A Student Visa extension lets an eligible student continue studies in the UK without leaving, usually because they are progressing to a further course or need more time under Student permission. Education providers should check CAS timing, academic progression, finances and visa expiry dates before assigning a CAS.
Previously known as a Tier 4 (General) student extension.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-10.
TL;DR
A Student Visa extension is an in-UK application for a student who already has Student or Tier 4 permission and needs more time to study. The government fee is £558, the stay depends on the new course length, and GOV.UK says the typical in-country decision time is 8 weeks.
£558
Extension fee
Course length
New permission period
8 weeks
Typical in-UK decision
What is a Student Visa Extension?
A Student Visa extension is used where a student is already in the UK and needs further Student permission to continue or progress in their studies. GOV.UK says applications from inside the UK can be made no more than 3 months before the new course starts.
Timing is central. The student must apply before their current permission expires, and GOV.UK says the new course must begin within 28 days of the current visa expiring. For sponsors, this means the CAS issue date, course start date and current permission expiry date must be checked together.
The extension route still requires a valid CAS, appropriate course, financial evidence unless exempt, and any relevant English, ATAS, TB or consent evidence. If granted, the applicant receives an eVisa as a digital record of immigration status.
Student Visa Extension Requirements
What students and sponsors should check before extending from inside the UK.
📄
Current Permission and Timing
The applicant must apply before their current visa expires. GOV.UK says the new course must begin within 28 days of the current visa expiring.
💼
CAS and Academic Progression
A new CAS is required for the extension application. Sponsors should check that the course, level and progression basis are suitable before assigning the CAS.
£
Finances and Evidence
Students who have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months may not need to provide financial evidence. Where evidence is required, funds must cover course fees and living costs.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Student Visa Extension.
✓ You Can
- Apply inside the UK if you meet the Student extension requirements.
- Continue studying while awaiting a valid in-time decision where lawful conditions permit.
- Use a new CAS for further eligible study.
- Rely on the 12-month finance exemption if GOV.UK financial rules apply.
- Receive an eVisa if the extension is granted.
✗ You Cannot
- Apply late without risk because the extension should be made before current permission expires.
- Use an old CAS that does not support the new course.
- Ignore the 28-day course-start rule when planning the extension.
- Claim public funds while on Student permission.
- Use Student permission for settlement because the route itself is not a settlement route.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Extension fee | £558 per person |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776 per year |
| CAS fee | £55 sponsor charge |
| London living costs | £1,529 per month |
| Outside London living costs | £1,171 per month |
| Priority decision | Additional fee — check current fees |
How to Extend a Student Visa
A practical 5-step process for in-country Student route extension applications.
Check Current Leave
Confirm the applicant is in the UK with Student or eligible permission and that the application can be made before expiry.
Confirm the New Course
Check the start date, level, academic progression and sponsor requirements before the CAS is assigned.
Prepare Extension Evidence
Gather the new CAS, passport, financial evidence if required, ATAS where relevant and any consent documents for 16 or 17 year olds.
Apply Online in the UK
Submit the extension application, pay the £558 fee and IHS, and prove identity through the app or appointment process.
Receive Your Decision
GOV.UK says Student extension decisions usually take 8 weeks from inside the UK.
Speak to Our Team Today
Fill in the form and an immigration specialist will be in touch within one business day.
Request a Consultation
Tell us about your case
Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Student Visa extension questions for students and education providers.
What is a Student Visa Extension UK?
A Student Visa extension is an application made inside the UK for more Student permission. It is normally used when a student will continue or progress to further eligible study with a licensed sponsor.
How much does a Student Visa extension cost in 2026?
The Student Visa extension fee is £558 per person. Applicants usually also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, currently £776 per year for students.
How long does a Student Visa extension take?
GOV.UK says in-country Student applications usually take 8 weeks. Priority or faster services may be offered for an additional fee depending on availability.
When can I apply to extend my Student Visa?
You can apply from inside the UK no earlier than 3 months before the course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires, and the new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
Do I need a new CAS for a Student Visa extension?
Yes. The extension application needs a CAS from a licensed student sponsor for the new period of study.
Do I need to show funds for a Student Visa extension?
Not always. GOV.UK financial guidance says you do not need to provide financial evidence if you are applying for permission to stay and have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months.
Can I study while my extension is pending?
An in-time application can protect immigration status while UKVI decides the application, but the exact study position depends on the applicant’s conditions and sponsor compliance checks. Students should confirm this before continuing or starting a new course.
Can I extend if my visa has already expired?
The normal position is that you must apply before your current visa expires. A late application can create serious immigration and sponsor-compliance issues.
Can dependants extend with a Student Visa holder?
Dependants may be able to extend if they meet the Student dependant rules and the main applicant is eligible to have dependants. Each dependant pays the application fee and usually the IHS.
Does a Student Visa extension lead to settlement?
No. Extending Student permission does not itself create a route to settlement, though time spent studying may support later switching into a different route if that route allows it.
Extend Your Student Visa With Confidence
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor licence checks to visa approval — for employers and applicants alike.