Immigration law
Student Visa
Your place is confirmed. Now let's make sure the visa is too.
For applications made on or after 30 November 2026, the monthly living-cost figures rise to £1,570 in London and £1,203 elsewhere. Rules checked October 2026.
Is this you?
Who this is for
- You have an unconditional offer and a CAS from a licensed university or college
- You are extending to start a new course
- You are a postgraduate researcher hoping to bring family
- You have had a refusal and need to reapply
What the rules require
- CAS
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a licensed student sponsor.
- Money
- Unpaid first-year fees plus living costs for up to 9 months: £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere (rising for applications from 30 November 2026).
- 28-day rule
- Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before you apply.
- Dependants
- Since January 2024, generally only postgraduate research students can bring family.
A summary, not legal advice. The Immigration Rules change often; we confirm what applies on your application date.
Free first step
10 minutes with a solicitor about your student visa matter.
Often goes with
Prepare
Your document checklist
Tick off what you already have. Bring the rest to mind before your consultation, and we'll tell you what really matters for your case.
0 of 9 ready
A general guide. Your solicitor confirms exactly what your case needs. Your ticks are saved on this device only.
The process
How it works
- 1Free consultationWe check your CAS details and funds against the rules.
- 2The 28 daysWe plan the dates so your funds window lines up with your application.
- 3SubmitUp to 6 months before your course starts if applying from outside the UK.
- 4BiometricsAt a visa application centre, or with the ID check app.
- 5DecisionUsually about 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside.
Fixed.
How our fees work
After your free consultation we quote a fixed fee in writing, covering exactly what we will do. Home Office fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are paid separately to the government, and we tell you the current amounts before you commit.
Free
Your first 10 minutes with a solicitor.
In writing
A fixed fee for the agreed work, before anything starts.
No surprises
Government fees quoted up front and paid to the Home Office.
FAQs
Student Visa: your questions
Still unsure? A ten-minute call usually settles it.
How much money do I need to show?
Your unpaid first-year tuition plus living costs for up to 9 months. For applications made before 30 November 2026, that is £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere. From 30 November 2026 it rises to £1,570 and £1,203. Your application date decides which figure applies.
Can my family come with me?
Since 1 January 2024, only students on postgraduate research courses (such as a PhD) and some government-sponsored students can bring dependants.
Can I work while I study?
Usually up to 20 hours a week in term time for degree-level study, and full time in official vacations. Your CAS and visa set out your limit.
My student visa was refused. What now?
Student refusals usually carry administrative review, not appeal, and the window is short: 14 days in the UK, 28 days outside. Often a corrected fresh application is faster. We will tell you which is better.