Student Visa

A Student Visa enables a migrant aged 16 or over to come to the UK or remain in the UK and undertake a degree level or below degree level course of study. In most but not all cases the course must be a “full-time” course, i.e., of at least 15 hours per week. This is a sponsored route, and the migrant must have received an unconditional offer of a course from a college or university that holds a student sponsor licence.

This licence must be applied for from the Home Office. As part of the sponsor licence scheme the Home Office provides an online system called the sponsorship management system (SMS), and through the SMS the educational institution must issue the migrant they want to sponsor with a virtual document called a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS). The CAS contains various information about the migrant and the course. The CAS also contains a unique reference number, and the migrant must quote this number when applying for their Student Visa.

There are English language requirements and there may be requirements about financial maintenance. Applicants aged 16 or 17 require evidenced consent from their parent/parents/guardian for the application.

The length of leave granted depends on the duration of the course. In many cases it can be granted for up to five years; however, there are limits on how long a student can study below degree level courses, and this in many cases is limited to two years. There are also limits on how long a student can study bachelor’s level courses, but this depends on the subject.

When a student finishes their course, they may be able to extend their leave to study a new course. Typically, this will be a course at a higher level (the “academic progress requirement”) but there is not an absolute rule about this, and it may be possible to study a new course at the same level if there are good reasons.

Some students can bring their dependants to the UK with them, but this depends on the level of the course and the type of course they will be studying.

Part-time work during term time is permitted for full-time students, either 10 or 20 hours per week, depending on whether the course is a degree level or below degree level course. Outside of term time full-time work is permitted but self-employment is not permitted for students.

Student visas do not offer a route to settlement, but there are possibilities for students to switch to other kinds of visa which do offer such a route.

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