This complete guide explains what to do after getting a UK Student Visa, step by step, including arrival procedures, accommodation setup, NHS registration, police registration (if required), and important legal responsibilities for international students.
Whether you are arriving for the first time or switching visas inside the UK, this article will help you stay compliant with UK immigration rules and settle in confidently.
What to Do After Getting a UK Student Visa
First of all Congratulations on receiving your UK Student Visa 🎓🇬🇧! While getting your visa approved is a major milestone, the next steps are just as important to ensure a smooth and successful start to your studies in the UK. From booking your travel and collecting your BRP or eVisa, to registering with your university, opening a UK bank account, and understanding work rules, there are several essential tasks you must complete after your visa is granted. Let’s explore what to Do After Getting a UK Student Visa.
What Is a UK Student Visa?
The UK Student Visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General Student Visa) is an immigration permission that allows international students to study full-time courses in the United Kingdom for durations longer than six months. This visa category is designed for students aged 16 and above who have been offered a place at a UK educational institution with a valid Student Sponsor License.
Can You Work on a UK Student Visa?
Many students work part-time to support themselves and gain experience.
Work Hour Restrictions
| Study Level | Term Time | Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Level or Above (RQF 6+) | 20 hours/week maximum | Unlimited (full-time) |
| Below Degree Level (RQF 3-5) | 10 hours/week maximum | Unlimited (full-time) |
UK Government Work Guidance: www.gov.uk/student-visa/work-and-volunteering
Types of Work Allowed
✓ Permitted:
- Retail and hospitality jobs
- Office and admin roles
- Campus jobs (library, student union)
- Internships related to course
- Freelance work (within hour limits)
- Work placements (up to 50% of course)
✗ Prohibited:
- Professional sportsperson/coach
- Entertainer (performer, musician)
- Doctor/dentist in training (unless part of course)
- Self-employment or own business
- Permanent full-time professional work
National Insurance Number
Required for: Working legally in UK
How to Apply:
- Visit: www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
- Free application
- Takes 2-4 weeks
- Can start work before receiving (with proof of application)
Earnings and Tax
Personal Allowance 2025/26: £12,570 tax-free annually
| Weekly Earnings | National Insurance | Income Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Under £242 | £0 | 0% (if under £12,570/year) |
| £242-967 | 8% | 20% (on amount over personal allowance) |
| Over £967 | 2% on excess | 20% (on amount over personal allowance) |
National Minimum Wage (April 2025):
| Age | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| 21+ | £12.21 |
| 18-20 | £10.00 |
| Under 18 | £7.55 |
Finding Student Jobs
Popular Resources:
- University career services
- StudentJob UK, Indeed, Reed
- Campus notice boards
- Retail chains (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S)
Typical Student Wages:
- Retail assistant: £10-12/hour
- Restaurant server: £10-13/hour + tips
- Campus jobs: £11-13/hour
- Tutoring: £15-30/hour
- Admin assistant: £11-14/hour
Important Work Reminders
⚠️ Academic Performance First:
- Studies are your primary activity
- Excessive work affecting grades risks visa status
- Universities report non-attendance to UKVI
- Poor progress affects visa extensions
⚠️ Track Your Hours:
- Keep accurate work records
- Don’t exceed 20-hour limit (term time)
- Breaching conditions = visa cancellation + deportation
- Affects future UK visa applications
After You Get Your UK Student Visa
You must understand your student VISA approval and below is the quick checklist to ensure you got right and aligned to come to UK.
Understanding Your Visa Approval
Visa Vignette (If Applicable):
Check immediately:
- ✓ Name (exactly as passport)
- ✓ Date of birth and nationality
- ✓ Visa type: “Student”
- ✓ Validity dates (30-90 days for entry)
- ✓ Work permission statement
- ✓ Number of entries
Report any errors immediately before traveling.
