'If you don’t want your UK study experience to end, you may need to extend your visa. You’ll need to pass the points-based assessment to do this.'
Are you in the UK as a student on a Tier 4 (General) visa? And do you want to extend your stay in this category so that you can continue your studies here?
Or maybe you are in the UK under a different immigration category, and you want to stay on as an adult student on a Tier 4 (General) visa?
Depending on your current immigration category, you may or may not be able to 'switch' into Tier 4 (General). This page explains where to find out if you are eligible to apply for permission to remain in the UK under Tier 4 (General) of the points-based system, and how to apply.
Can you apply?
First, you should read the UK Border Agency's Can you apply? pages. You'll see that as a Tier 4 (General) student, you must have 40 points in the UKBA assessment before you can make an application.
You can score:
- 30 points for having a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies, which you get for studying a course at an acceptable level with an approved education provider (also known as a Tier 4 sponsor), and for having acceptable English language skills
- 10 points for having enough money (also known as maintenance or funds) to cover your course fees and living costs.
If you can show that you have 40 points, download the application form, help text and policy guidance from UKBA's page on Applying inside the UK.
Don't worry if some sections of the application form are not relevant to you - only complete the sections that are relevant. You can refer to the help text for guidance on how to complete each section.
When and where to apply
UKBA's When to apply page explains when you should submit your application to us, and Where to apply explains how to submit your application by post, by courier or in person.
Biometric information
As part of your application, you will need to enrol your fingerprints and facial photograph (known as 'biometric information') in order to obtain a biometric residence permit. UKBA's biometric information page explains how to do this.
Coming to the UK from Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
If you are currently in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, there are special application requirements.
