UK immigration Q&A: a guide for Chinese international students & parents

Studying in the UK is a life-changing experience, full of opportunities and adventure! But before packing your bags, it’s essential to navigate the UK immigration process smoothly. To help Chinese students and their parents understand the key aspects of UK immigration, we’ve compiled this essential Q&A guide.

1. What visa do Chinese students need to study in the UK?

Chinese students (16 years old or over) planning to study in the UK for more than six months must apply for a Student visa (formerly known as Tier 4 General Student visa).

2. What are the requirements for a UK Student visa?

To apply for a Student visa, students must:

• receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from an eligible UK university or educational institution;
• prove they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs;
• demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency, usually through IELTS or equivalent tests;
• provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if applicable;
• pay the visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the NHS.

3. How much money do students need for visa approval?

When applying to enter the UK, students must show they have access to sufficient funds that can cover:

• tuition fees for the first year of study as stated on their CAS and
• living costs- at least £1,483 per month (up to a maximum of 9 months) if studying in London, or £1,136 per month (up to a maximum of 9 months) if studying outside London.

4. Can parents accompany their child to the UK?

Parents may accompany their children on a Visit visa and must leave the UK after their visit.

However, if the student is under 12 years old and attending a fee-paying independent school, one parent may apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa to live in the UK.

5. Can students work while studying in the UK?

Yes, Student visa holders can usually work:

• up to 20 hours per week during term time;
• full-time during holidays (non-term time). However, additional restrictions on the type of work and the hours may apply depending on the type of course.

6. Can students bring dependants?

Postgraduate students on government-sponsored courses or PhD-level programmes can bring dependants (spouse/children). Recent changes to the immigration rules mean most undergraduate and taught master’s students cannot bring family members.

7. What are the post-study work options?

Students can apply for a Graduate visa, allowing them to stay in the UK for further:

• 2 years after a bachelor’s or master’s degree or
• 3 years after a PhD.

This visa permits full-time work or job searching without sponsorship.

8. What if a student wants to stay longer in the UK?

After the Graduate visa, students may switch to a Skilled Worker visa if they secure a job with an approved UK employer. Alternatively, they can pursue further studies or switch to different visa categories, such as the Global Talent visa, Innovator Founder visa, etc., subject to meeting the requirements of these visa categories.

9. How early can students apply for a visa?

Applications for a Student visa can be submitted as early as 6 months before the course start date and decisions typically take 3 weeks.

10. Any advice for a successful visa application?

• Apply early to avoid delays.
• Ensure supporting documents are accurate and complete.
• Maintain the required financial balance for at least 28 days before applying.

We hope this guide clarifies the UK immigration process for Chinese international students and their families.

Good luck with your UK study journey!

Updated: 18 February 2025

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, 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.

©Gherson 2025

View all news & Insights