Student Visa

Note: Lexis School of English cannot sponsor Student Visas.
The following information is for students who are curious about the rules for a Student Visa.

Eligible courses:

• You must have an unconditional offer from a UK institution that has a Student sponsor licence.
• Courses must include at least 15 hours of study per week.
• Check the full list of approved institutions on GOV.UK.

English language requirements:

• You must pass a government-approved English language test.
• Usually this means intermediate level (B1 CEFR) or higher.

Age restriction:

• You must be 16 years or older to apply.

Work rights:

• Some students can work part-time (usually up to 10 hours per week) while studying English.
• Full-time work is not allowed.

Visa length:

• Depends on your course level and length.
• Courses below degree level: usually up to 2 years.
• Degree-level courses: usually up to 5 years.

Visa extensions:

• You may be able to extend your visa without leaving the UK if you continue studying a longer course or a new course at a higher level.

Important notes for students:

• Fees can change; always check GOV.UK for the latest.
• The IHS is mandatory for all Student Visa applications longer than 6 months.
• These fees do not cover living costs, tuition, or accommodation.

You usually need:

• Course offer / CAS

  • An unconditional offer from a UK institution with a Student sponsor licence.
  • The institution provides a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, which is required for your application.
  • See the full list of licensed Student sponsors.

• Proof of English ability

  • You must meet the required English language level.
  • Usually this means passing a government-approved test. (gov.uk)

• Proof of finances

  • Evidence that you can pay for tuition, accommodation, and living costs.
  • For guidance, see UKCISA financial evidence advice.

• Translations

  • Any documents not in English must be certified translations.
  • See the GOV.UK guide to supporting documents.

• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if required)

  • Students from some countries must show evidence of a valid TB test.
  • Check the GOV.UK TB screening list.

To apply for a Student Visa, you usually need to show that you already have an intermediate level of English.

Key Points

• The test must be a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK government.
• Your level depends on your course:
  • Below degree level: CEFR B1 (lower-intermediate)
  • Degree level or higher: CEFR B2 (upper-intermediate)
• The test must check all four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• You must take the test at an approved test centre.
• Only some tests from approved providers are accepted.

Approved Test Providers

• IELTS SELT Consortium
• Trinity College London (must be taken in the UK)
• LanguageCert
• Pearson PTE
• PSI Services (UK) Ltd (must be taken outside the UK)

Not all tests from these providers are accepted. The test must specifically mention UKVI in the name.

Exceptions – You Do Not Need to Take a SELT

You may not need to show English if:

• You are a national of a majority English-speaking country.
• You have already met the requirement in a previous UK visa application.
• You have a GCSE, A Level, or Scottish equivalent in English language/literature from a UK school, obtained before age 18.

Useful Link: GOV.UK: Secure English Language Tests

1. Submit your application

• Apply online on GOV.UK and upload your required documents.
• Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of the application.

2. Attend a visa application centre

• Most students must book an appointment to provide biometric data (photo and fingerprints).
• EEA nationals with a biometric chip in their passport do not need to visit a centre; they can scan their passport using an app.
• Check GOV.UK to find your nearest visa application centre and its status.
• If your local centre is closed (e.g., Covid-19), you can start your application online. See UKCISA for details.

3. Attend a visa interview (if required)

• Some students may be asked to attend an interview.
• Check your email regularly, including the junk/spam folder.
• Your sponsor institution can give advice to help you prepare.

4. Response times

• Most students receive a decision within 3 weeks.
• Some centres offer a priority service for an extra fee (times are not guaranteed).
• Apply as early as possible, up to 6 months before your course starts.