How to Apply for Student Visa Extension UK 2026?

What Is a UK Student Visa Extension?

A student visa extension UK is an official process which lets international students stay and study in UK beyond the original validity period of their current visa. As mentioned above, a visa extension is usually given in situations when a student needs more time to complete their current course, start a new program, or handle delays such as resits, course changes, or deferrals. This visa extension is available for the Student visa (previously Tier 4) and it needs to be applied for before the existing visa expires.

Deadlines and Considerations for Visa Extension Applications

Time limits and deadlines are an important component when applying for a UK student visa extension. Missing these deadlines can result in visa refusal or overstaying which can affect your future UK visa applications. Take a look below:

1. You need to submit the UK student visa extension application before your visa expires.
2. If you apply for your student visa extension before your current visa expires, your stay in the UK is then automatically protected under “Section 3C Leave”.
3. The UK Home Office allows you to apply for a student visa extension up to six months before your new course starts, as shown on your CAS.

When Should You Apply for a Student Visa Extension? 

Below are the key timelines that you can follow to apply for a student visa:

• Apply up to 3 months before your current visa expires.
• Your new course should normally start within 28 days of your current visa’s expiry.
• Your application for a student visa extension UK must be submitted before your current visa ends. If you apply after it has expired or more than 28 days late, then it can lead to automatic refusal and loss of lawful status in the UK.
• Also note, there are some providers which allow applications up to 6 months before the start date of your new course, depending on when your CAS is issued. So make sure to check the date on your CAS to avoid applying too early.

Where to Apply?

The application for a student visa extension UK is generally submitted online via the official GOV.UK website. For this, you may also need to:

• Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to prove your identity or submit documents digitally. You can also book an appointment at a UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) centre to provide biometrics (fingerprints/photo) and submit documents.
• Pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee as part of your online application process to access NHS.

What Happens if You Delay?

If you delay your UK student visa extension application and it is submitted after your visa expires, then you will:

• Lose your legal status in the UK.
• Not allowed to work legally.
• Risk of visa refusal and future immigration difficulties.
• You may have to leave the UK and apply from your home country.

Eligibility Criteria for a Student Visa Extension UK

Below are the eligibility criteria for a student visa extension UK that you will have to meet. Take a look:

• Valid Student Visa: The core requirement is to have a valid Student or Tier 4 (General) student visa.
• Unconditional Offer: Second, you need to have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and a valid CAS number.
• Academic Progression: The UK Home Office needs to see an academic progression, which means your new course needs to be on a higher level, for example, a BSc to MSc. Or if it is on the same level, then it needs to be a part of specific exceptions (PhD, resits, integrated course upgrade, work placement).
• Gap Between Courses: The new course that you are planning to pursue needs to start within 28 days of your current visa expiration date.
• Clean Immigration Record: You also need to have a clean immigration record. It includes complying with the specific visa conditions, Academic progress, and Criminal and conduct regulations.
• Time Limits: While it is not a requirement, you need to be mindful of the 5-year cap for degree-level study.

CAS Requirement for Student Visa Extension

Getting a CAS, aka Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, from your university is a mandatory requirement for getting a student visa extension UK. Without a valid CAS, your application will automatically be rejected.

What Is CAS and Why Is It Important?

A CAS is a unique reference number which is assigned to a student by their licensed student sponsor (university) in the UK. Moreover, it confirms that your university is willing to sponsor your stay in the UK for further education. A CAS usually contains important details like:

• Your personal information
• Course title, level, and duration
• Course start and end dates
• Tuition fees and payments already made
• Your sponsor’s licence number

How to Get a CAS?

To get a CAS for a UK student visa extension, you can directly request it from your university. Also note, if your course requires an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance, then you need to get a new certificate before your university can issue your CAS.

The CAS request process usually includes the following steps:

1. When to apply: Make sure to start the process at least 3 months before your current visa expires. Additionally, there are many top UK universities which also have their own deadlines. The institute requires the CAS requests to be made at least one month before your original visa expires.
2. How to request: You can request a CAS through your university’s online system, such as the student services portals or student record systems. You will usually need to complete an CAS request form online.
3. Submit Documents: You will also be required to submit documents during the application process. These include your current passport, current visa/BRP, and previous qualification transcripts.
4. Processing time: Lastly, your university can usually take 5 to 10 working days to process the request and send you your CAS number by email once you submit the CAS application.

