Applying inside the UK

Information about how to make a Student visa application when resident in the UK.

 
  • If you hold a visa issued for study at UCL and are starting a new programme of study you must apply to extend your visa before you are allowed to enrol on your new programme of study

In both cases you do not need to have received your new visa before the start of the programme. However you must be able to prove to us that you have submitted your extension application.

On this page you will find information about: 

The application process

Find out more about:

How and where is an application made?

A Student visa application in the UK is completed, paid for, and submitted online. 

You should apply here if you are extending your current Tier-4 or Student visa, and here if you are switching from another visa type.

We have created a helpful guidance document to aid you with completing the online application form: 

guide_for_completing_a_student_visa_application_inside_the_uk_jun2025.pdf


 

The Home Office aims to process your application within 8 weeks from the date you provide your biometrics and upload your documents. It may be quicker during quiet periods and slightly longer during busy periods. You can pay extra for priority services dependent on availability. 

  • Priorty service: You will get your decision within 5 working days from the date you provide your biometrics and upload your documents.
  • Super priority service: You will get your decision by the next working day from the date you provide your biometrics and upload your documents.

When to make an application

You should prepare your application 2 months before the expiry date of your current visa. However, this is not always possible and you have up until the expiry date of your visa to submit an in-time application in the UK. The application date is the date you submit and pay for your application online. You then have 45 days to submit your biometrics and/or upload your documents online.

Under immigration law, as long as you submit an in-time application your visa will automatically be extended whilst it is being considered by UKVI. This means you will not be in the UK illegally. This is called Section 3C Leave.

It is not advisable to make your application after the expiry date of your visa. You will become an overstayer which is a criminal offence and could have serious consequences for any future immigration applications.

Making an application in the UK

You can only make an application in the UK if your new programme starts within 28 days of the expiry date of your current visa. If it starts later than this you will need to leave the UK and apply for fresh entry clearance from your home country.

If you are switching from another visa category to the Student Route you should check that you are eligible to switch within the UK. You can find this information on the Student Guidance. If you are not eligible you will need to return to your home country to apply.

Biometrics

As part of the application process, you will be required to give biometric information. This could be done digitally via the Home Office ID Check app or in person at a visa centre. 

If you are not able to use the Home Office ID Check app and you have to attend a visa centre. At your appointment you will:

  • show your appointment confirmation (you will get this as an email containing a QR code) and ID document to confirm your appointment
  • enrol your biometric information (fingerprints, photograph) and digital signature
  • submit your supporting evidence (if you uploaded your documents in advance you do not have to bring these) 
  • show your passport or travel document and have your identity checked
  • speak to a member of staff who will check that your biometric information has been successfully enrolled and your passport and supporting evidence has scanned correctly

Immigration Health Surcharge(IHS)

All Student visa applications made for a programme of study of more than 6 months in duration will be required to pay a fee for access to NHS health care in the UK. You must pay this fee in advance and it is a mandatory requirement for a visa application. If you do not pay it your visa application will be refused. Please see our guidance page for further information about IHS ees. 

What you need to make an application

Please refer to our Linkdocuments checklists.

Any of your documents not in English or Welsh will need to be professionally translated. The translation must meet the below criteria:

  1. Confirmation that the translation is an accurate translation of the original document. 
  2. The date of the translation.
  3. The full name and signature of the translator or of an authorised official of the translation company.
  4. The contact details of the translator or translation company.
  5. The translator’s/translation company’s credentials. 6) The translation must be certified by a professional translator/translation company.
  6. The translation can be an original document or a copy.

Credibility interviews

UKVI is now carrying out “credibility” interviews for students making visa applications in the UK. A credibility interview is used by UKVI to determine whether they think you are a genuine student. Questions may be asked about your background and immigration history; about your previous education; about the studies you are planning to undertake in the UK; and/or about your financial circumstances.

Find out more about:

Will I have an interview?

Not all students will be asked to attend an interview. If you are required to attend an interview they will send you a letter through the post informing of this.

You will need to complete the Interview Reply Form and Declaration sent to you in the post by the Home Office and email it to the Home Office before the deadline as stated on the Home Office’s covering letter.

If you do not attend the interview your application will automatically be refused.

How will the interview be conducted?

The interview will take place at a UKVI centre as stated on the Home Office’s covering letter. The interview will be conducted in English and therefore your ability to communicate in English will be tested.

For most students the interview will be 30 minutes long and it will be conducted by a Home Office member of staff in the UK (either in person or by video call). The report of the interview will then be sent to the visa officer who will consider it alongside your visa application and supporting documents.

What will they ask?

They may ask you questions about the following:

  • Your previous immigration history
  • Your previous study history, current study and post-study plans
  • Your finances

To prepare for your interview it would be a good idea to prepare the following:

  • Make sure you are familiar with your course, its content and the modules you may be taking
  • Consider what your plans are post-study and how your study links with this
  • Be prepared to explain your finances and where the money is coming from

How will the interview affect my application?

The visa officer who deals with your application will be given a copy of the transcript of the interview and will use that to assess your credibility along with the other documents you provide with the application.

Overstaying

If you are eligible to extend your visa from within the UK, you must ensure that you submit your visa application before your current visa expires. If you do not submit your application in-time, you will become an overstayer.

Overstaying means allowing your visa to expire and staying in the UK which is a criminal offence. 

If you have become an overstayer, you will need to depart the UK immediately. Any further visa application you make will need to be submitted from outside the UK. Please note that we may also be required to interrupt your registration whilst your case is resolved. You will be required to provide evidence to show that you have left the UK before we can consider assigning a new CAS.

It is likely that you will miss significant teaching on your programme. As such, you must inform your department that you are an overstayer, that you are required to leave the UK and seek authorisation for this period of absence. 

You will need to contact the UCL Visa Compliance Team and it is also advisable contact the Student Immigration Advice Team who can provide you with immigration advice by using the contact form.