When to make a student visa extension in the UK
Extending your student visa can be a straightforward process if you preparing well. Getting everything ready in advance helps avoid stress and makes things much easier.
If you are applying to extend your student visa in the UK, it's important to submit your application before your current visa runs out. As long as your application is valid and submitted on time, you will be allowed to stay in the UK legally while it's being processed by UKVI. This period is called 3C leave, and it ensures you are covered while waiting for a decision.
You can apply for permission to stay in the UK up to 3 months before the start date listed on your new CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). Your CAS start date is usually either:
- The day after your visa expiry date, if you are extending your visa to carry on the same programme
- The date your work placement starts if you are adding a work placement to your programme (see below for important guidance on this)
- The start date of your new programme of study if you are starting a new programme
Check your eligibility
The university can issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) in specific situations, which are explained in more detail in our Sponsorship of International Students for Visa Purposes policy. We also give guidance on when and how you may be eligible for a new CAS in our guidance on CAS for extending your visa.
Applying outside the UK
If you are applying for a visa from outside the UK, the start date on your CAS will be the date you are expected to return and resume your studies. Making a new student visa application from outside the UK means that the application isn't a 'visa extension'. Instead it is a 'new grant of leave.' We strongly recommend that you contact the International Student Advice Service for a discussion about your visa application in advance, so you can benefit from immigration advice as part of your preparation to apply.
When to start preparing
Getting all the documents and evidence ready for your visa application can sometimes take longer than expected. That’s why we recommend starting the preparation a few months in advance.
Getting documents in time
It’s really important to make sure you’ll have all the documents and evidence ready in time for your visa application. Some documents can take longer to get than others, and the ones you need will depend on your personal circumstances. To help you prepare, take a look at our guidance on documents required .
It’s a good idea to start preparing early. The university will send you reminders starting around three months before your current visa expires. However, if you need a new CAS, it’s recommended to request it in plenty of time so we can review everything and support your application smoothly.
When to request a CAS
You can request for the university to issue you with a new CAS when you know that you will need to extend your student visa. Please see our guidance about CAS for extending your visa for links and instructions on how to request the CAS.
Adding a work placement
If you need to extend your student visa because you are adding an official work placement to your programme of study, i.e. you have changed your mode of study from full-time to sandwich, there are specific rules on when you should make your application. Currently, UKVI allow you to make a visa application either before the work placement starts, or after it finishes. Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply during your placement.
Please also see our guidance on changing your programme of study.
Students coming back to study after interruption of study
If you interrupted your studies and now need to apply for a new student visa to return, you will need to make your new student visa application from your home country or country of ordinary residence. This is due to the requirements of the immigration rules.
If you are planning to return to your studies in September, please keep an eye out for an email from the university in June or July. It will guide you through the return-to-study process and include instructions on how to apply for a new CAS.
If you are an interrupted student and you want to discuss your individual circumstances and get advice, please contact the International Student Advice Service to discuss.