK Student visa primarily permits international students to study in the UK.

  • Students may be eligible to work during their studies.
  • The extent of permissible work depends on the type of course and when does the work occurs: term time or holidays
  • Specific limitations apply, including prohibitions on claiming public funds, working in certain professions (e.g., professional sportsperson or coach), self-employment, and enrolling in certain types of educational institutions.
  • Upon a successful application, students will receive detailed information outlining their specific permissions and restrictions under the student visa.

Conclusion

The UK’s new immigration rules have reshaped the Student Visa process, ensuring clarity for international students. The UK visa is essential to study in the UK and it also allows work rights and other opportunities. Understanding the visa process and guidelines can help students plan their education journey smoothly and comply with UK immigration policies for a hassle-free experience.

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