How do I apply for a UK visa to study for more than 6months?
The visa you need depends on the length and type of course you planto take in the UK:
- Courses lasting 6 months or less: You cannormally study under the Standard Visitor rules. Depending on yournationality, you may need a Standard Visitor visa or an ElectronicTravel Authorisation (ETA).
- English language courseslasting more than 6 months and up to 11 months: If you are 16or older, you will normally need a
- Courses lasting more than 11months: You will normally need a
If you are already in the UK as a Standard Visitor or Short-termStudent, you cannot switch to a Student visa from within the UK. Youmust leave the UK and apply from abroad.
Not sure if you need a visa to study in the UK?
Check which UK visa youneed. Visa requirements can change, so we recommend checkingGOV.UK for the latest information before applying.
Step 1: Student applies to Language International
Once you have registered online, your student advisor will tell youwhich documents are required for your booking and visa application.These will normally include:
- Copy of your passport: Your passport ortravel document must be valid for your application and travel to theUK.
- Proof of payment: If you are paying bybank transfer, please send us a copy of your bank transfer receipt. Ifyou are paying by credit card, we need to wait for the payment to beauthorized before proceeding.
- Proof of your Englishlevel, if required: Students applying under the Student visaroute may need to provide evidence of their English level. For Englishlanguage courses sponsored under the Student route, the course must beat CEFR level B2 or above. Your school will confirm which evidence itrequires.
Step 2: Student obtains the required school document
If you are applying for a Student or Child Student visa, yourschool must be a licensed student sponsor and will issue you aConfirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number once youmeet its requirements. You need the CAS before you can apply for yourvisa.
If you are applying for a Short-term Study visa for an Englishlanguage course lasting more than 6 months and up to 11 months, you donot need a CAS. Instead, you will need written confirmation from youraccredited school showing that you have been accepted onto the course,including details such as the course name, duration and cost.
Step 3: Student gathers documents to prove the money requirement
If you are applying for a Student visa, you may need to show thatyou have enough money to pay your course fees and support yourself inthe UK. The amount depends on your course fees, where you will studyand your personal circumstances. Funds normally need to be held for atleast 28 consecutive days, with the end of that period falling within31 days of your visa application.
If you are applying for a Short-term Study visa, there is no fixedmonthly maintenance amount. However, you must show that you can payyour course fees, support yourself during your stay and pay for yourreturn or onward journey without working or using public funds.
Are you a government sponsored student?
Findout what financial evidence you may need to provide if you have anofficial financial sponsor.
Step 4: Student completes the application form
UK visa applications are completed online. Make sure you apply forthe correct visa category for your course.
For Student visas:
Apply for aStudent visa and check the current application requirements.
For English language courses lasting more than 6 months and up to11 months, applyfor a Short-term Study visa. Students applying to study at anindependent school can check the
Step 5: Student applies for the visa and proves their identity
You must submit your visa application through GOV.UK. Depending onthe visa and your circumstances, you may need to prove your identityusing the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a visa applicationcentre to provide your biometric information and supportingdocuments.
Students applying for a Student visa from outside the UK cannormally apply up to 6 months before the course starts. Short-termStudy visa applications can normally be made up to 3 months beforetravelling to the UK. Processing times vary, although applicationsmade outside the UK are usually decided within 3 weeks after you haveproved your identity and submitted the required documents.
Findyour nearest visa application centre.
Language International and the school can provide supportingenrollment documents, but the decision to issue a visa is made solelyby UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). A CAS or letter of acceptance doesnot guarantee that your visa will be approved.
Step 6: Student begins study in the UK
If your application is successful, you will normally receive aneVisa, which is a digital record of your UK immigration status. Makesure the passport or travel document you use to travel is linked toyour UKVI account.
You must follow the conditions of your visa and your school'senrollment and attendance requirements. If you cannot arrive by thedate agreed with your school, contact Language International and theschool immediately before travelling.
