How to Extend Your Student Visa in the UK (2026 Guide)
If you are continuing to study in the UK — moving to a new course, resitting exams, or progressing to a higher level — you will need to extend your Student visa (formerly Tier 4). This guide covers every step of the process, what it costs, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that cause delays or refusals.
Apply from
3 months
Before current visa expires
Application fee
£558
+ £776 IHS (1 yr)
Processing time
~8 weeks
Standard service
Do you need to extend your Student visa?
You will typically need to extend your Student visa if:
You are continuing on the same course but your current visa expires before your end date (for example, if your course was extended due to interruptions)
You are progressing to a higher level of study at the same or a new university (e.g. moving from a Bachelor's to a Master's, or from a Master's to a PhD)
You are resitting exams or retaking a year and need more time in the UK
You are doing a pre-sessional English course before your main programme and then need leave for the degree itself
If you change to a different university or a substantially different course, your new sponsor may need to issue a new CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) and you may need to make a fresh application rather than an extension.
When should you apply?
You can apply up to 3 months before your current Student visa expires. Do not apply earlier — the UKVI system will reject premature applications.
💡Apply as early as the 3-month window opens. Processing can take 6–8 weeks with the standard service. If you apply late and your visa expires while your application is pending, you can continue to study and work under Section 3C leave — but check your conditions carefully.
Do not let your visa expire without applying for an extension or switching to another route. Overstaying your visa — even by a single day — can result in a ban from the UK and refusal of future applications.
Documents you need for the extension
CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) — your university or college must issue this first. It is a reference number you enter in the application. Without it, you cannot apply.
Valid passport — must be valid for the duration of your requested leave.
Proof of English language proficiency — if your university requires it for the new course (usually a SELT: IELTS, PTE, etc.). Many extensions at the same level do not require a new English test.
Proof of funds (financial requirement) — you must show you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living costs. The Home Office requires proof of funds held for 28 consecutive days before you apply. Check exact amounts on Gov.UK as these change annually.
Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate — only required if you are coming from a country listed by the Home Office. Check the current list on Gov.UK.
Current eVisa details or BRP — you will need to reference your current immigration permission in the application.
How to apply — step by step
All Student visa extensions from inside the UK are made online through the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) service. You do not need a visa application centre visit for most extensions — biometric enrolment is usually already on file.
1
Get your CAS from your university
Contact your university's International Student Support or Visa Compliance team well in advance — allow at least 4 weeks. They will issue your CAS once they have confirmed your enrolment and checked your eligibility. Write down the 14-character CAS reference number.
2
Check your financial documents cover 28 consecutive days
The Home Office requires bank statements showing the required funds held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before you submit your application. Check the current threshold on Gov.UK — figures change every year.
3
Create or sign in to your UKVI account
Go to gov.uk/student-visa and apply using the online form. You will use your existing UKVI account — the same one linked to your eVisa.
4
Complete the online application
You will be asked for: your CAS reference, personal details, your passport number, details of your course, financial evidence, and English language evidence if required. Upload scans or photos of all supporting documents.
5
Pay the application fee
The application fee to extend your Student visa from inside the UK is £558. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at £776 per year of leave requested (student rate — other visa types pay £1,035/yr). Most one-year extensions cost £558 + £776 = £1,334 total.
6
Await your decision
Standard processing is typically 6–8 weeks. A priority service (around £500 extra) gives a 5-working-day decision. Your eVisa will be updated digitally — you will not receive a physical document.
Costs breakdown
Application fee (extension from inside UK)£558
Immigration Health Surcharge — student rate (1 year)£776
Priority service (optional)+£500
IELTS / English test (if required)~£180
Total (standard, 1 year, no English test)£1,334
Fees increase regularly. Always verify the exact amounts on Gov.UK before applying. The figures above are based on 2024/25 rates.
Common mistakes to avoid
Applying before your university has issued your CAS — without a valid CAS the application will be refused outright.
Not having the full required funds in your account for the full 28 consecutive days — even one day short can result in refusal.
Using bank statements that are more than 31 days old at the time of submission.
Applying too close to your visa expiry date — leave yourself at least 6 weeks before expiry to account for processing time.
Paying an immigration agent when it is not necessary. The application is straightforward for most students and your university's international team will help you for free. Never pay more than the official Home Office fees.
💡Your university's International Student Advice team offers free, regulated immigration advice. They can check your application before you submit. Use them — it is free and they are accredited by the OISC or the Law Society.
After your extension is approved
There is no physical visa sticker or BRP card anymore. Your leave is recorded digitally in the Home Office system and linked to your UKVI account. To prove your immigration status to landlords, employers, or the DVLA, you share your eVisa online status code — more on this in our guide below.
Check your UKVI account to confirm your new leave end date is correct
Update your university with your new visa details if required
If you work, update your employer — they may need to re-verify your right to work via the share code system