Visa Duration:
| Course Length | Pre-Course Period | Post-Course Period | Total Extra Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12+ months | 1 month before | 4 months after | 5 months extra |
| Under 12 months | 1 month before | 2 months after | 3 months extra |
Setting Up Your eVisa (Mandatory)
Official eVisa Portal: www.gov.uk/evisa
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Create UKVI account | Register with email and password |
| 2 | Verify email | Click confirmation link sent to inbox |
| 3 | Link passport | Add passport details to account |
| 4 | Access eVisa | View immigration status online |
| 5 | Generate share code | Share status with employers/landlords |
eVisa Benefits:
- ✓ No physical card to lose/damage
- ✓ 24/7 online access
- ✓ Easy digital sharing
- ✓ Instant updates
- ✓ More secure
UK Government eVisa Guide: www.gov.uk/guidance/evisa-explained
Essential Tasks After Arrival in UK
| Priority | Task | Timeline | Where/How |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | University Registration | Within first week | International student office |
| High | Access eVisa | Immediately | www.gov.uk/evisa |
| High | Police Registration (if required) | Within 7 days | Local police station |
| Medium | Open UK Bank Account | Within 2-4 weeks | High street banks |
| Medium | Register with GP | Within first month | www.nhs.uk/service-search |
| Low | Apply for NI Number | When starting work | www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number |
Police Registration Requirements
Who Must Register:
Nationals from: Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, UAE, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen
Registration Details:
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Within 7 days of UK arrival |
| Cost | £34 |
| Required Documents | Passport, eVisa, proof of address, 2 photos |
| Where | Designated police station (check locally) |
| Certificate | Keep safe—needed for visa extensions |
UK Government Police Registration: www.gov.uk/register-with-the-police
Opening UK Bank Account
Why You Need One:
- Receive salary from part-time work
- Pay rent and bills
- Avoid international transaction fees
- Required for many services
Required Documents:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Identity verification |
| eVisa confirmation | Proof of right to stay |
| University enrollment letter | Proof of student status |
| UK address proof | Accommodation letter/tenancy |
Popular Student Banks:
| Bank | Features |
|---|---|
| Barclays | Student overdraft, mobile banking |
| HSBC | International student accounts, global presence |
| Lloyds | Student benefits, good branch network |
| Santander | Free 4-year railcard, cashback |
| NatWest | Student account with rewards |
UK Government Banking Guide: www.moneyhelper.org.uk
Register with GP (Doctor)
Why Register:
- Access NHS healthcare (you’ve paid IHS)
- Get prescriptions
- Medical certificates
- Mental health support
How to Register:
- Find GP: www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp
- Visit practice or apply online
- Complete GMS1 registration form
- Provide passport, eVisa, address proof
- Registration processed 1-3 days
Cost: Free Time: No appointment needed for registration
Visa Compliance Requirements
To Maintain Valid Status:
| Requirement | Description | Consequence of Breach |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance | Minimum 80% class attendance | Visa cancellation |
| Progress | Expected academic achievement | Visa extension refusal |
| Work Hours | Max 20 hrs/week in term | Deportation, future visa bans |
| Address Updates | Report within 7 days of moving | Fine, compliance issues |
| Course Changes | Report any significant changes | Visa invalidation |
UK Government Student Duties: www.gov.uk/student-visa/your-course
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Apply Without IELTS?
Yes, if you meet English requirement through:
| Alternative | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Degree in English | Completed degree taught entirely in English (from English-speaking country) |
| Nationality Exemption | National of UK, USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, Ireland |
| Other Approved Tests | PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, LanguageCert, Trinity ISE |
| Below Degree + Under 18 | Different requirements may apply |
However: Most universities still require IELTS for admission even if visa accepts alternatives.