Additional UK visa information
Students studying English in the UK for more than 6 months may usedifferent visa routes depending on the length of the course. Englishlanguage courses lasting more than 6 months and up to 11 monthsnormally use the Short-term Study route, while longer courses normallyrequire a Student visa with a licensed student sponsor. If you areunsure which route applies to you,
Am I responsible for obtaining a UK visa in order to study at alanguage school in the UK?
Yes. Language International can advise you and provide supportingenrollment documents, but you are responsible for completing the visaapplication and providing all documents required by UKVI.
Part 1: Obtaining a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an electronicrecord issued by a licensed student sponsor. It includes a uniquereference number and information about you and your course. You need aCAS if you are applying under the Student or Child Student visaroute.
A CAS is not required for the Short-term Study visa for Englishlanguage courses lasting more than 6 months and up to 11 months.
What do I need in order to obtain a CAS?
Your school will confirm its requirements before issuing a CAS.These may include your passport details, completed enrollmentinformation, payment, evidence of your English level and anyqualifications or other documents needed to confirm that you meet thecourse and visa requirements.
What type of document can I show to prove my English level?
The evidence required depends on your course and circumstances. Youmay need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from anapproved provider or provide another form of accepted evidence. For anEnglish language course sponsored under the Student route, the coursemust be at CEFR level B2 or above.
What is the application deadline?
There is no single application deadline for all language schools.However, you should apply early enough for the school to process yourenrollment, issue the required visa document and allow time for yourvisa application.
If you are applying for a Student visa from outside the UK, you cannormally apply up to 6 months before your course starts. You must alsoapply within 6 months of receiving your CAS. For a Short-term Studyvisa, you can normally apply up to 3 months before travelling to theUK.
Why is a CAS important?
A CAS confirms that a licensed student sponsor has offered you aplace on an eligible course and is sponsoring your Student or ChildStudent visa application. You cannot apply under these routes withouta valid CAS.
For how long will my CAS be valid?
You must normally apply for your Student visa within 6 months ofreceiving your CAS. If you do not use it within the permitted period,you may need the school to issue a new CAS.
Part 2: Obtaining a visa
What is a Student visa?
A Student visa allows eligible international students aged 16 orover to study an approved course with a licensed student sponsor inthe UK. It replaced the former Tier 4 (General) student visa.
Does Language International issue visas?
No. UK visas are issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).Language International and your school can provide supportingenrollment documents, but they cannot approve or issue a visa.
How do I get a visa?
First, book your course and complete the school's enrollmentrequirements. If you are applying for a Student visa, the school mustbe a licensed student sponsor and issue you a CAS. If you are applyingfor a Short-term Study visa, the school must provide writtenconfirmation that you have been accepted onto an eligible Englishlanguage course. You can then complete your visa application onlinethrough GOV.UK.
Where do I apply?
You apply online through GOV.UK. You may then need to attend a visaapplication centre to provide your passport, biometric information andsupporting documents.
What documents must I present to get a visa?
The documents depend on the visa route and your circumstances. Fora Student visa, you will need a valid passport or travel document andyour CAS reference number. You may also need financial evidence, proofof your English level, a tuberculosis test, parental consent if youare under 18, or other supporting documents.
Checkthe documents required for a Student visa. For a Short-term Studyvisa, checkthe Short-term Study visa document requirements.
How long does it take to get a visa?
Processing times vary. Student, Child Student and Short-term Studyvisa applications made outside the UK are usually decided within 3weeks after you have proved your identity and submitted yourdocuments. You should apply as early as the relevant visa route allowsand avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements until your visahas been approved.
For how long will my visa be valid?
The length of your permission depends on your visa type and course.Your eVisa will show how long you are allowed to stay in the UK.Short-term Students can normally stay for the length of their courseplus up to 30 days, provided their total stay does not exceed 11months.
Can Language International help me complete the government'sapplication for a visa?
Language International can provide general guidance and supportingenrollment documents, but students are responsible for completing andsubmitting their own government visa applications.
What is the likelihood that my visa application will be approved?
Language International cannot predict or guarantee whether yourvisa application will be approved. UKVI makes the final decision basedon your application and supporting evidence.
What happens if I am denied a visa?
