Note this is only a guide and not a guarantee
Before you travel to the UK, you must make sure you have the correct visa or travel permission. The type of visa you need depends mainly on:
📅 How long you will study
🌎 Your nationality
📘 The type of course you choose
UK immigration rules are set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
We base our guidance on official information from GOV.UK and English UK, the national association of accredited English language schools.
⚠️ Please note: Lexis London staff are not visa experts and cannot guarantee visa decisions. We provide advice and support based on official guidance to help you prepare your application.
If you are unsure, our Student Services team is happy to answer your questions and guide you to the right visa route.
Most students studying 6 months or less come to the UK as a Standard Visitor.
Depending on your nationality, you may need:
A Visitor visa before you travel, or
As a Visitor, you:
✅ Can study your course
❌ Cannot work (paid or unpaid)
❌ Cannot extend your stay in the UK
👉 Read our Standard Visitor page for full details.
If you want to study English for more than 6 months (up to 11 months), you will usually need a Short-term Study visa.
This visa:
Is for English language courses only
Does not allow work
Cannot be extended in the UK
👉 See our Short-Term Study visa page for details.
For courses longer than 11 months, or for non-English language courses, you normally need a Student visa.
This visa requires:
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Proof of sufficient funds
Meeting English language requirements
👉 Full details are on our Student Visa page.
Apply early — visa processing times can vary.
Always check official information on GOV.UK before applying.
Immigration rules can change.
Lexis London can provide official school documents to support your application once your booking is confirmed.
We are here to help you understand the options and prepare your application, but the final visa decision is made by the UK government.
Long-term Standard Visitor visa:
If you visit the UK often, you can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa.
It can last 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years.
Each visit can be up to 6 months long.
You can study short courses, attend meetings, or do other permitted activities while in the UK.
You cannot work in the UK on this visa.
You cannot live in the UK permanently or stay longer than 6 months at a time.
Even if your visa is valid for several years, every visit is counted separately and the UK border officer decides if you can enter.
✅ This visa is for people who visit the UK regularly but only for short stays.
Visiting the UK: guide to supporting documents and permitted activities for Visitors