Common CAS Errors That Lead to Refusal

Many student visa UK extension refusals occur due to either errors or inconsistencies in the CAS. Some of the most common issues include:

• Incorrect personal details, such as name spelling or passport number mismatches
• Wrong course dates that do not align with the visa application
• Incorrect tuition fee information, including missing records of payments already made
• CAS issued for the wrong course level or institution
• Expired or withdrawn CAS at the time of application

Financial Requirements for UK Student Visa Extension

The financial requirements for a student visa extension UK mainly depend on the duration of your stay. For example, if you have stayed for more than 12 continuous months in the UK, then you will not need to submit proof of funds. However, if you have not, then you will need to fulfil the following financial requirements:

• Maintenance Funds: You will need to show maintenance funds for tuition and living costs, depending on where in the UK you will be studying. For London, you will need to have £1,529/month for 9 months. And for outside London, you will need to have £1,171/month for 9 months.
• Financial Sponsorship: If you are getting sponsored by the government, university, international organisation, or scholarship body, then you need to provide a letter from them. It should include the amount, duration of the sponsorship, and confirmation showing it covers living expenses.
• Proof of Funds: To show proof of funds, you will need to either show your personal bank statements, your parents’ bank statements, a student loan confirmation letter, or financial sponsorship letters.
• The 28-Day Rule: It is required that the funds be in the provided bank account for at least 28 consecutive days when providing proof of funds. The closing balance also needs to be within 31 days of your application date.

Documents Required for Student Visa Extension

Below is a list of all the documents that you will need to submit when applying for a student visa extension from within the UK. Take a look:

• Valid Passport
• CAS Number
• BRP Card (If you have one)
• Course Completion Proof
• ATAS Certificate
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Academic qualifications
• English translations for any documents not in English or Welsh.
• Parental Permission (If you are under 18)
• Sponsor Permission
• Academic Qualifications 

Application Process for Student Visa Extension UK

The application process for getting a student visa extension UK is mostly digital. The UK Home Office handles all the applications through their online system. Below is the step-by-step process for a student visa extension for applying from within the UK and from overseas.

Applying for a Student Visa Extension Inside the UK

You can follow the steps mentioned below to apply for a student visa extension UK:

1. Get a CAS from Your University: The first and most important step is getting a CAS from your UK University's International Student Office, Admissions team, or Student Support Hub.
2. Gather the Required Documents: Next, collect all the required documents, like your passport, BRP card, Proof of funds, and ATAS certificate.
3. Submit Online Application: Now, complete the application form on the official GOV.UK website on the "Extend your student visa" page.
4. Pay Visa Application and HIS Fees: Pay the student visa extension UK fee along with Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Additionally, if you need a decision on your visa extension application urgently, you may be eligible for "Super Priority Service" or the "Priority Service", which can speed up the process.
5. Prove Your Identity: To prove your identity, you will have to either use the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app to scan your identity document digitally. Or book an appointment at a UKVCAS service point to submit fingerprints and a photo.
6. Submit Documents: Now submit scans of all the supporting documents online on the UKVCAS website.
7. Wait for a Decision: Lastly, wait for the decision. The processing time for the application is usually around 8 weeks. During this time, you cannot travel outside the UK, Ireland, or the Channel Islands, or your application will be withdrawn.

Applying for a Student Visa Extension from Overseas

In case you are applying for a student visa from outside the UK. Then the “extension” is generally treated as a new clearance application as compared to the “extension” one would get when applying from within the country. The process for this includes:

1. Getting a New CAS: Start by getting a CAS from your university. The other requirements for a CAS will remain the same.
2. Collect all the Documents: Now, gather all the required documents, like a valid passport, proof of funds, ATAS certificate, and evidence of qualifications used to obtain the CAS.
3. Apply Online: Go to the official GOV.UK website to apply for a new Student visa from your home country and pay the student visa extension UK fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
4. Biometric Enrolment: Visit the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country to provide your fingerprints and a photo.
5. Wait for the Decision: Lastly, wait for the decision. The processing time for applications outside the UK is usually around 3 weeks.

UK Student Visa Extension Fees

The total cost of a UK student visa extension includes the mandatory application fee, along with the IHS. Depending on the urgency of your application, you might also be required to pay extra to get a faster decision. The fees for these are as follows:

• Mandatory Student Visa Extension UK fee: £524
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year or £388 for 6 months
• Priority Service: Application fee (£524) + £500.
• Super Priority Service: Application fee (£524) + £1,000.

What Happens If Your Visa Expires While Waiting? 

If your visa expires while your student visa application is still being processed, then you might be able to stay in the UK legally. However, this mainly depends on when you applied for the visa extension.

