The UK remains one of the most attractive destinations for international students, and for good reason: world-class institutions, strong post-study work opportunities, and a multicultural society. But for students who want to continue their studies beyond the initial visa period, understanding the student visa extension UK is crucial.

With immigration rules evolving, especially around work rights, financial thresholds, and academic progress, students must prepare early to avoid disruption to their studies or legal status in the UK.

At Axis Solicitors, we regularly help international students secure their visa extensions smoothly. In this guide, we break down every stage of the process — from checking eligibility, preparing documents, and meeting financial criteria to understanding timelines and common mistakes.

Why Students Need Visa Extensions

student visa extension UK is required if:

• You’re enrolling in a new course at a higher level. 
• Your current course has been extended due to resits or delays. 
• You’re progressing from an undergraduate to a postgraduate programme. 
• You want to complete a PhD or research-based study beyond your current visa’s expiry. 

What’s Changed in 2025?

The Home Office introduced several updates in early 2025 that affect how extensions are processed. These include:

• Stricter compliance checks with academic institutions. 
• Updated financial maintenance levels based on regional living costs. 
• Enhanced scrutiny on previous attendance and academic performance. 
• A stronger emphasis on genuine student intent, assessed through CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) and interviews. 

As a result, preparation is more important than ever — not only to meet legal requirements but to ensure your academic journey continues without disruption.

Eligibility Criteria for a student visa extension UK

Before you even think about preparing documents or booking an appointment, you need to make sure you’re eligible for a student visa extension UK.

1. You Must Still Hold a Valid Student Visa

You must apply before your current student visa expires. The Home Office strongly advises applying no later than 28 days before your visa runs out. Overstaying — even by one day — can have serious consequences, including a ban from re-entering the UK.

2. You Must Have an Unconditional Offer on a New Course (or Be Continuing Your Current One)

To qualify for an extension, you must have:

• An unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor (e.g., university or college). 
• A valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number. 
• A course that starts within 28 days of your current visa expiring. 

Your CAS must show:

• Course title and level 
• Start and end dates 
• Tuition fees and payments 
• Confirmation of academic progression 

3. The New Course Must Show Academic Progression

The Home Office wants to see a clear educational journey. This means:

• The new course must be at a higher level than your previous one (e.g., BSc → MSc). 
• If it’s at the same level, there must be a compelling academic reason to switch (e.g., specialisation shift). 

Exceptions are rare but possible with detailed explanation and institutional support.

4. You Must Have a Clean Immigration Record

Students who’ve complied with:

• Visa conditions (work limits, attendance, reporting duties) 
• Academic progress 
• Criminal and conduct regulations

5. Genuine Student Test

In 2025, the Home Office is paying closer attention to the genuineness of student applications. While most applicants won’t be interviewed, random interviews or credibility checks may be requested. You may be asked:

• Why you chose your course or university 
• How it connects to your career goals 
• How you’re funding your studies 

Institutions also play a part — if they believe your intent isn’t genuine, they may refuse to issue a CAS.

Financial Requirements for a Student Visa Extension in 2025

For student visa extension UK, you need to prove you can support yourself financially while living and studying in the UK. In 2025, the Home Office increased the maintenance threshold, and they’re enforcing tighter rules around documentation and evidence of funds.

Missing even a minor detail can lead to a visa refusal for your student visa extension UK— so it’s essential to get this part right.

1. Maintenance Funds: How Much Do You Need?

The amount you need to show depends on where you’ll be studying and how long your course lasts.

• For courses in London: £1,483 per month for up to 9 months, totaling £13,347. 
• For courses outside London: £1,136 per month for up to 9 months, totaling £10,224.

Tuition Fees:

• For your student visa extension UK, you must show that you can pay any outstanding tuition fees for the new course. If you’ve paid a deposit, your CAS should reflect it, and it can be deducted from the total you need to show. 

2. Proof of Funds: What Documents Are Accepted?

The most common acceptable forms of financial evidence include:

• Personal bank statements 
• Parents’ or legal guardians’ bank statements (with a letter of consent and proof of relationship) 
• Student loan confirmation letters 
• Official financial sponsorship letters 

If using personal or parental funds:

• The money must be in a cash account (not stocks or crypto). 
• Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days before the application date. 
• The closing balance must be dated within 31 days of your application. 

3. Financial Sponsorship: What Counts?

If you’re sponsored by:

• A government 
• An international scholarship body 
• An official international organisation 
• A university 

you must provide a letter confirming:

• The sponsorship amount 
• That it covers tuition fees and/or living expenses 
• The duration of the sponsorship 

If your sponsorship has ended within the last 12 months, you’ll need written consent from the sponsor to apply again for student visa extension UK.

