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Student Visas

Student Visa Solicitors — Expert Advice for International Students & Graduates

The Student visa replaced the Tier 4 route in October 2020. International students must receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UKVI-licensed sponsor, meet English language and maintenance requirements, and comply with working restrictions while studying. When applications are refused or conditions are breached, specialist immigration advice is essential — a refusal can affect future applications and jeopardise your studies.

Student visa (replaced Tier 4) CAS and maintenance requirements Working restrictions explained Graduate visa after study
⚠️ Student visa refused or CAS withdrawn? If your sponsoring institution withdraws your CAS or the Home Office refuses your visa, you may not be able to start or continue your course. A solicitor can challenge a refusal through administrative review or appeal within tight time limits.

Student Visa — Core Requirements

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Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) — assigned by a UKVI-licensed Higher Education Provider or Further Education sponsor. The CAS number is unique, expires within 6 months, and must be included in the visa application. The CAS confirms the course details, fees paid, and the institution's assessment of the student's English language ability.
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English language — CEFR B2 level for degree or postgraduate courses (most university study); B1 for below-degree courses. Evidenced by a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT — IELTS Academic or Pearson PTE Academic UKVI), a degree taught and assessed in English, or nationality of a majority English-speaking country. A solicitor confirms which route applies.
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Maintenance funds — sufficient funds to pay tuition fees (first year if not already paid) and £1,334 per month for living costs in London or £1,023 per month outside London, held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before the application date. A solicitor advises exactly how to evidence maintenance.
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Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) — required for students from certain countries studying specific postgraduate subjects (science, technology, engineering, maths, and some humanities) with sensitive applications. Must be obtained before applying for the visa. A solicitor checks whether ATAS applies.

Working on a Student Visa

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During term time — up to 20 hours per week if studying at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance (HEP sponsor). Only 10 hours per week at other types of sponsor. Working more than the permitted hours is a breach of the visa conditions and can result in curtailment.
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Vacation periods — full-time work permitted during official vacation periods, as defined by the institution (not personal holidays).
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Prohibited work — self-employment, setting up a business, working as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, and taking a permanent full-time job are all prohibited regardless of hours.
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NHS access — students on a Student visa paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) have access to the NHS on the same basis as permanent residents. The IHS is paid at the application stage based on the visa length.

After Graduation — The Graduate Route

Students who complete a qualifying UK degree (bachelor's or above, or a registered medicine/dentistry course) at a licensed sponsor institution can apply for the Graduate visa:

  • 2 years for bachelor's and master's graduates (3 years for PhD)
  • No job offer or salary threshold required
  • Full right to work at any level, in any role
  • Can switch to Skilled Worker visa from in-country if a qualifying job offer is obtained
  • Application must be made before the Student visa expires
  • Does not count towards the 5-year Skilled Worker settlement period

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a Student visa before receiving my CAS?

No. The CAS number must be included in the visa application. You cannot submit the application without it. Universities typically assign the CAS once you have accepted an unconditional offer and met any English language conditions. You can apply for the visa up to 6 months before your course starts (3 months for CAS assigned in UK). A solicitor advises on timing to avoid delays.

Can I bring my family on a Student visa?

Dependants (partner and children) can join students on postgraduate courses (master's and above) at universities and government-sponsored students at any level. Undergraduate students and those at non-university providers generally cannot bring dependants. From January 2024, new rules significantly restricted student dependant visas — only those on research or government-funded courses can bring dependants.

What happens if my institution loses its sponsor licence?

If your sponsor loses its licence, your visa may be curtailed — giving you 60 days to enrol at a new licensed sponsor, switch to another visa route, or leave the UK. The Home Office is required to notify affected students. A solicitor advises on switching sponsor urgently, challenging the curtailment, or transitioning to another route during the 60-day period.

Can I work full-time during my studies?

No. Term-time working is restricted to 20 hours per week for students at Higher Education Provider sponsors (10 hours for others). Full-time work is only permitted during official vacation periods as defined by the institution. Breaching the work condition is a criminal offence and can result in visa curtailment and a future ban from the UK.

Does the Graduate visa lead to settlement?

Not directly. The Graduate visa does not itself lead to settlement — it is an unsponsored work route. To progress to settlement, a Graduate visa holder must switch to the Skilled Worker route (or another settlement route) and complete the necessary period of continuous lawful residence. Time on the Graduate visa counts towards the 5-year period for settlement under certain routes.

How It Works

One clear request. A student visa solicitor contacts you.

Student visa applications require precise CAS, maintenance, and English language evidence. A solicitor checks every requirement before submission and challenges any refusal promptly.

Submit Your Request
1

Tell us your situation

Describe your nationality, course, CAS status, and any previous refusal.

2

Matched to a specialist

We connect you with an immigration solicitor experienced in student visa applications.

3

Application prepared

Your solicitor checks CAS, maintenance funds, and English language, then submits the application.

Study in the UK

Student visa application or refusal? Get specialist immigration advice today.

A refusal can jeopardise your studies and affect future applications. A specialist solicitor ensures your application is complete and challenges any refusal promptly.

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