UK Gov English Requirements: www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english
2. How Much Bank Balance Required? (Updated 2025)
Updated from 11 November 2025:
| Location | Monthly Amount | 9 Months | Plus Tuition | Example Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529 | £13,761 | + £18,000 fees | £31,761 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £10,539 | + £15,000 fees | £25,539 |
Critical Rules:
- ✓ Funds held 28 consecutive days
- ✓ 28th day within 31 days of application
- ✓ Cannot drop below even once
- ✓ Official bank statements required
UK Gov Financial Requirements: www.gov.uk/student-visa/money
3. Can I Bring Dependants?
Highly Restricted Since January 2024:
| Eligible | Not Eligible |
|---|---|
| PhD students (9+ months) | Undergraduate students |
| Research postgraduates (RQF 8, 9+ months) | Taught Master’s students |
| Government-sponsored students (6+ months) | Foundation/diploma courses |
Costs Per Dependant:
| Dependant Type | Visa Fee | IHS (per year) | Additional Funds Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner | £524 | £776 | £845/month (£7,605 for 9 months) |
| First Child | £524 | £776 | £680/month (£6,120 for 9 months) |
| Additional Child | £524 | £776 | £565/month (£5,085 for 9 months) |
Example: PhD student with spouse and one child for 3 years:
- Visa fees: £1,572 (3 × £524)
- IHS: £6,984 (3 × £2,328)
- Total: £8,556 + increased financial evidence
UK Gov Dependants: www.gov.uk/student-visa/family-members
4. Can I Extend My Visa?
Yes, from within the UK if:
| Scenario | Eligible? | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Continue same course | ✓ Yes | New CAS, meet requirements |
| Switch to higher level course | ✓ Yes | Bachelor’s → Master’s → PhD |
| Complete further course | ✓ Yes | Must be logical progression |
| Switch to same level | ✓ Maybe | Depends on circumstances |
| Switch to lower level | ✗ No | Except regulated professions |
Extension Process:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Apply Before | Current visa expires |
| New CAS | From licensed sponsor |
| Apply Online | www.gov.uk/student-visa |
| Cost | £524 + new IHS |
| Processing | 8 weeks |
| Stay | Can remain during processing |
Time Limits:
- Maximum 5 years at degree level or below
- Maximum 8 years for longer courses (medicine, architecture)
- No limit for PhD and postgraduate research
UK Gov Extending: www.gov.uk/student-visa/extend-your-visa
5. Student Visa vs Graduate Visa?
Updated Rules from 1 January 2027:
| Feature | Student Visa | Graduate Visa (2027+) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Study course | Work/job search post-graduation |
| Work Hours | 20/week in term | Unlimited |
| Work Type | Any (within hours) | Any level/sector, no sponsor |
| Duration | Course length | 18 months (Bachelor’s/Master’s)<br>3 years (PhD) |
| Sponsor Needed | Yes (university) | No |
| Can Extend | Yes (for study) | No (but can switch to Skilled Worker) |
| Dependants | Limited | Yes (can bring/switch) |
| Application Fee | £524 | £822 |
| IHS | £776/year | £1,164 (18 months) or £2,328 (3 years) |
Graduate Visa Eligibility:
- Completed eligible UK degree (Bachelor’s+)
- Studied while on Student Visa
- Apply before Student Visa expires
- Must be in UK when applying
UK Gov Graduate Visa: www.gov.uk/graduate-visa
6. What If My Visa Is Refused?
Your Options:
| Option | When to Use | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Review | Caseworker error | £80 | Within 14 days |
| Fresh Application | Correctable issues | £524 + IHS | Anytime |
| Appeal | Limited circumstances | Varies | Check refusal letter |
| Legal Advice | Complex cases | Consultation fees | Immediately |
Common Refusal Fixes:
| Refusal Reason | How to Fix |
|---|---|
| Insufficient funds | Ensure 28-day rule met, official statements |
| Wrong documents | Use proper bank letterhead statements |
| CAS errors | Get corrected CAS from university |
| Missing documents | Include all required docs in checklist |
| Unclear intent | Detailed study plan and career goals |
Important:
- One refusal doesn’t prohibit future applications
- Be honest about refusals in future applications
- Address all issues mentioned in refusal letter
UK Gov Review/Appeal: www.gov.uk/ask-for-a-visa-administrative-review
7. How Long Does My Visa Last?
Visa Duration:
| Course Length | Pre-Course | Post-Course | Total Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12+ months | 1 month | 4 months | 5 months |
| Under 12 months | 1 month | 2 months | 3 months |
Examples:
| Course Type | Course Dates | Visa Validity | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-year Bachelor’s | Sept 2025 – June 2028 | Aug 2025 – Oct 2028 | 3 years 2 months |
| 1-year Master’s | Sept 2025 – Sept 2026 | Aug 2025 – Jan 2027 | 1 year 5 months |
| 6-month Pre-sessional | May – Nov 2025 | Apr 2025 – Jan 2026 | 9 months |
Check exact dates in your eVisa or visa vignette.