4. What NOT to Do

Avoid common mistakes like:

• Submitting statements from business accounts or fixed-term deposits 
• Using overseas bank statements with unclear translations or currency 
• Submitting screenshots or edited PDFs 
• Ignoring the 28-day minimum hold period 

The Home Office is strict on format and detail. If they suspect any document has been altered, it can result in a ban for deception.

Required Documents for a student visa extension UK in 2025

Even if you meet the eligibility and financial requirements for student visa extension UK, your application can still be refused if your documents aren’t in the correct format, are incomplete, or are submitted late. The Home Office expects precision — and they’re unforgiving when it comes to errors.

Here’s what you’ll need for a complete student visa extension UK application in 2025.

1. Passport and Current Visa

You must submit:

• Your current passport (valid and undamaged) 
• Your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) if you’ve been issued one 
• Any previous passports used for travel to the UK (if requested) 

If your passport is due to expire soon, it’s wise to renew it before applying.

2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

This is a digital document issued by your educational institution. It confirms:

• Your unconditional offer 
• The start and end date of your course 
• Course level and academic progression 
• Tuition fees and payment details 
• Sponsorship information (if applicable) 

Your institution must also be a licensed sponsor on the Home Office register.

4. ATAS Certificate (If Required)

Some courses, especially in science, engineering, and technology, require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate. If your course needs one, your CAS will state it.

Without an ATAS certificate, your visa extension may be refused or delayed.

5. Proof of Relationship (If Using Parental Funds)

If your financial documents are in your parent’s name, you’ll need:

• Your birth certificate, with an official translation if not in English 
• A signed and dated letter of consent from your parent(s) 
• The parent’s passport or national ID (to match name with bank account) 

6. TB Test Certificate (If Applicable)

If you’ve lived in one of the countries in the UK government’s TB testing list for more than 6 months in the past year, you must include a valid tuberculosis test certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic to apply for student visa extension UK.

7. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment Confirmation

You must pay the IHS as part of your application. This grants access to the NHS during your stay. In 2025, the fee is:

• Standard Rate: £1,035 per year for most adult visa applicants. 
• Discounted Rate: £776 per year for students, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants, and child applicants.

After paying, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a reference number to include in your application.

8. Translation of Documents

Any document not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation, which includes:

• The translator’s credentials 
• Confirmation it’s an accurate translation 
• Contact details of the translation company 
• The date of translation 

Optional but Useful Documents

• Academic transcripts or attendance letters 
• Evidence of previous visas (if reapplying after a refusal) 
• Cover letter explaining any exceptional circumstances 

How to Apply for a Student Visa Extension in 2025 (Step-by-Step Process)

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and gathered the right documents, it’s time to start the application process for student visa extension UK. In 2025, the UK Home Office continues to manage all visa extension applications through its online system, and the process is mostly digital — but there are key deadlines and steps you must not miss.

Here’s the full breakdown.

Step 1: Apply Before Your Current Visa Expires

The most important rule: do not let your current visa expire before applying. You should apply:

• No more than 3 months before your new course starts 
• No later than the expiry date of your current visa 

If your visa expires while you’re waiting for documents (like your CAS), speak to an immigration solicitor immediately — Axis Solicitors can help assess your options.

Step 2: Get Your New CAS

Your university or college must issue a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You’ll need this to apply, and it must:

• Be issued within 6 months of your application 
• Reflect up-to-date tuition fees and payments 
• Confirm your course start date and academic progression 

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Visit the official UK Government visa application portal for student visa extension UK and select “Extend your Student Visa”.

You’ll need to:

• Fill in personal and course details 
• Provide your CAS number 
• List any travel or visa history 
• Declare financial support and documents 

Step 4: Pay the Application Fees

As of 2025, the fees for extending your student visa are:

• Visa Application Fee: £490 
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year of your stay 

Step 5: Book and Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

After submitting the application, you’ll be prompted to:

• Upload your supporting documents online, and 
• Book a biometrics appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre 

At the appointment, you’ll:

• Have your fingerprints and photo taken 
• Submit your passport and any documents (if required) 
• Confirm your identity and application details 

Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents

Documents can be uploaded via:

• The UKVCAS website 
• The “IDV” app (if eligible) 

Make sure all files:

• Are clear and legible 
• Are in PDF or JPEG format 
• Match what you’ve stated in your application 

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Standard processing times (as of April 2025):

• 8 weeks for most in-country student visa extension applications 
• 1 week if you pay for Priority Processing (£500 extra) 

What If You’re Refused?