1. If you applied before your current visa expires, then your stay automatically gets secured under the Section 3C leave.
2. Also, you can usually stay in the UK until the Home Office decides on your application. This is called being “in a period of stay pending decision.”
3. You will also be able to continue the same rights as your previous visa. This includes the right to study and work.
4. If you apply after your visa has expired, you may be considered an overstayer. This can cause your application to be refused and may affect future visa applications.

Switching from a Student Visa to Other UK Visas

You can switch to another type of visa without leaving the UK if your visa is about to expire and you are considering a different path for extending it. However, this depends on your goals and situation. Here’s what you need to know:

• Skilled Worker Visa: You can switch to this visa if you have a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. Moreover, it can lead to permanent residency (ILR) after five years.
• Graduate Visa: If you have completed an eligible UK degree, then this visa allows you to stay in the UK to work or look for work after graduation.
• Family Visa: You can switch to a family visa if you have a partner, spouse, or parent in the UK who can sponsor you.
• Other visas: There are also other categories such as Start-up or Innovator visas, depending on your skills or business plans.

Common Reasons for Student Visa Extension Refusal

Your student visa extension UK can be refused if you don’t meet the requirements or break visa rules. Common reasons include:

• Not Enough Money: You must show enough funds for tuition and living costs held for the required period, which is around 28 consecutive days.
• Poor Academic Progress: Failing exams, missing classes, or not moving to the next course level.
• Breaking Visa Rules: Working too many hours, unauthorised work, or not staying enrolled.
• Incomplete Documents: Missing your CAS, outdated papers, or incorrect information.
• Weak ties to home country: Not showing you plan to leave the UK after your studies.
• Immigration history issues: Not reporting past refusals or giving false documents.
• Missing health or security checks: For example, a TB test or an an ATAS certificate if needed.

What If Your Student Visa Extension Is Refused?

It can be stressful if your UK student visa extension is refused, but there are steps you can take:

1.  Understand the Reason for Refusal: The Home Office will send a refusal letter explaining why our application was rejected. Carefully review it to understand the specific reasons. Common issues include financial problems, missing documents, or breaches of visa conditions.

2.  Options After Refusal: There are 3 ways left after the visa extension refusal -

• Administrative review: If you believe the refusal was made in error, you may request a review of the decision.
• Appeal: Some refusals allow you to appeal, though student visa refusals are often not appealable unless there’s a legal error.
• Reapply: In many cases, you can submit a new application, correcting the issues that caused the refusal.

3.  Leave the UK if required: If your refusal means you must leave. Then it is important that you ensure you do so by the deadline to avoid becoming an overstayer. As this can affect future visa applications.

Conclusion

Summing up, after submitting your student visa extension UK application, the UKVI will usually send the decision by email. So make sure to check your inbox and spam/junk folders regularly. Also, keep a copy of the decision for your records. Moreover, if you need assistance at any stage, Gradding.com’s study abroad consultants can help you through the process, resolve errors, and ensure your application remains accurate and stress-free until a final decision is received.

FAQs

1. Who is Eligible to Extend a UK Student Visa?

You can extend your UK Student visa if you are in the UK and:

• Moving from one course to another, and your new course starts within 28 days of your current visa ending. Or you’re continuing from an undergraduate course to an Integrated Master's.
• Adding a work placement or study abroad year to your course.
• Completing an intercalated degree (for medical or dental students).
• Resitting or repeating part of your course.
• A PhD student who needs more time to finish their studies.
• Elected as a student union sabbatical officer (LUU).

2. Can I Extend My Student Visa from Inside the UK?

Yes, you are allowed to extend your student visa from inside the UK. But you need to meet specific requirements like:

• Be in the UK on a valid Student or Tier 4 visa.
• Get a new CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from your school.
• Your new course should usually be at a higher level. For example, from Undergraduate to Master’s.

3. What Financial Evidence Is Required for a Student Visa Extension?

For a UK student visa extension, you will need to submit the following financial evidence:

• Personal Bank Statements
• Parents' or Legal Guardians' Bank Statements
• Official Financial Sponsorship
• Student Loan Letter

4. Can My Dependants Extend Their Visas with Me?

Yes, your dependants, like a partner/child, can extend their visas at the same time as you or before their visa expires. However, they need to meet the following requirements:

• Relationship: Show your relationship is genuine through a marriage certificate or 2 years of living together.
• Financials: Prove you can support your dependants, unless your sponsor covers this on the CoS.
• Children 18+: Children already in the UK as dependants before 18 can extend if they are not living independently.

5. Can I Reapply for a UK Student Visa Extension After a Refusal?

You can reapply for UK student visa extensions after it is refused, but you need to address the specific reason why it was refused, which will be mentioned in your decision letter. Moreover, you will also need to get a new CAS.