Studying in the UK – Expert Legal Support from Lexify Solicitors
Every year, thousands of international students choose the UK for its world-renowned education system. If you’re planning to study in the UK, you may need a Student Visa (previously known as the Tier 4 Visa). At Lexify Solicitors, our specialist immigration solicitors provide clear, reliable legal support to help you secure your visa and start your academic journey with confidence.
Why Choose Lexify Solicitors for Your UK Student Visa?
Applying for a UK Student Visa can be complex. The process is governed by the points-based immigration system, which considers factors such as:
- Your offer from a licensed UK education provider
- The level and type of your course
- Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
- Accommodation arrangements
- Your post-study intentions
Any change in your circumstances—such as switching courses, institutions, or your financial situation—may impact your visa. Our team ensures you follow the correct legal procedures and avoid unnecessary delays or refusals.
Comprehensive Guidance Throughout Your Application
Our student visa lawyers have successfully supported numerous international students with their UK visa applications. We offer:
- A detailed assessment of your eligibility
- Step-by-step guidance on the application process
- Clear advice on documentation and financial requirements
- Full transparency on timescales and legal costs
- Ongoing support and updates throughout your case
We also advise on working while studying, extending your visa, or bringing family members to the UK under a Dependant Visa.
Start your UK education journey with confidence.
Contact Lexify Solicitors today for expert advice on your UK Student Visa application.
The UK offers a range of visa routes for international students depending on their age, course length, and type of study. At Lexify Solicitors, our experienced immigration lawyers provide tailored legal support to help you choose the right visa and navigate the application process with confidence.
Student Visa (General Route – Age 16 and Over)
If you are aged 16 or over and wish to study in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Student Visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General Student visa). To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
- ✔️Have a valid offer to study a course from a licensed student sponsor
- ✔️Demonstrate your English language proficiency (at CEFR level B2 for higher education)
- ✔️Show you have sufficient funds to pay for your course and support yourself during your stay (the required amount varies depending on whether you’re studying in or outside London)
If you’ve been in the UK for at least 12 months before applying, you may not need to provide financial evidence.
Successful applicants can enter the UK up to one month before their course starts, provided the course lasts longer than six months.
Child Student Visa (Ages 4–17)
Children aged 4 to 17 who wish to study at a UK independent school may be eligible for a Child Student Visa. A parent or guardian can apply on their behalf. To qualify:
- ✔️The child must hold an offer from a UK licensed independent school
- ✔️The parent or guardian must provide evidence of sufficient funds to pay for one academic year of tuition and support the child’s living expenses in the UK
Our team at Lexify Solicitors can assist with both the Child Student visa application and accompanying parental visa routes where needed.
Short-Term Study Visa (Up to 11 Months)
For those enrolled in short courses, such as English language programmes lasting up to 11 months, the Short-Term Study Visa may be the appropriate route. To apply, you must:
- ✔️Be accepted onto a course at an accredited UK institution
- ✔️Show proof of funds to cover your tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs for the duration of your stay
This visa does not allow work, nor can it be extended or switched to another visa type within the UK.
International students who have completed their studies in the UK may wish to remain to continue their education, gain work experience, or even launch a business. At Lexify Solicitors, we guide graduates through the available immigration routes and help secure their future in the UK.
Further Study on a Student Visa
If you wish to pursue additional studies, such as a postgraduate degree, you’ll need to:
- Obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)from a licensed student sponsor
- Meet the academic progressionrequirement, showing that the new course represents a genuine advancement in your education
Please note: the Student visa route is generally capped at 5 years for higher education studies (exceptions apply to certain subjects like medicine or architecture).
Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa)
The Graduate Route allows international students who have successfully completed an eligible UK degree at bachelor’s level or above to remain in the UK without sponsorship to live and work.
- Stay for 2 years after graduation
- PhD graduates can stay for 3 years
- No job offer required
- Work is permitted in most roles, including self-employment
This is a valuable opportunity to gain UK work experience and prepare for longer-term visa routes.
Skilled Worker Visa
Graduates who receive an offer of skilled employment from a UK-licensed sponsor may be eligible to switch to a Skilled Worker visa. To qualify, the role must meet:
- The required skill and salary threshold
- Sponsorship by a Home Office-approved employer
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
The Skilled Worker visa is a pathway to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years of continuous residence.
