VISAS & IMMIGRATION
UK Student visa for London: offer, CAS, funds and timing
A London course decision must work academically, financially and legally. The visa starts with an eligible course offer from a licensed student sponsor.
- Decision points
- 7 useful sections
- Reading time
- 2 minutes
- Source checks
- 1 named checkpoint
- Last reviewed
- 12 SEPTEMBER 2026
Secure the academic route first
Confirm the institution, course, level, dates, fees and admissions conditions. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is part of the visa process; an informal offer or agent message is not a substitute.
Prepare the eligibility evidence
The route normally requires a licensed sponsor, enough money for course and living costs, and English. Evidence rules, holding periods and exemptions must be checked on GOV.UK for your circumstances.
Use the correct application window
Applications can normally be made earlier from outside the UK than from inside. Current permission, course start and switching rules affect timing; do not rely on a university marketing timeline alone.
Plan beyond graduation accurately
GOV.UK states that Graduate permission for non-doctoral applicants is two years for applications made on or before 31 December 2026 and 18 months from 1 January 2027. Doctoral graduates retain a three-year period. Verify this when planning.
Align the offer, CAS and application
A university offer is not the same as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. Check that the CAS details match the passport, course, level, dates, fees paid and study location before submitting. Resolve mistakes with the sponsor rather than explaining them informally in the form. Evidence rules vary by nationality and circumstances, but UKVI can still request documents that were not uploaded initially.
Budget beyond the tuition figure
Combine the required immigration evidence with a realistic London cash-flow plan for deposit, first rent, transport, food, course materials and the period before permitted work begins. Do not rely on the maximum work allowance as guaranteed income. Confirm whether funds must be held for a specified period and whose account can be used through the current official guidance, then keep the evidence stable until the application is decided.
Protect status during changes
Course deferral, withdrawal, early completion, a new provider or travel while an application is pending can affect the position. Contact the sponsor’s international-student team before acting and retain written advice. Keep digital immigration details current and use the official share-code route when proving status. For dependants, previous refusals or an unusual study history, obtain regulated advice rather than relying on another student’s experience.
