How to apply for a student visa from inside the UK
Check if you are eligible to submit a Student visa application from inside the UK and then follow the steps below. International Student Advice will help you to prepare and submit your application but it is important that you contact us early for advice and guidance.
Eligibility
You can apply for a visa in the UK if you meet all of the following criteria:
- Current valid Student visa (and your new programme must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring).
- In the UK or plan to travel to the UK before your visa expires.
- Have not had your current visa cancelled or curtailed.
- Successfully completed the course that your current visa was for (or have confirmation from your previous institution that you are 'highly likely to complete' that course OR are extending your visa to complete a PhD, undertake re-sits or a repeat year, add a year of study abroad or industrial experience, or upgrade on an integrated programme).
You can also apply to switch to a Student visa in the UK if your current visa is not listed as prohibited from switching by UKVI.
You cannot switch to a Student visa from within the UK if you have entered on a Visitor visa. This includes non-visa nationals who are able to enter the UK without applying for a Visitor visa in advance. We recommend that you seek advice from us if you are switching from another visa category.
Studying while your application is processed
This depends on your situation:
- Current visa is valid for a different institution: You must submit your visa application before you register on your University of Exeter course.
- Current visa is for a University of Exeter course which you have completed: You can register on your new University of Exeter course, but you must submit your visa application before your current visa expires or within 6 weeks of your new course start date (whichever date is earliest).
- Continuing on your current programme in one of the situations mentioned above: You can continue with your studies while your visa application is processed.
- Current visa is a Graduate visa: you must apply for and be granted a new Student visa before you can register on your University of Exeter course.
How to apply
- Attend a webinar or watch a recording of a previous session.
- Prepare your application form. Most students will complete identity checks using the UK Immigration: ID Check app at the start of the application form. If you are unable to use the app, you will be directed to a different form. Follow our step by step instructions in the guide here.
- Book an appointment with International Student Advice to use our free visa application service. During your appointment:
- We will check your application form and supporting documents.
- You will pay and submit your visa application online.
- We will help to upload scans of required documents.
If you submit your own application, follow the instructions listed on the online application form and contact us if you have any questions. - Submit and pay for your application. UK Visas & Immigration will send you multiple confirmation emails including payment receipts. You do not need to do anything with these emails, but keep them for your reference.
IMPORTANT: Do not book international travel until you have your new visa as we cannot guarantee UKVI processing times. - If you didn't use the UK Immigration ID Check app at the start of your application, you will need to book a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre. Some students will need to book a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre. A full list of locations is available on: TLScontact.
- Once your application is complete, UK Visas and Immigration will send you a decision email. This will give you instructions on how to view and use your eVisa.
Remember to send a share code to immigrationcompliance@exeter.ac.uk to keep your student record up to date.
In the unlikely event your application is unsuccessful, contact us immediately for advice.
Extending inside the UK
For applications made from inside the UK (Leave to Remain), you can follow our guide to answer key questions.
Visa webinars
We host live webinar events throughout the summer to help you prepare and submit a successful Student visa application from outside the UK. Join us here!