Innovator Founder Visa
Entrepreneurial graduates with a unique and scalable business idea may qualify for the Innovator Founder visa. To be eligible, your business concept must be:
- Innovative, viable, and scalable
- Endorsed by a Home Office-approved body
This visa allows you to remain in the UK for an initial period of 3 years, with the option to apply for further leave to remain or settlement after that period.
How Lexify Solicitors Can Help You
At Lexify Solicitors, our expert immigration solicitors offer clear, practical legal support for all types of UK Student Visa applications and post-graduation immigration options. Whether you’re applying for a Student Visa for the first time, switching from another visa category, or looking to remain in the UK after completing your studies, we provide strategic, end-to-end guidance tailored to your situation.
We begin by carefully assessing your eligibility and advising you on the most appropriate visa route. Our team can assist you in preparing a fully compliant application and will draft a detailed legal representation to demonstrate how you meet the requirements set by the Home Office. We also support clients wishing to switch into the Student Visa category from another UK immigration route or extend their stay through post-study options such as the Graduate Route, the Skilled Worker visa, or the Innovator Founder visa.
Our goal is to ensure that your application is strong, accurate, and professionally presented to give you the best chance of approval. From initial consultation to submission, we are here to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Student Study Visa
A key advantage is the Graduate Immigration Route, which allows international graduates to stay in the UK for:
- Up to 2 years after completing an undergraduate or master’s degree
- Up to 3 years after completing a PhD
This post-study work visa enables graduates to work, job hunt, or gain experience across a wide range of sectors without needing sponsorship. It’s a valuable opportunity to gain UK work experience and strengthen your CV.
For many, this route also serves as a pathway toward longer-term employment and potential sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa.
During term time, students can work up to 20 hours per week. During official vacation periods, students are allowed to work full-time, provided it does not breach visa restrictions.
However, there are limitations. You cannot:
- Work in self-employment or as a freelancer
- Set up or run a business
- Work as a professional sportsperson or coach
- Take a permanent full-time position while still studying
- Work in the entertainment industry (paid or unpaid), such as acting or music
- Work in a postgraduate doctor or dentist training position, unless enrolled in a recognised foundation programme
To qualify for this switch, you must:
- Have completed or be near completion of an eligible UK degree (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD)
- Hold a valid job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas
- Be offered a role that meets the required skill level and minimum salary threshold (currently £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, though this can vary based on job type)
- Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
Switching to a Skilled Worker visa allows you to remain in the UK and work in a full-time, skilled role, with a potential pathway to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
At Lexify Solicitors, we provide expert legal support to help students transition from study to skilled work seamlessly and in full compliance with immigration rules.
You may be eligible to bring dependants if:
- You are sponsored by your government and enrolled in a full-time course lasting longer than 6 months, or
- You are studying a postgraduate course of 9 months or more at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance, or
- You hold a visa under the Doctorate Extension Scheme (now part of the Graduate Route)
Note: Taught master’s degrees (RQF Level 7), including most MSc and MA programmes, no longer qualify unless they are research-intensive, which is rare.
Dependants must apply for their visas separately and must meet the financial maintenance requirements set by the Home Office. These include:
- £845/month (up to 9 months) if studying in London
- £680/month (up to 9 months) if studying outside London
- Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying
Once approved, dependants can live in the UK with you. In most cases, your partner may also be permitted to work, and children can attend school.
If you or your dependants were already in the UK before 01 January 2024, these new restrictions may not apply to you. You may still be eligible for visa extensions under the previous rules.
- Offer of Admission: You must have received a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor (i.e. an approved UK university or college).
- Financial Requirements: You must show that you have sufficient funds to pay for your tuition fees and living expenses. The amount depends on your location and course length.
- English Language Proficiency: You must prove your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English to a required level, usually through an approved English language test.
- Parental Consent (if under 18): If you are aged 16 or 17, you must provide written consent from a parent or guardian, including confirmation of your travel, living, and care arrangements in the UK.
For younger applicants (aged 16 or 17) intending to study at an independent school, the Child Student visa may be more appropriate.
At Lexify Solicitors, we help international students understand their visa conditions and avoid unintentional breaches. If you’re unsure about your right to work or need advice on staying in the UK after your studies, our expert immigration solicitors are here to assist.