Student Visas

Eligibility Requirements

If you are looking to apply for a UK Student Visa, there are certain requirements which you must fulfil. These are as follows:

• You must have received an unconditional offer of study from an approved sponsoring institution
• You must have received a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your sponsoring institution
• You must score at least 70 points on the points-based system
• You need to have the relevant academic qualifications needed to take the course and genuinely intend to study in the UK
• You can financially support yourself in the UK (and any family members/dependents who will be joining you)

Meeting the 70-point Requirement as a Student

The points-based system may seem complicated but is in fact relatively straight forward. As long as the main eligibility requirements are met, you will meet the 70-point threshold.

The points are calculated as follows:

• 50 points: Receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
• 10 points: Meeting the financial requirements
• 10 points: Able to demonstrate your English language ability is at the level of B2 as set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

What are the Course Requirements?

If you want to study in the UK must be in accordance with the rules of the Student Visa. Eligible courses include:

• Full-time course which will lead to a qualification at below degree level (RQF level 3, 4 or 5). There must be at least 15 hours a week of organised daytime study.
• Full-time course which will lead to a qualification at degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7 or 8)
• Full-time course at degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7 or 8) which is equivalent to a UK higher education course, and will be delivered as part of an overseas course
• Part-time course which will lead to a qualification that is above degree level (RQF level 7 or above)
• A recognised foundation programme for postgraduate doctors or dentists
• An English language course which is at the level of B2 as set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

What are the Financial Requirements?

To be eligible to study in the UK, you will need to provide evidence of your financial means. You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself in the UK.

You would be required to show that you have one of the following

• £1,334 per month for up to 9 months for courses based in London
• £1,023 per month for up to 9 months for courses based outside London
• £2,668 per month for the Doctorate Extension Scheme if based in London
• £2,046 per month for courses outside London if based outside London

You will need to be able to prove that you have this money for 28 consecutive days, and the end-date of this period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for the visa.

Student Visa Extensions

Student Visa extensions are possible for students in certain circumstances. Currently, it's also possible for the old Tier 4 (General) Student Visa to be extended too.

To extend the visa, the following must apply:

• Must be in the UK on a Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
• Must have an unconditional offer on a course with a licenced student sponsor
• Must be able to provide a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
• Must be able to show that the course is at a higher academic level than your current course

Child Student Visa

Child Student Visa holders aged under 16 years can stay in the UK for the length of the course (up to six years) plus four months. Visa holders aged 16 or 17 years old are permitted to stay for the length of the course (up to three years) plus four months following the end of the course.

You can apply outside the UK for the visa six months in advance of your course start date and you will likely receive a decision in three weeks. If you are applying from inside the UK, you can apply three months in advance of the course start date and you are likely to receive a decision within eight weeks.

To be successful, applicants must:

• Have an unconditional offer on a course from an eligible independent school
• Demonstrate that they have adequate income to pay for the course and to support themselves during the course
• Have the written consent of their parent or legal guardian to study in the UK

Parent of a Child Student Visa

If your child holds or is applying for a Child Student Visa, you may be eligible to apply for the Parent of a Child Student Visa.

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• Your child is aged between four and eleven years old
• Your child is attending an independent school in the UK
• You are the only parent of your child accompanying them in the UK
• You continue to maintain your primary residence in your country of residence
• You have concrete plans to leave the UK when your visa expires
• You are permitted to stay in the UK until the expiration of your child's visa, or until they turn 12 years old (whichever happens first)

Why choose Westridge Legal?

Our team of experienced immigration lawyers have placed students on Student Visas successfully. We can navigate the complex requirements of Student Visas and support you in your matter every step of the way.

If you wish to speak about your options directly with our specialist staff, please contact us on 0121 724 0302 to book a consultation today.