Student Visa Solicitors (Tier 4)

At BHD Solicitors, we specialise in guiding clients through every stage of the UK student visa process, including applications under the route formerly known as Tier 4.

Whether you are planning to study at a university, college, or independent school, our experienced student visa solicitors provide clear, tailored advice to help you meet the requirements and submit a strong application.

We regularly assist students from around the world, including those facing complex circumstances or previous refusals. With a detailed understanding of the student visa system and a proven track record in immigration law, we are well placed to support your application.

If you would like more guidance with the UK student visa applications, formerly known as Tier 4 Student Visas, please get in touch with our immigration lawyers.

Contact our student visa solicitors in London and Croydon

For assistance and guidance or if you would like to instruct one of our expert student visa solicitors in London or Croydon, contact us on 0208 681 5128 today.

Our expertise with UK student visas

UK student visa applications

UK student visa applications are for individuals aged 16 or over who want to study in the UK.

To apply, you must have an offer from a licensed student sponsor, enough money to cover your course and living costs, and be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.

If you are 16 or 17, parental consent is required. This visa replaces the Tier 4 (General) visa and allows study at approved institutions.

Student visa eligibility

• You must be over the age of 16. (If you are 16 or 17 years of age, evidence of consent from parents will be required).
• You must have been offered an unconditional place on a course by an educational institution that is licenced to sponsor students.
• You must have sufficient money to support yourself and pay for the course without relying on public funds. You will need £1483 per month if studying in London or £1136 per month if studying outside London.
• You will need to satisfy the English language requirements.
• Your course will need to meet the course requirements.

Educational institution

• You must have been offered an unconditional place on a course by an educational institution that is licenced to sponsor students. Your educational institution must issue you with a reference number known as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) when they offer you a course. You will need a CAS before you apply for a visa and must enter the reference number on your student visa application.

Financial requirements

• You need to show that you will be able to support yourself without recourse to public funds and show you have enough funds to cover the following:
  • Your course fees due for the first year (or the entire course if less than one year), where the exact amount will be stated on your CAS. If you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, you will not be required to prove you have these funds for your visa application.
  • Your living costs where you will need £1483 per month if studying in London or £1136 per month if studying outside London.
  • For Doctorate Extension Schemes, you will need to show you have £2530 for courses in London or a total of £2030 for courses outside London.
  • For boarding at residential independent schools, you will need to pay boarding fees instead, where the amount needed to be paid will be on your CAS.
• You must have the said monies for at least 28 consecutive days. The end of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for the visa.

Knowledge of English

• You must show your competence in the English language equivalent to at least CEFR level B2 for degree level or above, or CEFR level B1 for below degree level.
• You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you are from or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree from any of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, UK and USA.
• You do not need to prove knowledge of English if you are a Canadian national, or if you are applying to come to the UK for a study abroad programme as part of a university degree course in the USA, or if you have proved your level of English in a previous application.

Course requirements

• You can study and obtain a student visa for the following courses:
  • A full time course leading to a qualification below degree level (RQF level 3, 4, or 5). Examples of such courses would include A levels and apprenticeships, with at least 15 hours a week of study.
  • A full time course leading to a qualification that is degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7 or 8). Examples would include Bachelor’s, Master’s, Postgraduate or Doctorate.
  • A full time course at degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7 or 8) that is equivalent to a UK higher educational course and is being delivered as part of a longer course overseas.
  • A part time course leading to a qualification that is above degree level (RQF level 7 or above), examples would include Master’s, Postgraduate or Doctorate.
  • A recognised foundation programme for postgraduate doctors or dentists.
  • An English language course at level B2 or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Dependents

Students whose course starts on or after 1 January 2024 are no longer permitted to bring dependents to the UK.

An exception is made for international students whose course is a PhD, other doctoral qualification, or a research-based higher degree.

Student dependents already in the UK may continue to extend their stay.

Students whose course starts before 1 January 2024 may apply to bring their dependents to the UK whilst they study if:

• The student will be on a full time postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts nine months or longer.
• The student is a new government-sponsored student on a course that lasts longer than six months.
• The student is a Doctorate Extension Scheme student.

