- When should I apply to extend my Student visa?
- If you are starting a new course
- If you need more time to complete your current course
- If you are going on placement
- When should I start preparing my application?
- What if my visa has already expired?
When should I apply to extend my Student visa?
If you need to extend your Student visa, you must apply before your current visa expires.
The timing of your application depends on your circumstances.
If you are starting a new course
If you are applying from inside the UK, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before your new course starts.
You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must normally start within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
If you need more time to complete your current course
You must apply to extend your Student visa before your current permission to stay in the UK expires.
If your visa has already expired, contact a Student Immigration Adviser immediately before making an application.
If you are going on placement
You must apply to extend your visa either:
- before you start your placement, or
- after you have completed your placement.
When should I start preparing my application?
We recommend that you:
- seek advice from a Student Immigration Adviser at least 6 to 8 weeks before your visa expires
- aim to submit your application at least 4 weeks before your visa expires, where possible
- allow enough time to prepare the supporting documents you need
- check that your passport is not due to expire.
You may want to submit your application earlier because of the time it can take to receive a decision. Speak to a Student Immigration Adviser before submitting an early application.
What if my visa has already expired?
If your permission to stay in the UK has already expired, your immigration position may be more complicated.
Contact a Student Immigration Adviser immediately for advice before making an application.
Useful links
- Student Immigration Adviser
- Supporting documents for your Student visa application
- Extend your Student visa on GOV.UK