International students planning to continue their studies in the UK often need a UK study permit extension. If you are changing courses, upgrading to a higher qualification, or need more time in the UK for academic reasons, it is essential to understand how to renew your study permit and the associated processes. This guide covers everything you need to know about study permit extensions, including available routes, fees, processing times, eligibility, and application steps.
Students in the UK can apply for a study permit extension when their current visa is about to expire or when they wish to remain in the UK to continue their studies on a new course or academic program. You must apply for an extension before your current visa expires. This process isn’t like extending a visa; it involves applying for a new course and receiving a visa for the duration of the new program. Failing to apply before your previous visa expires can result in becoming an “overstayer,” which can negatively affect future UK visa applications.
When and How to Renew Your Study Permit (Student Visa Extension)
When to Apply
You can apply to extend your student visa UK up to 3 months before your course starts, and it must be before your current visa expires. If you apply on time, you can remain in the UK while your application is processed under “Section 3C leave.”
Eligibility Requirements
To successfully extend your visa, you must:
- Hold a valid current Student Route visa (or Tier 4 visa).
- Have an unconditional offer and a new CAS from a UK licensed sponsor.
- Show evidence of academic progression (i.e., next level of study).
- Continue to meet financial and English language criteria if applicable.
Application Method
You must apply online via the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. As part of this:
- Submit identity verification via the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app or in person at a UKVCAS centre.
- Provide biometric information (fingerprints & photo).
- Upload supporting documents (passport, CAS, proof of funds, etc.).
Once submitted, you must not leave the UK until a decision is made, otherwise the application will be invalidated.
Study Permit Extension Fees
The standard student visa extension fee for applications made inside the UK is currently:
- £524 for the standard service.
- Plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for each year of stay.
Priority and Super Priority Fees
To speed up the decision:
- Priority service: Approx. £500 additional (decision in ~5 working days).
- Super priority service: Approx. £1,000 extra (decision in ~1 working day).
Note: These are optional and subject to availability.
Immigration Health Surcharge
As part of the extension application, you must pay the IHS, which allows you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). This is calculated based on the length of your visa and must be paid upfront.
Graduate Visa Extension
A Student visa cannot be extended just to obtain a Graduate visa, but you can switch from a Student visa to a Graduate visa (Post-Study Work route) if eligible upon course completion. The Graduate visa allows international graduates to stay in the UK to work or look for work – usually 2 years (or 18 months under future rules) after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and 3 years for doctoral graduates.
Study Permit Extension Processing Time
Standard Processing
For student visa extension UK applications submitted inside the UK, decisions usually take about 8 weeks after biometrics and document submission.
Faster Services
- Priority service: ~5 working days
- Super priority service: ~1 working day
These services significantly reduce waiting times but require additional fees.
External Applicants
If you apply from outside the UK, the processing time for extensions typically takes around 3 weeks for a decision, depending on the visa office.
Common Reasons for Student Visa Extension Refusal
Student visa extensions may be refused if:
- The application was filed after your visa expired.
- You don’t have a current CAS or it was issued too late.
- Evidence of financial support is insufficient or outdated.
- You don’t show genuine academic progression.
If your visa extension is refused, you may be able to reapply, appeal, or request an administrative review, depending on the circumstances. Always consult a professional education advisor to discuss options before reapplication.
Tips for a Successful Study Permit Extension
- Start Early – Begin preparing your extension at least 3–4 months before expiry to gather documents, get a CAS, and meet financial requirements.
- Prepare Documents Thoroughly – Ensure you have valid passport pages, CAS, financial proofs, and any academic sponsorship letters. Upload clear copies — original documents may be requested.
- Meet Academic Progression Rules – You can only extend your visa if you’re beginning a course at the same or higher level (e.g., Bachelor → Master, Master → PhD).
Extending your student visa in the UK or study permit extension is a vital step for many international students who wish to continue their academic journey in the UK. With clear timelines, eligibility criteria, and fee structures, planning your application carefully can help avoid refusals and delays. Whether you’re shifting to a higher degree or switching to a Graduate visa, understanding student visa extension processing time, fees, and the application process will help you stay compliant and focused on your goals.
Can I apply for a UK study permit extension from inside the UK?
Yes. You can apply for a UK study permit extension from inside the UK as long as your current Student visa is still valid and you meet all eligibility requirements, including having a new CAS from a licensed sponsor.
What happens if my student visa expires while my extension application is under review?
If you apply before your visa expires, you can legally stay in the UK under Section 3C leave while waiting for a decision. You must not travel outside the UK during this time.
How long does student visa extension processing time take in the UK?
The standard student visa extension processing time is usually up to 8 weeks. Priority services are available for faster decisions, subject to availability.
Can I renew my study permit without changing my course?
In most cases, no. A renew study permit application usually requires a new course or an extended course duration and a new CAS. Extensions without academic progression are rarely approved.
Can I extend my student visa UK after completing my course?
You cannot extend your student visa just to stay in the UK. However, after completing your course, you may switch to a different type of visa, such as a graduate visa, skilled worker visa, or another student visa, by enrolling in a new, progressive course, such as a second master’s program.
What is the study permit extension fee in the UK?
The current study permit extension fee for applications made inside the UK is £524, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for each year of stay.
Is there a higher fee for a student visa extension second time?
No separate fee exists specifically for a second-time extension. The student visa extension fee remains the same, but approval depends heavily on academic progression and genuine student intent.
Can I work while my student visa extension is being processed?
Yes, you can continue working under the same conditions as your current visa while your application is under review, provided you applied before your visa expired.
Can I switch universities and extend my student visa UK at the same time?
Yes. If you receive a CAS from a new UK university and meet progression rules, you can extend your student visa UK while switching institutions.
What documents are required for a student visa extension UK?
Common documents include:
- Valid passport
- New CAS letter
- Proof of funds (if required)
- Academic transcripts
- ATAS certificate (if applicable)
What are the most common reasons for UK student visa extension refusal?
Common reasons include:
- Applying after visa expiry
- Insufficient financial evidence
- No academic progression
- Incorrect or invalid CAS
- Gaps in study history without explanation
Can I apply for a graduate visa extension UK after my student visa?
The Graduate visa is not an extension of the Student visa but a switch. You must apply after completing your degree and while your Student visa is still valid.
Is graduate visa extension UK possible after it expires?
No. The Graduate visa cannot be extended. After it expires, you must switch to another eligible visa, such as a Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa.
Can I leave the UK while my student visa extension is processing?
No. Leaving the UK while your student visa extension processing time is ongoing will automatically withdraw your application.
How early should I apply to extend my student visa UK?
You should start preparing 3-4 months before your visa expires and apply as soon as you receive your CAS to avoid last-minute issues.
Can I extend my visa if I fail a module or resit exams?
It depends. If your university issues a new CAS confirming continued sponsorship, you may be able to apply for a student visa extension.
Do I need IELTS again to renew a student visa UK?
Usually no, if your university confirms your English ability in the CAS. However, requirements vary by institution and course level.
Can dependents stay if I extend my student visa?
Dependents can extend their visas only if they remain eligible under current UK immigration rules and apply before their visas expire.
What is the difference between a student visa extension UK and a study permit extension?
There is no difference. Study permit extension, student visa extension UK, and UK study visa extension all refer to the same Student Route visa extension process.
Is professional help recommended for extending your visa in the UK?
Yes, professional help is often recommended when extending your UK visa, though it’s not mandatory. Whether you should use a solicitor or an adviser depends on your situation.
