Tier 4 Visa extension inside the UK
This guide is for international students who are already in the UK on a Tier 4 student visa. It will walk you through how to apply for a Tier 4 visa extension both inside and outside the UK. You’ll also find useful information about the visa grace period, the latest rules, and other important details you need to know.
According to the new law by Home Office, international students can apply for the new course, study & extend your Student visa visa in the UK without going back to their home country.
You might need to extend your Tier 4 visa for different reasons. For example, if you want to keep studying in the UK or switch to a new course. The good news is that the UK government allows international students to apply for a visa extension in these situations for a new course & you can make your visa extension within the UK. (You don’t need to go back home to make your visa extension application.)
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You need to apply for a Tier 4 visa extension or renew it before your current visa expires. Otherwise, you will lose the chance to stay in the UK and study further. This visa extension does not apply to international students who entered the UK for a short-term student visa.
Who is eligible for a visa extension from inside the UK:
- If you want to apply for a Tier 4 visa extension from inside the UK, you must have to complete your previous course successfully and have to provide official evidence of your course completion.
- If you are a Tier 2 work permit holder and willing to switch to a Tier 4 student visa, you can apply for a Tier 4 visa extension from inside the UK.
Please visit the Home Office Website for more updated details. https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/extend-your-visa
The new rule means that the students will now be able to apply for an extension in the UK as normal.
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Who can sponsor for tier 4 visa extension from the inside UK?
If you entered the UK on the basis of a student visa (tier 4 general) in an HEI and wish for further study, then you need to apply for the visa extension. The visa extension can be only done if you have one of the following sponsored:
- An independent school from the UK
- The UK recognized the body
- A university or college offering pathway courses
- A higher education institute from overseas
- A body in the UK in receipt of public funding.
If you have one of the sponsors from the above, you are eligible to apply for the tier 4 student visa inside and outside the UK.
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Requirements to apply for tier 4 visa extension
Having the above mentioned sponsor for the visa extension is not enough. You must also fulfill the following requirements if you wish to stay in the UK legally by extending your student visa time period:
- You must get a valid admission in a UK university
- The intended course must be either current educational level or above
- You must have an offer letter from the university (admission confirmation)
- The new course start date must not be longer than 28 days.
- You must have enough money to finance your further study in the UK
- You must have enough money or proof of money to live in the UK.
Other than the above, you must also meet all those requirements which you have complete when applied for your general tier 4 student visa.
A time limit after the extension of tier 4 visa:
If you fulfil the above requirements, have sponsored and got a visa extension then there would be new time limits that apply to your student’s visa. As per 2014 rules, you can stay in the UK for studies for more than 5 five year limits if:
- Six years limits: If you have completed an undergraduate course in the UK and are studying for the Master’s
- Five years and 11 months: You can stay in the UK if the current time limit prevents you from completing your course.
- No time limit: There is no time limit to stay in the UK after tier 4 visa extension if you are studying an MRes, MSc or PhD for research.
- Eight-year limit: This limit is available for students who have completed a doctorate degree in the UK and apply for the new course.
- No time limit: There is no limit of time in some courses like dentistry, architecture, veterinary medicine, medicine, science, and professional law etc.
The PhD students have a different time limit compared to those who entered the UK for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The new visa extension rule will allow you to stay in the UK for many years legally.
Can you apply for a tier 4 visa extension from inside the UK?
Yes, you can apply for the extension visa only if you fulfil the requirements, have a sponsor & have enough money to support your study.
How Many points are needed for a visa extension?
You need 40 points as per the new point-based system for the visa extension (general). You can get 30 points if you can electronic confirmation acceptance for studies and 10 points by showing the bank statements.
How much money is required in the bank for the Tier 4 visa extension?
To renew your tier 4 student visa, demonstrating funds in your bank account is no longer required under the new regulations from the home office. For the latest details, visit the home office website
What is the time limit to studying for the VISA?
The time limit to stay in the UK for studying for a course is 5 years. The time limit could be different in exceptional cases as mentioned above.
What is the visa extension fee in the UK for students?
£490 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK
£490 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK
You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.
Can I switch a tier 4 visa to tier 2 visa?
It is possible to switch your visa from tier 4 to tier 2 instead of an extension.
Tier 4 Visa Extension FAQ
1. What is a Tier 4 visa extension?
A Tier 4 visa extension lets international students stay in the UK longer to finish their current course, start a new one, or continue studying.
2. Who can apply for a Tier 4 visa extension?
You can apply if you are already in the UK on a valid Tier 4 (General) visa and need more time to complete your studies or begin a new course.
3. When should I apply for an extension?
You should apply before your current visa expires. The UK Home Office recommends applying as early as possible to avoid any issues.
4. What reasons can I extend my Tier 4 visa for?
Some common reasons include:
- Continuing the same course (if it’s longer than expected- need to communicate with your university)
- Starting a new course in the UK
- Switching to a different course at the same or higher level
- Switching to another eligible category visa, for example, a Tier 2 to a Tier 4 student visa
5. How do I apply for a Tier 4 visa extension inside the UK?
You’ll need to apply online through the UK government website, fill out the application form, and pay the required fees. You’ll also need to provide supporting documents.
6. What documents do I need?
You usually need:
- A valid CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from your university/college
- Proof of funds (If you are in the UK for more than 12 months, you do not need to show proof of funds)
- Your current passport and visa
- Biometric information (fingerprints and photo)
7. How much does it cost to extend my Tier 4 visa?
The application fee is usually £490 (inside the UK), plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is about £776 per year of your stay. Always double-check the home office guidelines directly.
8. How long does the decision take?
Most applications are processed within 8 weeks, but you can pay extra for a faster decision.
9. Can I stay in the UK while waiting for a decision?
Yes, as long as you applied before your current visa expired, you can legally remain in the UK until you get a decision.
10. What happens if my application is refused?
If your application is refused, you may be able to appeal or reapply depending on the reason for refusal. It’s best to seek advice from your university’s international student office or an immigration adviser.
N.B. UACUK is not permitted/does not provide immigration advice or services in the UK. We will introduce you to our affiliate solicitors for visa and immigration advice.
Note: please visit the Home Office Website for updated information; this article on for reference purposes.
Source: Home Office website Content Credit: Barrister Reza E- Immigration Solicitor
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