How to Extend Your UK Student Visa in 2025 – Step-by-Step Guide

Extending your UK Student Visa in 2025 is not automatic or guaranteed. It requires a careful understanding of the UK’s updated immigration policies, especially after recent reforms affecting academic progression, financial proof, and application timelines. This guide walks you through the exact steps, requirements, and strategies you need to follow to successfully extend your visa and continue your studies without disruption.

Continuing the same course:
If you haven’t completed your current course and need more time—due to resits, module repeats, or a course interruption—you’re eligible to apply for an extension.

Starting a new course:
You can also extend your visa if you’re moving to a new course at a higher academic level (e.g., from a bachelor's to a master's), or in limited cases, a course at the same level provided it’s related or forms part of your academic progression.

Academic progression requirement:
You must show you’re progressing academically unless:

• You're repeating a year or module
• You’re transferring to a different institution to complete your course
• You had a change in course structure or delays due to extenuating circumstances

Timing constraints:
There must be no more than 28 days between the expiry of your current visa and the start of your new course. Also, you must be physically in the UK to apply for an extension.

1. A new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):
Your educational institution must issue a fresh CAS with a unique reference number. It confirms your enrolment, course details, and study duration.

2. Financial documents proving sufficient funds:
You need to show proof of:

• Tuition fees for the first year of the new course or remaining course period
• Living costs:
  • £1,334/month for up to 9 months (London)
  • £1,023/month for up to 9 months (outside London)

This money must be held in your or your parents' bank account for 28 consecutive days. The final transaction date must be no more than 31 days before your visa application date.

3. Passport and current visa:
You need a valid passport and your biometric residence permit (if issued).

4. Academic transcripts:
If you’re progressing to a new course, provide transcripts or a letter of progression from your current institution.

5. English language requirement:
You may need to show English proficiency unless your CAS confirms the requirement is met.

6. TB test certificate (if applicable):
If you're from a country where this is required and you've been outside the UK for more than 6 months, a TB test result might be necessary.

7. Parental consent (if under 18):
A signed letter and birth certificate are required if you are a minor.

Step 1: Gather your documents early
Start collecting your documents at least 1–2 months before your current visa expires. Ensure your CAS is up to date and check all financial documents meet UKVI rules.

Step 2: Complete the online application
Go to the official UK visa application portal and fill out the “Student visa extension” application. Select the “Extend your Student visa” option.

Step 3: Pay the application fees

• Visa application fee: £490
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £470 per year

These must be paid online at the time of application.

Step 4: Book and attend your biometric appointment
You will need to attend a UKVCAS centre to provide your fingerprints and photo unless eligible to use the ID Check app.

Step 5: Await a decision
Standard processing time is up to 8 weeks. You must not travel outside the UK while the application is pending.

1. Inadequate funds or financial evidence:
Failure to hold the required funds for the correct duration is a common reason for refusal.

2. Gaps in academic progression:
Switching to a lower-level course, or a new course without justification, often results in refusal.

3. Late application:
Applying after your visa expires (even by one day) can cause severe immigration consequences.

4. Errors in CAS or mismatched documents:
Minor inconsistencies between your CAS, application form, and bank documents may lead to delays or denials.

Double-check the CAS details:
Ensure all course dates, tuition fees, and sponsor license numbers are correct.

Plan your finances carefully:
Keep your maintenance funds untouched in your bank account for at least 28 days without falling below the required balance.

Maintain full-time study attendance:
Universities may withdraw sponsorship if you have a poor attendance record, jeopardizing your extension eligibility.

Don’t wait until the last minute:
Start your process as early as possible. If your visa expires before you apply, you become an overstayer.

Yes, but conditions apply. You may switch to another institution, but you must secure a new CAS and meet progression requirements. Be cautious: switching to a course that’s not academically higher can cause visa denial.

If you’re changing your sponsor (university or college), you must apply for a new visa before enrolling—even if your current visa hasn’t expired.

Digital immigration status (eVisa):
The UK is phasing out physical BRPs in 2025. You’ll likely receive a digital visa record instead, linked to your UKVI account. Ensure you register and update your contact details there.

Dependants and new rules:
From 2024 onwards, most students (unless in postgraduate research) can no longer bring dependants. If you previously had dependants, they must also apply under new visa rules.

Transition to Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work):
You may be eligible for a Graduate Visa after your extended course finishes. This allows you to stay in the UK and work for up to 18 months (or 2 years if you applied before the new change took effect).

Final Thoughts

Visa extensions are not just administrative routines—they’re legal decisions based on strict criteria. In 2025, the UK's tightening immigration landscape means students must approach extensions with thorough preparation, not casual optimism. Ensure academic continuity, maintain financial integrity, and align your timing precisely. With care and precision, you can extend your stay in the UK and continue to benefit from its world-class education system.