Switch to Student Visa UK

You can apply to change ('switch') to a Student visa from inside the UK if you're already in the UK on a valid visa and meet specific requirements. However, you cannot switch if you're currently on a:

• Visitor visa
• Short-term Student visa
• Parent of a Child Student visa
• Seasonal Worker visa
• Domestic Worker visa
• Any visa granted outside the immigration rules

Are you unsure if you qualify to switch to a UK Student visa from within the UK? Our immigration solicitors can assess your eligibility and guide you through the process.

For expert legal advice on switching to a Student visa, contact our immigration solicitors in London at 0203 417 3700 or submit an enquiry online.

Table of Contents

What is a UK Student visa?

The UK Student visa allows international students aged 16 or older to live and study full-time in the UK for courses lasting longer than six months. It's the main visa for those pursuing higher education.

Who Can Switch to a Student Visa in the UK?

You may be able to switch to a UK Student visa if you're already in the UK on a valid visa that permits switching. Some common visa types eligible for switching include:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Graduate visa
• Dependant visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme visa
• Start-up visa

To be eligible for switching to a UK Student visa, applicants must prove they have an unconditional offer for a course with a licensed student sponsor, have a valid CAS, have sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses, and meet English language requirements.

The course you're applying for must be full-time and at an appropriate level, such as a degree, postgraduate degree, or foundation course and must be offered by an approved student sponsor (e.g. a UK university or college).

Key requirements to switch to a Student visa in the UK

To be eligible for switching to a UK Student visa, you must:

• Be a genuine student.
• Hold a valid UK visa.
• Hold a valid CAS from a licensed student sponsor.
• Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course.
• Meet the financial requirements (if you are in the UK for less than 12 months).
• Meet the English language requirement (if applicable).
• Meet additional requirements depending on your course and circumstances.

Documents required to switch to a UK Student visa

When you apply to switch to a Student visa, you must provide:

• Your valid passport.
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if you have one.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from licensed student sponsor.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and pay the course fees, if applicable.
• ATAS certificate, if your course requires it.
• Evidence of your English language skills, if applicable.
• Additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Our team at Wembley Solicitors can help you gather and review all the necessary paperwork to avoid delays or refusals, making your application process smoother and stress-free.

When should I apply to switch to a Student visa?

You must apply to switch to a UK Student visa within 3 months of your course start date and before your current visa expires. The course must start within 28 days of your visa ending. Our experienced Student visa solicitors in London can help you meet every deadline with confidence.

How to apply to switch to a Student visa in the UK

To switch to a UK Student visa, you'll need to apply online via the UKVI website before your current UK visa expires if you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes having a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed education provider. You'll also need to pay the visa application fee and the immigration health surcharge.

You can apply up to 3 months before your course starts, but make sure to do so before your current visa expires.

Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Make sure you're allowed to switch to a Student visa from your current visa type.

Step 2: Get Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Get a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university or college. This confirms your unconditional offer to study a course with a licensed sponsor. You can't apply to switch without a valid CAS.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Next, gather all the important documents you'll need for your UK Student visa application. This usually includes your passport, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), unconditional offer letter, and proof that you have enough funds to support yourself.

Step 4: Submit Your Student Visa Application Online

To switch to a UK Student visa, applicants already in the UK on a different visa (that allows switching) must apply online before their current UK visa expires.  Complete and submit your application online via the official GOV.UK website.

Step 5: Pay the fees

You'll also need to pay the Student visa application fee along with the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which covers your access to NHS healthcare while in the UK.

Step 6: Book and attend your biometric appointment

After applying, you'll likely need to book an appointment at a UKVCAS centre to provide your fingerprints and photo. This biometric information is essential for your Student visa application.

Step 7: Wait for the decision

Your application will then be processed by the Home Office, usually within eight weeks. You'll be notified by email or via your online UKVI account. As long as you applied before your current visa expired, you can stay legally in the UK while waiting.

Step 8: Receive your eVisa

If your application is approved, you'll get an electronic visa confirming your new immigration status.

How long does it take to switch to a UK Student visa?

Switching to a UK Student visa from within the UK typically takes up to 8 weeks. However, you may be able to use the Super Priority Service to get a faster decision within 24 hours.

What is the cost of switching to a UK Student visa?

Switching your UK Student visa costs £524 for the application, plus a healthcare surcharge of £776 per year, which covers your access to the NHS while studying in the UK.

Since visa fees are subject to change, find the current fees for Student visa applications and the healthcare surcharge for students.

Do I need to leave the UK to switch to a Student visa?

No, if your current visa type allows switching, you can apply for a Student visa from inside the UK. This saves you the cost and hassle of travelling abroad just to submit your application. However, not all visa types allow switching; those on visitor visas, short-term student visas, or seasonal worker visas must apply from outside the UK.

Can an immigration solicitor help me switch to a Student visa?

Absolutely. Working with an experienced immigration solicitor can make the Student visa switch process much simpler and less stressful. From checking your eligibility to preparing your application and managing communications with the Home Office, legal support can give you peace of mind and a stronger chance of approval. At Wembley Solicitors, our team offers expert advice for anyone switching to a Student visa in the UK.

How our immigration solicitors can help you switch to a UK student visa

Switching to a UK Student visa can feel overwhelming, but our experienced immigration solicitors are here to make the process easier, smoother, and more successful. From start to finish, we provide expert advice, tailored support, and step-by-step guidance to help you get your application right the first time.

Here's what we offer:

Personalised Eligibility Check

We assess your current visa, academic plans, and finances to confirm you meet the Student visa requirements, avoiding wasted time or rejections.

Document Guidance

We give you a clear checklist of documents like your CAS, financial proof, and more, along with expert advice to ensure they meet UKVI standards.

Application Preparation

We'll complete your online application, draft a strong cover letter, and take care of everything from submitting your form to booking your biometric appointment.

Home Office communication

Our solicitor will act as your representative, handling any requests or follow-ups from the Home Office on your behalf.

Support With Complex Cases

If your situation involves past refusals, overstays, or other issues, we provide strategic advice to improve your chances of success.

Working with our solicitor means less stress, fewer delays, and confidence that your application is in the hands of experts.

For legal advice and immediate help with your UK Student visa application, call our immigration solicitors on 0203 417 3700 or fill out the enquiry form.

How much do solicitors charge for a UK Student visa application?

At Wembley Solicitors, we offer affordable UK visa application-related services on a fixed-fee basis with no hidden costs or unexpected financial surprises.

Our immigration solicitors charge a fixed fee ranging from £800 to £1,000 (plus VAT) for legal assistance with UK Student Visa applications.

Need help switching to a UK Student visa?

For clear, professional guidance on switching to a UK Student visa, speak to Wembley Solicitors today at 0203 417 3700 or info@wembleysolicitors.com.