In this guide, we are going to talk about UK student visa extension process.
So, if you’re an international student, you’ll need to know this stuff to keep studying without any problems.
Basically, most students have to extend their visa when it’s about to run out, and they’re not done with their studies yet.
Anyway, to be eligible, you need a few key things including a CAS, your proof of money and your performance in studies.
Speaking of which, these are not minor areas to consider lightly. Therefore, let’s read on to get to the point.
When to Start Your Visa Extension Application
Timing is really important here.
Speaking of which, the best thing to do is to start getting everything ready three months before your current visa runs out. That’s the earliest you can apply anyway.
However, just make sure you don’t let your current visa expire before you submit your application.
Trust us, you really don’t want that to happen.
In the worst-case scenario, if you miss these deadlines. You could end up having to leave the UK, or it might be harder to get visas in the future.
Therefore, always keep in mind that your current visa status makes a big difference in when you need to apply and what options you have.
Document Checklist for Student Visa Extension
In this case, you’ll need quite a few documents to prove that you are qualified.
First of all, you need the CAS from your school (it’s basically a document that has all your course details and how much it costs).
In addition to that, you also need to prove that you have enough money. For both your tuition and living expenses.
Also, don’t forget your passport and your current visa status. This is because you might need those for future reference.
Moreover, they’ll also want to see proof that you’re making progress in your studies.
Speaking of which, some students need to prove that they can speak English well enough by taking a test. But this is not something that everyone has to do.
Step-by-Step Application Process
As the first step, you need to create an account on the UK government website.
When you fill out the online form, you’ll need to tell them about yourself, your immigration history, and your course.
Then, there’s a fee to pay, plus something called an immigration health surcharge. That allows you to use the NHS while you’re there.
Then, after you submit everything online, you’ll need to visit the mentioned centre to give your fingerprints and also to have your photo taken.
Note: How you submit your documents depends on whether you’re using the regular service or paying extra for priority processing.
Financial Requirements Explained
The amount of money you need to show depends on where you’re studying.
For instance, if you’re in London, you’ll need to show more money than if you’re studying somewhere else in the UK.
Remember that whatever amount you need, it has to be in your account for at least 28 days straight, and you need to check those bank statements no more than 31 days before you apply.
On the other hand, if you have a sponsor or a scholarship, things might be different. As in you might not need to show as much money, or maybe none at all.
Note: Just make sure that your financial documents are exactly the way that they want those to be.
After Submitting Your Application
Once everything’s in, you’ll probably need to wait a few weeks to hear back from the immigration.
In rare cases, it might take longer depending on your applying time frame and which extension period you choose.
However, on the bright side, when they approve your application, you’ll get something called a Biometric Residence Permit. To put it simply, that’s your official immigration document for the UK.
For instance, let’ say that you want to know about the status of your extension process. In that case, you can check how things are going online, and if it’s taking longer than expected, you might need to get in touch with the UK Visas and Immigration center.
Note: Keep all your emails and letters in a safe place, and stay in touch with the international student office at your school while you wait.
Getting your UK student visa extended isn’t the most exciting thing you’ll ever do, but it’s totally possible to do if you stay organized and plan ahead.
Remember that most of your success comes down to understanding what they want, keeping your documents in order, and not missing any deadlines.
Also, keep in mind that starting early is really important as it gives you so much time if anything unexpected comes up.
Therefore, keep talking to your school’s international student office throughout your time in the UK. This is because they know their stuff and can help you with specific questions that you might have.
Contact TEVS a UK student visa consultants in Sri Lanka for more details.