Can I apply for my postgraduate visa in the UK?

Holders of student visas (including Tier 4 (General) student visas) who have recently completed their undergraduate studies in the UK and wish to study a postgraduate degree in the UK may be able to extend their visa from within the UK, rather than having to leave to submit a fresh entry clearance application from abroad.

They will need to satisfy the ‘academic progress requirement’ of in-country extension applications, which requires the new course to be of a higher academic level than the current course. In addition, applicants must have an unconditional offer of a place on a postgraduate course from a provider with a sponsorship licence. This is usually evidenced by having been provided with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies document (CAS) from the provider.

Students may apply three months before the start date of their new course, and should always apply prior to the expiry of their current leave. The new course must also begin within 28 days of the expiration of the applicant’s current visa. If a student fails to apply for a new visa before their current leave expires, they will need to leave the UK to make an out-of-country application for a new entry clearance visa.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson has extensive experience dealing with all types of visa applications, including study related visas, such as the Student visa, the Graduate visa and High Potential Individual visa. If you have any queries relating to the blogs published or are interested in talking to us about your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or, LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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