Are you a student with dreams of pursuing your studies in the United Kingdom? Perhaps you have already visited the UK on a tourist visa and now you are probably thinking to continue your studies here. Good news - it’s possible to switch from a visitor visa to a student visa while you’re in the UK. In this article, we will walk you through the process step-by-step and make your journey smoother and hassle-free. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
How to Change Visitor Visa to Student Visa - The Requirements?
Before we dive into the steps, first let’s see what are all the visa types that cannot be converted into student visas:
● A short-term student visa.
● A visit visa.
● Seasonal worker visa.
To apply for a student visa, you must be 16 years of age and should be already in the UK. Knowing this, let’s dive into the steps that are required to convert a UK visit visa to a study visa:
Step 1: Choose your Course and Institution
Before you start the visa application process, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to study and where you want to study. Research universities and educational institutions that can fulfill your academic requirements and offer your desired course. Also, make sure that the institution you choose is approved by the UK home office to sponsor international students.
Step 2: Receive Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Once you have found your desired course and institution, apply and receive an offer for admission. With your acceptance, the institution will provide you with a CSA letter. It is a crucial document required for your student visa application.
Step 3: Collect Necessary Documents
The next step when planning to change a visitor visa to a student visa is to gather all the required documents. This mainly includes your passport, CAS letter, proof of finances to cover living expenses and tuition fees, and English language proficiency test results.
Step 4: Start your Visa Application
Once you have all the documents, you can start filling out your student visa application through the UK’s government website. For this, you need to create an account, fill out the application form, and pay the necessary fees.
Step 5: Attend a Visa Application Center Appointment
The next step when you want to switch from a visitor visa to a student visa is to book an appointment at a Visa Application Center in the UK. Here, you will need to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and provide any additional documents if requested. Be sure to carry all original documents and copies.
Step 6: Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
After your application is approved, you will receive a sticker on your passport and a letter indicating where and when to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). The BRP is a crucial identity document that allows you to study and live in the UK.
Step 7: Complete Health Surcharge
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your application, which gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. Some nationalities may also be required to register with the police upon arrival – check if this applies to you.
Wrapping Up!
Once you go through the about steps, you will successfully transition from a tourist visa to a student visa. Now, immerse yourself in your studies, explore the vibrant culture of the UK, and make the most of your educational journey. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to your chosen institution's international student support or seek advice from immigration professionals.
● A short-term student visa.
● A visit visa.
● Seasonal worker visa.
To apply for a student visa, you must be 16 years of age and should be already in the UK. Knowing this, let’s dive into the steps that are required to convert a UK visit visa to a study visa:
Step 1: Choose your Course and Institution
Before you start the visa application process, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to study and where you want to study. Research universities and educational institutions that can fulfill your academic requirements and offer your desired course. Also, make sure that the institution you choose is approved by the UK home office to sponsor international students.
Step 2: Receive Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Once you have found your desired course and institution, apply and receive an offer for admission. With your acceptance, the institution will provide you with a CSA letter. It is a crucial document required for your student visa application.
Step 3: Collect Necessary Documents
The next step when planning to change a visitor visa to a student visa is to gather all the required documents. This mainly includes your passport, CAS letter, proof of finances to cover living expenses and tuition fees, and English language proficiency test results.
Step 4: Start your Visa Application
Once you have all the documents, you can start filling out your student visa application through the UK’s government website. For this, you need to create an account, fill out the application form, and pay the necessary fees.
Step 5: Attend a Visa Application Center Appointment
The next step when you want to switch from a visitor visa to a student visa is to book an appointment at a Visa Application Center in the UK. Here, you will need to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and provide any additional documents if requested. Be sure to carry all original documents and copies.
Step 6: Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
After your application is approved, you will receive a sticker on your passport and a letter indicating where and when to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). The BRP is a crucial identity document that allows you to study and live in the UK.
Step 7: Complete Health Surcharge
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your application, which gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. Some nationalities may also be required to register with the police upon arrival – check if this applies to you.
Wrapping Up!
Once you go through the about steps, you will successfully transition from a tourist visa to a student visa. Now, immerse yourself in your studies, explore the vibrant culture of the UK, and make the most of your educational journey. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to your chosen institution's international student support or seek advice from immigration professionals.