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UK Visas

Student Visa

General visa criteria:

  • Most applications need to be made outside of the UK
  • Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have been accepted to study a UK-recognised qualification
 
Take a FREE online Visa Assessment

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Student Visa

Please note 1st Contact visas in London cannot assist you in making an application for a student visa. To apply for a student visa you must lodge an application via a British High Commission or Embassy outside of the UK. If you are applying for this visa from Australia or South Africa please contact our Melbourne or Cape Town offices.

1st Contact visa in London can only assist with student visa extensions.

Call now to speak to a 1st Contact consultant about how we can help you apply for a student visa extension or send us an online enquiry.

A student visa allows you to spend time in the UK while studying, with the ability to work part-time. In order to remain in the UK as a student, you will be required to demonstrate that you have been accepted on a course of study at an organisation which is included on the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills register of education and training providers and is at either:

  • A publicly-funded institution of further of higher education (e.g. a university) or
  • A private education institution or
  • An independent fee-paying school

You will also be required to demonstrate that you intend following:

  • A recognised, full-time degree course or
  • A course which is run during the week that necessitates at least fifteen hours of organised daytime study per week or
  • A full-time course of study at an independent fee-paying school

It is essential that you are able to pay for your chosen course and that you are able to support and accommodate yourself (and any dependents) without working beyond the restrictions of the visa, and without assistance from public funds.

As a student, you may take part-time or holiday work. However, you may not:

  • Work for more than 20 hours per week during the term time;
  • Do any business or be self-employed, nor provide services as a professional sports person or entertainer; or
  • Work full-time in a permanent job.

As a student, your spouse and any of your children under the age of 18 can come to the UK with you during your studies (provided that you can support and accommodate them without assistance from public funds). Your spouse will be allowed to work if you are given permission to stay in the UK for 12 months or more. Note that unmarried heterosexual or same-sex partners are not permitted to join their partner in the UK.

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Why 1st Contact?

When you apply for a visa, you have two options:

  1. You can take the DIY route and work directly through the UK Border Agency website  
  2. You can work through an agency like 1st Contact Visas.

While doing things yourself could save you money in the short term, the benefits of working with us could outweigh many risks and implications that you could face in the long run.

With us, you get:

  • Help with your specific application. We don't believe that any visa application is generic – you have a different background and may have very unique needs from the next applicant.
  • Industry expertise. We're known for being specialists in the immigration industry. With over 250 staff in our London, Melbourne and Cape Town offices, we have the knowledge and resources to make sure your migration journey runs smoothly.
  • Dedicated consultants, here to talk you through your visa options.
  • Less stress. We apply on your behalf, and take care of the admin for you.
  • No gimmicks. If you don't get the visa, we don’t charge for our services.