Apply for a Student visa from inside the UK

Find out how to apply for a Student visa from inside the UK.

Check if you can apply from inside the UK
When to apply
Academic progression
Prove your identity
Check if you need to provide financial evidence
How long it takes to get a decision
Do not travel while you wait for a decision

This page explains what is different when you apply for a Student visa from inside the UK. For the main application steps, read How to apply for a Student visa.

Check if you can apply from inside the UK

You may be able to apply from inside the UK if you are:

extending your current Student visa
switching to a Student visa from another type of visa.

You cannot switch to a Student visa from some visa categories, including a Visitor or Short-term Student visa. Check if you can switch to a Student visa on GOV.UK.

If you cannot apply from inside the UK, you will need to apply for your Student visa from outside the UK.

If you're not sure, contact Student Visa Services before you apply.

When to apply

You can apply up to 3 months before your course starts.

You must apply:

before your current visa expires
within 6 months of receiving your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Your new course must usually start within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

If you're extending your Student visa to continue on the same course, you can apply up to 3 months before the start date shown on your new CAS.

Academic progression

If you are applying from inside the UK, you may need to meet the academic progression requirements.

Prove your identity

As part of your application, you must prove your identity.

You will be told whether you need to:

use the UK Immigration: ID Check app
go to a UKVCAS service point to provide your fingerprints and a photo

Check if you need to provide financial evidence

If you apply from inside the UK and have lived in the UK with permission (under any visa type) for at least 12 months on the date you apply, you do not need to provide financial evidence.

This exemption only applies if you have spent no more than three months outside the UK during the 12 months before you apply.

UKVI can still ask you to provide financial evidence at any stage, so make sure you have it available if required.

Check the financial requirements for your Student visa application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Student visa applications made inside the UK are usually processed within 8 weeks.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision. Check current visa processing times on GOV.UK.

Do not travel while you wait for a decision

You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while you are waiting for a decision.

If you travel outside these areas, your application will be withdrawn.