Switch to Student Visa

You may be able to switch to a Student visa if you already have permission to be in the UK.

You cannot switch to this visa if you have one of the following visas:

• a visit visa

• a short-term student visa

• a Parent of a Child Student visa

• a seasonal worker visa

• a domestic worker in a private household visa

• leave outside the immigration rules

Eligibility

To switch to a Student visa you must:

• be in the UK

• have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor - shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself in the UK.

Apply to switch your dependents' visas at the same time as you switch your own visa. If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can switch their visas at a later date - this must be before their current visa expires.

When to apply

• The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.

• You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin with 28 days of your current visa expiring.

• For example, if your visa expires on 1 December, you must apply for a new visa before 1 December. Your new course must begin by 29 December.

• You must also apply within 6 months of getting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

• You can stay in the UK until you get your decision.

• If you applied for an administrative review because your application was refused, you can stay in the UK until you get your review decision.

Fees

For each person, you’ll need to pay:

• £475 to extend this visa

• the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay

You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Apply

You must apply online.

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.

How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

• give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

• use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account)

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.