When to apply UK student Visa and How long we can stay?
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When to apply:
When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.
Applying from outside the UK
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.
You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
Applying from inside the UK
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.
You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
How long you can stay
How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed in the UK.
If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
Read the guidance to find out exactly how long you can stay.
Staying longer in the UK
You may be able to:
vikaskrana
The length of your student visa depends on the length of your course, as stated in your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The Home Office varies this leave if you are government sponsored and then limits your stay in the UK to meet your sponsor's requirements. The following table shows how much leave the Home Office grants for each course duration.
| Course length | Additional months granted at end of course |
| 12 months or longer | 4 months after course end date |
| 6 months - 12 months | 2 months after course end date |
| Masters courses covered by the Tier 4 Pilot (if you applied for your student visa prior to 5 October 2020) | 6 months after course end date |
| Pre-sessional course | 1 month after course end date |
| Courses less than six months e.g. medical elective | 7 days after course end date |
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