Extending your Student visa: quick guide

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Applying to extend your Student visa can seem complicated, so this guide explains the process step by step.

You can also watch the GOV.UK video guide: How to apply for a Student visa.

• 1. Start early
• 2. Get the right advice
• 3. Complete the Home Office online application
• 4. Choose an application service
• 5. Submit your supporting documents
• 6. What happens next?

1. Start early

Before you apply, make sure you understand the requirements and begin preparing your application as soon as possible.

• Find out if you are eligible to extend your Student visa from within the UK.

Check that you can apply from the UK

• Request a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Request your CAS

• Make sure you apply within the correct timeframe.

Check when to apply

• Review the latest application processing times before making plans.

Check visa processing times

• Gather all supporting documents required for your application.

Prepare your supporting documents

• Some students must obtain Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance before applying.

Check if you need ATAS clearance

2. Get the right advice

The Student Immigration Team (advice) can help you understand the visa extension process and prepare your application.

Find out:

• How the Student Immigration Team (advice) can support your application.

3. Complete the online application

Apply through the GOV.UK Student Visa extension service.

You will need to:

• Create an account on the Home Office website
• Complete the online application form
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

4. Choose an application service

When submitting your application, you can choose from:

• Standard service
• Priority service
• Super Priority service

Processing times and costs vary depending on the service selected.

5. Submit your supporting documents

After submitting your application, you may need to provide supporting evidence.

Upload your documents

Upload any mandatory and supporting documents requested as part of your application.

Book a biometric appointment if required

If you do not apply using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you will need to:

1. Create an account on the UKVCAS website.
2. Book an appointment
3. Attend biometric enrolment

6. What happens next?

Attend your biometric appointment

If required, attend your UKVCAS biometric appointment.

Check your emails regularly

UKVI may contact you to:

• Request additional information
• Invite you to attend a credibility interview
• Confirm a decision on your application

Access your new eVisa

Once your application is approved:

1. Access your new Student eVisa.
2. Generate a new share code.
3. Send the share code to the Student Immigration Team.

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