When to apply for a Student visa from the UK

If you’re applying for a Student visa for a new programme, you can’t submit your application until 3 months before your programme starts.

When should I prepare and submit my visa application? 

You should start to prepare for your visa application as soon as you know you want to extend or switch.

The first step is gathering any necessary documents you will need for your application. Some documents take longer than others to organise (for example, an ATAS certificate) so it’s important to start preparing early. 

Find out which documents you will need to apply from the UK 

Starting a new programme 

If you are starting a new programme, you cannot make your visa application more than 3 months before the start of the new programme. This means if you are due to start in September, the earliest you can submit your application is June. 

You must make your application: 

• before your current visa expires 

• before your new programme starts 

Continuing with the same programme 

If you are continuing with the same programme, the first step in the process is extending your studies.

You can submit your visa application at any time after your extension of studies is confirmed on your student record. Please note, you will need a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number to apply.

You should start planning around 3 months before you intend to make your visa application. 

You must make your application before your current visa expires.  

How long does the application process take? 

When applying within the UK, a decision on your visa normally takes 8 weeks from when you confirm your identity and upload your supporting documents. Once your visa is approved it should be issued within 10 working days. 

While you are waiting for a decision on your visa application, you should not travel outside the UK and Ireland. This will result in your application being withdrawn. 

Priority and super-priority services 

If you paid for a priority or super-priority service when you made your application, your visa decision will be made sooner than 8 weeks.

Priority services offer a decision within 5 working days. Super-priority services offer a decision within 1 working day. 

How to apply

Find out how to apply for a Student visa from the UK