Length of stay under the UK student visa

The length of your student visa will depend on the length of your course and the amount of study you have already completed. For those over 18, whose course is at a degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to five years. For those below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to two years. You can usually extend your student visa if you are accepted onto a different course at a higher level than the one you completed.

Child student visa

This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (Child) student visa. If your child is between four and 17 years old and you want them to study at an independent school in the UK, you can apply for a child student visa.

You will be required:

• To have an unconditional offer at an independent school.
• To be able to show access to enough money to support your child and pay for the course.
• To provide consent as a parent or guardian to study in the UK.

Short term study student visa (English language)

You can apply for a short term student visa in the UK if you wish to undertake an English language training course for between six and 11 months.

You must show:

• You have secured a place on an English Language course in the UK at an accepted place of study that will last no longer than 11 months.
• You have paid your course fees or can demonstrate sufficient funds to pay them.
• You have sufficient funds to support yourself without working or help from public funds, or that relatives or friends can support and accommodate you.
• You must be able to pay for your return journey.
• You are aged 16 or over (and have consent from parents if you are aged 16 or 17).
• You are outside the UK.
• You intend to leave the UK within 30 days of the end of your English language course, or at the end of 11 months, whichever is sooner.

Judicial review and administrative review

If your student visa application is refused with no right to appeal, we can assist by way of administrative review or judicial review. Our team of UK student visa solicitors are highly experienced with making such claims against the UK Home Office.

FAQs

How do I apply for a UK student visa (formerly Tier 4)?

To apply for a UK student visa (formerly Tier 4) in 2025, you must be aged 16 or over and have an unconditional offer from a course with a licensed sponsor.

Your university provides a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), which records your course, qualifications, and English language ability.

You can apply online up to six months before your course begins (outside the UK) or three months in advance (inside).

You must submit your CAS, proof of finances, English language evidence, and any additional documents like a TB test or ATAS certificate and attend an identity or biometric appointment.

What documents are essential for a UK student visa application?

To apply for a UK student visa (formerly Tier 4), you must submit the following essential documents:

• A current, valid passport with at least one blank page for the visa vignette.
• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from your licensed course provider.
• Proof of finances to cover your course fees and living costs, as specified on your CAS.
• If required: an ATAS certificate, your tuberculosis (TB) test results, and parental consent/documentation if under 18.

How much does a UK student visa cost, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

To apply for a UK student visa (formerly Tier 4) from outside the UK, you need to pay two main charges from the UK government:

• A visa application fee of £524 per applicant.
• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year of your leave (rounded to the nearest six-month block), or £388 for stays under six months.

What is the typical processing time for a UK student visa application?

The typical processing time for a UK student visa is approximately three weeks (15 working days) when applying from outside the UK, starting from your biometric appointment or ID-check submission.

If you are already in the UK and applying to extend or switch your visa, processing usually takes around eight weeks. Delays can occur due to high application volumes, missing documents, or additional verification checks.

How long can you stay in the UK after your student visa expires?

You must leave the UK by the expiry date of your student visa, unless you have applied to extend your stay or switch to another visa before it expires. There is no automatic grace period after your visa ends.

Staying beyond your visa expiry without valid permission is a breach of immigration rules and can affect future applications. Always check your visa dates and take action early if you plan to remain in the UK.

What should I do if my UK student visa application is refused?

If your UK student visa application is refused, you should read the refusal notice carefully to understand the reasons. You may be able to request an administrative review or reapply with stronger evidence. It is important to act quickly, as time limits apply.

Contacting a specialist immigration solicitor can help you assess your options, address any issues, and prepare a stronger application or appeal. Expert advice can improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Get expert advice from student visa solicitors in London and Croydon

We are specialist student visa solicitors in London and Croydon with a strong reputation for helping clients apply for a student visa. We offer competitive pricing and a bespoke immigration service to all our clients.

For assistance and guidance or if you would like to instruct one of our expert student visa lawyers, contact us on 0208 681 5128 today.