8. Can I Switch to Another Visa?
Common Switches:
| Switch To | Possible From Student Visa? | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Visa | ✓ Yes | Complete eligible degree, apply before expiry |
| Skilled Worker | ✓ Yes | Job offer from licensed sponsor |
| Family Visa | ✓ Yes | Meet relationship requirements |
| Start-up/Innovator | ✓ Yes | Business plan, endorsement |
| Global Talent | ✓ Yes | Exceptional talent/promise |
| Visitor Visa | ✗ No | Must leave UK first |
UK Gov Switching: www.gov.uk/switch-visa
Final Thoughts: Your UK Study Journey
Applying for a UK Student Visa in 2025 requires careful preparation, but with this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped for success.
Key Success Factors:
| Factor | Action |
|---|---|
| Financial Planning | Maintain required funds 28+ days before applying |
| Documentation | High-quality scans, complete checklist, certified translations |
| Timing | Apply 2-3 months before course starts |
| Accuracy | Verify CAS details, complete all sections thoroughly |
| Honesty | Declare all previous refusals and issues |
| eVisa Setup | Create UKVI account, link passport, access online |
Updated 2025 Changes to Remember:
| Change | Effective Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fee increase | April 2025 | Now £524 (was £490) |
| Financial requirements increase | 11 November 2025 | London: £1,529/month<br>Outside: £1,171/month |
| BRP discontinued | 31 December 2024 | Digital eVisa mandatory |
| Graduate Visa reduction | 1 January 2027 | 18 months (was 2 years) |
Essential Official Resources:
| Resource | Link | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa Main Page | www.gov.uk/student-visa | Complete information |
| Apply Online | www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply-online | Start application |
| Financial Requirements | www.gov.uk/student-visa/money | Funding evidence |
| English Requirements | www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english | Language tests |
| eVisa Guide | www.gov.uk/evisa | Digital status access |
| Track Application | www.gov.uk/track-visa-application | Status updates |
| VAC Locations | www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre | Biometrics centers |
| IHS Calculator | www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application | Health surcharge |
| TB Testing | www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa | Countries requiring test |
| ATAS Certificate | www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme | Sensitive subjects |
| Immigration Rules | www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules | Full regulations |
| UKCISA | www.ukcisa.org.uk | Independent student advice |
Your Next Steps:
- Receive CAS from your UK university
- Prepare finances – Ensure 28-day requirement met
- Gather documents – Use checklist, scan high quality
- Apply online – www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply-online
- Pay fees – Visa fee (£524) + IHS
- Attend biometrics – Book early, bring required documents
- Track application – Monitor status online
- Set up eVisa – Create UKVI account, link passport
- Prepare for UK – Accommodation, travel, registration
- Arrive and thrive – Register with university, comply with visa conditions
The UK offers incredible opportunities for international students—world-renowned education, diverse experiences, and excellent post-study prospects. With proper preparation following this guide, you’re well-positioned for visa approval and success in your UK academic journey.
Best of luck with your application and welcome to your future in UK education!
Document Version & Updates
Article Updated: January 2026
Reflects: Latest 2025 immigration rule changes
Fee Information: As of April 2025
Financial Requirements: As of November 2025
Disclaimer: Visa requirements, fees, and processing times are subject to change. Always verify the most current information on the official UK government website (www.gov.uk/student-visa) before applying. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For complex cases or specific situations, consult a qualified immigration advisor.
Need Help?
- University Support: Contact your institution’s international student office
- UKCISA: Independent UK student advice – www.ukcisa.org.uk
- UKVI Contact: Through official gov.uk channels
- Immigration Advisors: Find OISC-registered advisors at www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser
