Personal immigration

Turn your place to study
into a clear visa plan.

Support for students and their families with applications, extensions and questions arising during study in the UK.

STUDENT VISAS

A successful study application depends on more than receiving an offer. We bring together the correct immigration route, the education provider’s sponsorship, the course, finances and personal evidence, while planning for any family members and the options after study.

Information reviewed4 September 2026

STUDY ROUTE OPTIONS

Match the immigration route to the course and the student.

Age, course type, duration and education provider can change the appropriate route. We check whether the Student, Child Student, Short-term Study or Visitor provisions fit the proposed programme.

Student visa

For eligible further or higher education with a licensed student sponsor and a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.

Child Student visa

For eligible children studying at an independent school, with careful planning for parental consent, care and living arrangements.

Short-term English study

A separate route for qualifying English-language courses, with its own duration, financial and activity restrictions.

Short courses and future plans

Some study is permitted as a visitor, while eligible graduates may later consider the Graduate route or another work category.

WHAT WE ASSESS

Six areas that need to work together before you apply.

Course and education provider

We check the type and level of study, the sponsor’s status and whether the proposed course fits the selected route.

CAS and application details

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and visa form must agree about the course, fees, qualifications and student’s circumstances.

Finances and sponsorship

We identify the applicable tuition and living-cost evidence, permitted sources and any official financial sponsorship or consent.

English, qualifications and ATAS

We check how English and academic evidence should be demonstrated and whether an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate is required.

Current status and study history

Previous study, academic progression, immigration permission and the place of application can affect eligibility and timing.

Family, work and next steps

We consider dependant eligibility, the work conditions likely to apply and how study may connect with a later immigration route.

EVIDENCE PLANNING

The application should match the CAS and the student’s real circumstances.

Student evidence is highly route-specific. We check the documents, dates and statements against the information held by the education provider and address any additional requirement early.

Identity and immigration status

Passport or travel document, current permission and an accurate record of previous immigration applications.

CAS and course information

A valid CAS together with the course and sponsorship information relevant to the application.

Financial evidence

Required evidence of tuition fees and living costs, or qualifying official sponsorship, using the correct period and format.

English and qualifications

Documents relied upon for English and academic entry, where these must be provided with the application.

Additional certificates

An ATAS certificate, tuberculosis test result or certified translations where the rules and circumstances require them.

Family and consent documents

Parental consent and care arrangements for a child, or relationship and financial evidence for eligible dependants.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Useful questions
before you begin.

Can I apply for a Student visa without a CAS?

A Student visa application requires a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a licensed student sponsor. An offer or enrolment letter is not a substitute for the CAS.

How much money must I show?

The calculation depends on matters including outstanding course fees, study location, the student’s circumstances and whether dependants are eligible. The source, format and period covered by the evidence also matter, so the figures should be checked shortly before applying.

Can my partner or children come with me?

Only some students can bring dependants. Eligibility depends particularly on the nature of the course or government sponsorship and the rules applying on the application date. Each family member must also meet the dependant requirements.

Can I work while studying?

Work conditions depend on the route, course, education provider and the conditions attached to the permission granted. Students should check their specific conditions before taking employment, work placements or self-employed activity.

Can I switch to the Student route inside the UK?

Switching is possible from some immigration categories but not others. Current permission, application timing, the new course and any academic progression requirement must be reviewed first.

What options are available after my course?

Depending on the course, provider and immigration history, a student may be able to consider the Graduate route, sponsored work or another category. Some routes are temporary and settlement planning should take account of which periods of residence can qualify.

General guidance

This page provides general introductory information, not advice on an individual matter. Immigration requirements and Home Office practice can change. Please contact the team for advice on your circumstances.

Enquiry options

Choose a clearer
starting point.

Use the guided enquiry form to tell us the broad area where you need help. Please share only brief details and do not send confidential documents.

Choose a starting point Northbridge Immigration: 020 3337 6115