Can you switch your current UK visa to a student visa?

The first criteria you need to meet to be able to switch your current visa to a UK student visa is to be in the country. You cannot switch your visa from outside the United Kingdom.

You will also need to have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor - shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Having said that, not all visa types can be converted to a student visa.


You cannot switch to this visa if you have one of the following visas;

• a visit visa
• a short-term student visa
• a Parent of a Child Student visa
• a seasonal worker visa
• a domestic worker in a private household visa
• leave outside the immigration rules

If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself in the UK.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately to switch their visa. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

When should you apply?
You must apply before your current visa expires. Your university course must start within 28 days of your current visa expiring. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.

You must also apply within 6 months of getting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

You can stay in the UK until you get your decision.

How much will it cost to switch visas?
For each person, you’ll need to pay:

• £490 to extend this visa
• the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay here (https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type)

A decision is usually made within 8 weeks.