There are a number of conditions that must be met by those who are seeking to extend their leave in the UK to continue with studies. The requirements for a UK Student visa extension include:
- holding a valid UK student visa or a Prospective Student visa that is currently valid
- current enrollment on a full-time course
- for courses that have started, being able to show satisfactory attendance. If you have been enrolled on other courses previously, you need to show satisfactory attendance for those courses as well
- satisfactory progress on the course, including the passing exams
The extension will not be granted if the approval of the extension would allow you to spend a total of two years in the UK on short courses. Similarly, the student visa extension will not be granted if you are now at the end of an international scholarship or a government scholarship. You need to have written permission from your sponsor for further study in the UK, and this must include evidence of sufficient funding from your sponsor.
As with all immigration rules, there are always exceptions, depending on the category of Student Visa you wish to extend. For extensions in the other specific categories, please contact Mulberry Finch.
Intention to leave or to work full-time at the end of studies
Like those people entering the UK as visitors, those coming as students normally have to show that they intend to leave at the end of their proposed studies. However, in order to help address the skills shortage, the Home Office has made a certain concession to the rules where certain students no longer need to demonstrate an intention to leave. This is particularly the case for students who have been undertaking a course at a degree level or higher. Some of these students will go on to obtain employment in the UK and will be permitted to remain on a long-term basis and qualify for settlement.
Educational institutions
One of the factors taken into consideration during the assessment of a Student Visa application is whether the institution you are proposing to study at is in fact a genuine one that maintains satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance. These are first and foremost publicly funded institutions such as universities or other places of higher education, but may also include privately owned and funded schools. A bona fide institution is one which must be genuinely providing education and may include English language schools or secretarial colleges. They may also be institutions of further or higher education, but are not publicly funded. As these institutions are not publicly accountable through the Department for Education and Skills, and the academic standards vary, and Immigration Authorities have the right to check that they keep satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance.
Attendance at course
As a minimum, the student applying for a visa should be spending at least 15 hours a week in study. If the course they plan on studying is at a private institution, the student will normally need a letter from that institution confirming that they have been accepted on a particular full-time course. If the course is a higher level one at a public institution, it is sufficient that the institution designates the course as 'full-time'. Students from ALL other institutions will need a letter from that institution stating that they will spend at least 15 hours per week in organised week-day classes. Please keep in mind those evening classes that commence after 6 pm and weekend classes will not count towards the 15 hours.
The Home Office has also made exceptions for those wishing to study English courses in combination with other courses. Please contact Mulberry Finch if you require any further information.
Financing
One of the most common reasons for Student Visa applications being denied is that the student has not been able to show that they can meet the cost of the course, maintenance and accommodation without having to work or access public funds. Financing may be from funds you have saved up, or from a potential sponsor (such as a family member), a scholarship or bursary, and so on.
At Mulberry Finch we have perfected student visa applications, so that we prepare your case thoroughly and to the best of your advantage, addressing as many issues as possible that may potentially count against your application. We will assess each case individually, helping you to gather the most appropriate documentation that will help ensure a successful application.
You will need a letter from your institution that states the course costs that you need to pay, and whether the whole amount, or a deposit towards it, has been paid. In addition, you need to show that you have the means to meet the cost of your living expenses including accommodation and transport. A minimum amount which is set by the Immigration Authorities. This changes from time to time, so contact us for the latest figures quoted.
Working as a student
Although students may be permitted to do some form of paid employment, any earnings they may obtain will not be taken into consideration by the Home Office when considering whether to grant them a Student Visa. There are of course exceptions to this rule, particularly in cases where students have guaranteed part-time work at a publicly funded institution. If you think you fall into this category, please contact Mulberry Finch and we will help you.
The Home Office has issued a general approval for limited work to certain students. Generally those whose courses run for a minimum of 6 months may work 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during holidays.
