Student Immigration in the United Kingdom
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UK Acts of Parliament, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) allows international students to study at UK institutions that hold a Student Sponsor Licence. You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution, proof of English language ability, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs. Students at degree level or above can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.
After completing a degree, graduates can apply for the Graduate visa (formerly Post-Study Work visa), which provides 2 years of unrestricted work authorization (3 years for doctoral graduates). The Graduate visa does not require a job offer or sponsor, and there is no minimum salary. It cannot be extended, but holders can switch to a Skilled Worker visa or other route before it expires.
When does it apply?
This applies when:
- You have been offered a place at a UK educational institution and need a Student visa
- You are a current student wanting to understand your work rights
- You are graduating and want to stay in the UK to work through the Graduate visa
- You want to transition from student status to a long-term work visa
Key requirements and costs:
- Student visa: CAS from a licensed student sponsor, English language at CEFR B2 (for degree-level courses), proof of funds: tuition fees for the first year plus £1,334/month for living costs (London) or £1,023/month (outside London) for 9 months. Must show funds held for 28 consecutive days. Visa fee: £490. IHS: £776/year. Standard processing: 3 weeks (outside UK).
- Short-term Study visa: For courses of 6 to 11 months (English language only). No work rights. Fee: £200. No IHS. Cannot switch to other visa categories from inside the UK.
- Work during studies: Degree-level students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods. Below-degree-level students at publicly funded institutions: 10 hours per week. Work must not be as a professional sportsperson, entertainer, or self-employed.
- Graduate visa: Available to students who completed a degree at a licensed institution while on a Student visa. 2 years (3 for doctoral degrees). No job offer or sponsor needed. No minimum salary. Can work in any job. Visa fee: £822. IHS: £1,035/year. Must apply from inside the UK before Student visa expires. Cannot be extended or applied for more than once.
What to Do If You Want to Study in the UK on a Student Visa
Step 1: Apply to a UK institution that holds a Student Sponsor Licence. Check the register of licensed sponsors at gov.uk. Once accepted, your institution issues a CAS — a unique reference number you need for your visa application.
Step 2: Take an approved English language test (SELT) at CEFR B2 level or above. Exemptions apply if you are from a majority English-speaking country, completed a degree taught in English, or are applying for a course below degree level (which requires only CEFR B1).
Step 3: Show proof of funds. You need enough to cover your first year's tuition (stated on your CAS) plus 9 months of living costs (£1,334/month in London, £1,023/month outside London). Funds must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the closing balance dated within 31 days of your application. Official financial sponsorship or a confirmed student loan is accepted as alternative evidence.
Step 4: Apply online at gov.uk/student-visa. Pay the £490 visa fee and the IHS (£776/year for the duration of your course plus an additional period). Provide biometrics at a visa application centre or through the app.
Step 5: During your studies, if you work, keep careful records of your hours. Do not exceed 20 hours per week during term time. "Term time" is defined by your institution's academic calendar, not public holiday schedules. Your employer must conduct a right-to-work check.
Step 6: Before your Student visa expires, apply for the Graduate visa if eligible. You must have completed a qualifying degree, your institution must report your course completion to UKVI, and you must apply while your Student visa is still valid. The Graduate visa fee is £822 plus IHS.
What should you NOT do?
Don't exceed the 20-hour work limit during term time. Breaching your work conditions is a serious immigration offence. It can result in your Student visa being curtailed (shortened), refusal of future applications, and a ban from the UK. HMRC and Home Office share data to detect breaches.
Don't work in prohibited categories. Student visa holders cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, work as an entertainer, or fill a permanent full-time vacancy (except during vacations). Violating these conditions is treated the same as unauthorized work.
Don't let your attendance drop. Your student sponsor is legally required to report your withdrawal, suspension, or unexplained absences to UKVI. Poor attendance can result in your visa being curtailed and you being required to leave the UK.
Don't assume the Graduate visa can be extended. The 2-year (or 3-year) Graduate visa is a one-time opportunity. It cannot be renewed or extended. Plan your transition to a Skilled Worker visa or other long-term route before it expires. Start applying for sponsored jobs well before the expiry date.
Don't apply for the Graduate visa after your Student visa has expired. You must apply while still holding valid Student visa permission. If your Student visa expires before you apply, you lose eligibility. Apply as soon as your institution reports your qualification to UKVI.
Common Questions
When does student immigration apply?
This applies when:You have been offered a place at a UK educational institution and need a Student visaYou are a current student wanting to understand your work rightsYou are graduating and want to stay in the UK to work through the Graduate visaYou want to transition from student status to a long-term work visaKey requirements and costs:Student visa: CAS from a licensed student sponsor, English language at CEFR B2 (for degree-level courses), proof of funds: tuition fees for the first year plus £1,334/month for living costs (London) or £1,023/month (outside London) for 9 months. Must show fund...
What should I do if I have been accepted to a UK university and need to apply for a Student visa?
Step 1: Apply to a UK institution that holds a Student Sponsor Licence. Check the register of licensed sponsors at gov.uk. Once accepted, your institution issues a CAS — a unique reference number you need for your visa application.Step 2: Take an approved English language test (SELT) at CEFR B2 level or above. Exemptions apply if you are from a majority English-speaking country, completed a degree taught in English, or are applying for a course below degree level (which requires only CEFR B1).Step 3: Show proof of funds. You need enough to cover your first year's tuition (stated on your CAS) p...
What mistakes should I avoid with student immigration?
Don't exceed the 20-hour work limit during term time. Breaching your work conditions is a serious immigration offence. It can result in your Student visa being curtailed (shortened), refusal of future applications, and a ban from the UK. HMRC and Home Office share data to detect breaches.Don't work in prohibited categories. Student visa holders cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, work as an entertainer, or fill a permanent full-time vacancy (except during vacations). Violating these conditions is treated the same as unauthorized work.Don't let your att...