To become an international student in the UK, you need a student visa UK. An educational consultant can help you on your UK student visa application. People also refer to a student visa as a Tier 4 visa and it can be obtained once you are accepted at the UK university. However, the UK offers more than one type of study visa to cater to people with different age groups and educational purposes:
Student Visa – anyone above 16 years who wants to attend university or college for O and A Levels, undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs.
Child Student Visa – children below 16 years with an unconditional offer to attend an independent school. Child student visa UK requires legal consent from the child’s parents or the legal guardian.
Short-term study visa – individuals who intend to enroll in short English courses.
Everyone who wants to study in the UK as an international student will require a UK student visa to pursue higher studies in the UK. Legal Assist will guide you for the student visa as per UK Government’s guidelines.
Can I invite my family to the UK on a student visa?
Your family can join you in the UK while you are a student there. However, you must qualify for a student dependent visa UK and apply for their visa (s) with you or later. Most importantly, your eligible dependents could be your spouse, child, or a civil or unmarried partner. Additionally, you must know that UK student dependent visa new rules have been regulated from January 2024. Your family can come with you on UK on a dependent visa if you are enrolled in a PhD or a research program or your education is sponsored by the government for more than six months. However, that rule may only apply to students studying in the UK after 2024.
What are my chances of getting a UK student visa extension?
If you have met the eligibility criteria of student visa UK, you can get student visa extension UK. You will need to apply for an extension before your current student visa is about to expire. Sufficient funds to further support your stay in the UK should be evident in your application.
Can I switch from a student visa to a skilled worker visa without completing a degree course in the UK?
As per the new UK immigration laws and regulations, you cannot switch to a skilled worker visa unless you have not completed the course of study. You are eligible to apply for work before your course ends. The important thing is to know that your date of employment shall be after completing your course of study.
FAQs
What happens if I work over 20 hours on a student visa UK?
Legally, you can work 20 hours a week on a student visa in the UK. It is a criminal offense to work more than those hours.
Which countries I can visit with UK student visa?
You can travel to the following destinations on your UK student visa:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Channel Islands
However, other parts of Ireland can be visited with a separate visa.
How can a student visa be extended in UK?
A student visa can be extended on the following basis:
- Have a valid student visa
- Confirmation, of course, by CAS
- Evidence of studying at a higher academic level
A student visa can be extended if you fail exams or want to change the course of study.
How long can you stay in the UK after your student visa expires?
Depending on your student visa type, you cannot overstay as it is a criminal offense.
How can a student visa be changed to a dependent visa in the UK?
Switching from a student visa to a dependent visa in the UK requires you to do the following steps:
- Complete the sponsored course of study
- Submit the Dependent visa application online
- Pay application fee
- Attach supporting documents with the application
- Take biometrics to prove your identity
You may receive your decision on a student-dependent visa within two months of your application submission.
How to convert a student visa to a work permit in the UK?
If you were on a Tier 4 Student Visa, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa within the UK. You will need to fulfill other skilled worker visa requirements, too.
How to apply for Schengen visa from UK as an international student?
You can apply for a Schengen visa as an international student if only you already have a Tier 4 Student Visa.
Which tier is a student visa in the UK?
Tier 4 (General) is a student visa for international students who want to study in the UK.