Immigration & Family Visas (Including Spouse Visas) Lawyers London & Cambridge

Student Visas

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Visitor Visas

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Family Visas

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How do you qualify for a student visa?

In order to apply for a student visa, the following requirements must be met:

At least 16 years old (students under 18 will need evidence of parental consent).

You have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.

You have sufficient money to pay for your course and to support yourself without needing to claim benefits. If you have already been in the UK for 12 months on another visa, you do not need to prove you have this money.

You can speak, read and understand English.

Conditions of a student visa

A student visa allows those studying for a degree to stay in the UK for up to five years. For those studying below degree level, the time frame is a maximum of two years. You can both study and work as a student union sabbatical officer with this visa. It may be permissible to do some work depending on the course you are studying and whether the work is during term time or holidays. For more details on how to apply, speak with one of our student visa lawyers today.

There is a high refusal rate for visitor visas and so you must make sure you meet all the requirements:

Proof that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.

That you can support yourself (and any dependents) during the visit.

That you can pay for your return journey home.

Proof of any business or other activities that you are intending to do in the UK.

All applications require evidence of a passport and travel documents. You may also need to provide information such as your travel history, details of your employer and any family members in the UK.
For those wanting the visa for study, as an academic, for private medical treatment or as an organ donor, there are separate requirements that will also need to be proved before the visa is granted.

How long can I stay?

If you have been granted with a visitor visa, you can stay in the UK for up to six months with most applications. For private medical treatment, this is extended to 11 months and, if you meet the necessary requirements, 12 months as an academic.
To find out if you can apply for a visitor visa, contact our friendly immigration team now.

Spouse/Civil Partnership Visa

The spouse or civil partner of a British national or someone that is settled in the UK with indefinite leave to remain can apply for a spouse or civil partnership visa. To be eligible for the visa, there are various conditions that must be met, including:

Both parties are over 18 years old.

They have been married or in a civil partnership for at least two years.

The couple intends to live together permanently.

The couple can prove the relationship is genuine and subsisting.

Evidence both parties can financially support themselves and any dependents.

The spouse applying for the visa satisfies the English language requirements.

Can we apply if we intend to marry soon?

Unmarried couples that have lived together for at least two years and fiancées/fiancés that intend to marry within six months of entry into the UK can also apply for this type of visa so long as they provide the necessary proof of their cohabitation or upcoming marriage.

How long does the visa last?

The initial visa will be granted for 33 months and can be extended by another 30 months. After five years the applicant can apply for indefinite leave to remain.