If your visa application is refused, you will receive a decisionexplaining the reason. Review the refusal carefully and contact yourLanguage International advisor and the school. If the refusal isrelated to incorrect information in a school-issued document, theschool may be able to correct the information. Depending on thedecision, you may also have the right to request an administrativereview or appeal.
Will I get a refund if my visa is denied?
Visa-related cancellations are handled according to LanguageInternational's current
Other requirements: Evidence of money
Does Language International require details of my financialcircumstances to support my application?
UKVI or your school may require evidence that you have enough moneyto pay for your course and support yourself in the UK. The exactrequirements depend on your visa route and circumstances.
Can I submit multiple bank statements if I do not have enoughfunds in one account?
You may be able to use more than one eligible account, provided allof the funds and documents meet UKVI's financial evidencerequirements. Check the rules carefully before applying.
Do I have to show a bank statement even if I have paid?
Possibly. For a Student visa, eligible course fees and certainaccommodation payments already recorded on your CAS may reduce theamount you need to show, but you may still need to prove that you haveenough money for your living costs. Some applicants are exempt fromproviding financial evidence with their application, although UKVI canstill request it.
How much money do I need to show on my bank statement?
For a Student visa, you normally need enough money to cover thecourse fees shown on your CAS for one academic year, up to 9 months,plus the required amount for living costs. The living-cost requirementis different for students studying in London and outside London andcan change over time.
The required funds normally need to be held for at least 28consecutive days, and the end of that 28-day period must be within 31days of the date you apply.
How can I show evidence of money if I am a government sponsoredstudent?
If you have official financial sponsorship, the details may berecorded on your CAS. If they are not, you may need to provide aletter from your official financial sponsor. The letter shouldnormally include:
- your name;
- the official financial sponsor's name andcontact details;
- the date of the letter;
- the lengthof the sponsorship; and
- the amount of money being provided toyou, or confirmation that the sponsor will cover your course fees andliving costs.
Part 3: Entry into the UK
Can I enter the UK after my start date?
If you will arrive after your planned course start date, contactLanguage International and your school immediately. The school willneed to confirm whether your late arrival can be accepted and whetherany changes to your enrollment or visa sponsorship are required. Donot travel after the school's latest permitted arrival date withoutconfirming this first.
When do I need to start my studies?
You must enroll and begin your studies according to the datesagreed with your school and comply with the conditions of your visa.If you cannot arrive in time, contact Language International and theschool as soon as possible.
Visa terms questions
How soon can I start my course?
Allow enough time to complete your enrollment, obtain the requiredschool documents, apply for your visa and arrange accommodation.Student visa applicants outside the UK can normally apply up to 6months before their course starts, while Short-term Study visaapplicants can normally apply up to 3 months before travelling.
I didn't write a start date on my application because I want tostart as soon as I get approved for a student visa. Is thatacceptable?
No. Your school needs confirmed course dates to complete yourenrollment and, where applicable, issue a CAS. Choose a realisticstart date that gives you enough time to complete the visa process andarrange your travel and accommodation.
What are the study requirements at the school?
You must study the course for which your visa was issued and meetyour school's attendance and academic requirements. If you have aStudent visa, you must normally study with the sponsor named on yourCAS unless the immigration rules specifically allow otherwise.
What happens if I do not meet the school’s full-time studyrequirements?
If you do not attend or engage with your course as required, theschool may be required to report this to UKVI or withdraw itssponsorship. This could affect your permission to remain in the UK.You may also be subject to the school's attendance, termination andrefund policies.
Can I work during my studies at Language International?
If you have a Short-term Study visa, you cannot work in the UK,including paid or unpaid work, work experience or work placements.
If you have a Student visa, your right to work depends on yourcourse, your sponsor and the conditions attached to your immigrationpermission. Some Student visa holders can work a limited number ofhours, while others are not permitted to work at all. Do not assumethat your Student visa allows you to work; check the conditions shownon your eVisa and the
If you are in the UK as a Standard Visitor, you cannot normallywork. You also cannot switch from a Standard Visitor or Short-termStudy visa to a Student visa while you are in the UK.