If your application is refused:

• You’ll receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons 
• You may have the option to reapply, appeal, or request an administrative review 

Common refusal reasons include:

• Insufficient funds or faulty financial documents 
• Invalid or expired CAS 
• Gaps between visa expiry and application date 
• Failure to meet academic progression 

Working While on a Student Visa Extension (What You Can and Can’t Do)

Many students rely on part-time work to help with living expenses or gain UK experience. The good news? If student visa extension UK is applied, your right to work continues — but there are strict rules, and the Home Office monitors compliance closely.

Failing to follow visa work conditions can lead to visa curtailment or even deportation. So let’s break it down.

1. How Many Hours Can You Work?

During Term Time:

If you’re studying at degree level or above at a Higher Education Provider with a Track Record of Compliance (most universities qualify), you can work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during term time 

If your course is below degree level, you may only be allowed:

• 10 hours per week during term time 

During Holidays:

• You can work full-time (up to 40 hours/week) during official vacation periods, as defined by your academic calendar. 

2. What Kind of Work Is Allowed?

Permitted work includes:

• Retail, hospitality, customer service 
• Internships and part-time roles 
• On-campus jobs 
• Work related to your course (if approved) 

You cannot:

• Be self-employed or freelance 
• Set up a business or company 
• Work as a professional sportsperson or coach 
• Take a permanent full-time job 
• Be employed as a doctor or dentist in training (unless on a recognised foundation programme) 

3. Internships and Work Placements

If your course includes a work placement, it must:

• Be an integral part of your degree 
• Not exceed 50% of the total course length 

You must also make sure:

• The placement is arranged by the university 
• It is clearly stated on your CAS 

Paid or unpaid internships that fall outside of this rule may breach your visa terms.

4. Volunteering and Unpaid Work

Volunteering is generally allowed, but there’s a difference between:

• Voluntary work (contracted, scheduled hours — counts toward your 20 hours) 
• Volunteering (more informal — doesn’t always count) 

If in doubt, count all hours to stay safe.

5. Employer Checks and Your Responsibility

Employers are legally required to check your right to work, but you are responsible for staying within your allowed limits. Keep track of:

• How many hours you’re working 
• Whether your employer understands term time limits 
• Your course calendar (to know when you’re on holiday) 

6. After Your Studies: Graduate Route

After you finish your course, you may be eligible to switch to the Graduate Route or in simple word switching from Student visa to work visa, which allows:

• 2 years of full-time work rights (or 3 years if you’ve completed a PhD) 
• No job offer requirement 
• Any level of work, including self-employment 

You must apply before your student visa expires, and your institution must confirm successful course completion.

Axis Solicitors can assist you in applying for the Graduate Route, ensuring a smooth transition from student to graduate worker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should I apply for my student visa extension UK?

You should apply before your current visa expires, ideally no later than 28 days before. Don’t wait until the last minute, especially if you’re waiting for a CAS or financial documents.

2. Can I switch to a different course when applying for student visa extension UK?

Yes, but there are conditions. The new course must show academic progression, and you’ll need a new CAS from your institution. If the course is at the same level as your previous one, you must provide a strong justification.

3. How long can I stay in the UK after applying for student visa extension UK?

As long as you’ve applied before your visa expires, you are legally allowed to stay in the UK under Section 3C leave while your application is processed — even if your old visa expires during that time.

4. Can I work while my student visa extension is pending?

Yes — if you’ve applied on time, your previous visa conditions remain in place. That means you can work 20 hours during term and full-time during holidays, as long as your university calendar confirms you’re on break.

5. What happens if my student visa extension UK is refused?

You’ll receive a written refusal with reasons. Depending on the reason, you may:

• Reapply (correcting the issues) 
• Request an administrative review 
• Lodge an appeal (only in limited circumstances) 

Always seek legal advice before taking your next step — Axis Solicitors can review the decision and help plan your response.

6. Do I need to leave the UK to apply for a student visa extension UK?

No. You can apply for a student visa extension from within the UK as long as your current visa is still valid. However, you cannot travel while your application is being processed.

7. Can I include dependants in my visa extension?

Only students on:

• Postgraduate courses of at least 9 months, or 
• UK Government-sponsored students 

…can bring or extend visas for dependants (spouse/children). Financial and accommodation requirements also apply for dependants.

How Axis Solicitors Can Help You

At Axis Solicitors, we’ve helped hundreds of international students:

• Secure smooth, timely student visa extensions 
• Prepare strong applications with zero guesswork 
• Handle refusals, reapplications, and appeals 
• Transition from study to post-study work routes like the Graduate Route 

We’ll review your case in detail, flag risks before they become problems, and deal directly with the Home Office where needed. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or you’ve faced issues before, we’re on your side. Contact us Today.