Study visa

Student Visa: The Complete Guide

The Student visa is for people aged 16 or over who have a confirmed place on a course with a licensed student sponsor. It is a study route with limited work rights, and it leads on naturally to the Graduate or Skilled Worker routes rather than to settlement directly.

Who can apply

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your course provider
Enough money for course fees and living costs
English at the level required for your course

After your course

Most students switch to the Graduate visa to work after finishing, or directly to the Skilled Worker visa if they have a sponsored job offer. Both can be done from inside the UK.

Always check the official rules

This guide is a plain-English summary, not legal advice, and the rules change. Confirm the current requirements on the official Student page on GOV.UK or speak to a qualified immigration adviser before applying.

At a glance

Sponsor needed: Yes, a licensed education provider (CAS)
Typical length: Course length plus a short buffer
Leads to settlement: Not directly
Dependants: Restricted, mainly postgraduate research
Work rights: Limited during term, more in holidays

Student Visa: The Complete Guide

Who can apply

After your course

At a glance

Tools for this route

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