How do I sponsor a migrant?
How long can a tier 4 migrant stay in the United Kingdom?
This page explains how long a migrant can stay in the United Kingdom as a tier 4 student.
General students
The maximum length of time that an general student (also referred to as an adult student) can stay in the United Kingdom depends on the type and length of the course they are taking. If the student asks for less time than the maximum when they apply for their student visa, they will be granted the amount of time they have asked for.
| Course type/level | Course length | Maximum length of time that the student can stay |
|---|---|---|
| Degree-level or above |
12 months or more |
The length of the course, plus four months after the end of the course |
| Six months or more but less than 12 months | The full length of the course, plus two months after the end of the course | |
| Pre-sessional (with only a conditional offer to go on to do a degree course) | Less than six months | The full length of the course, plus one month after the end of the course |
| Short course (non pre-sessional) | Less than six months | The full length of the course, plus seven days after the end of the course |
| Recognised Foundation Programme for postgraduate doctors and dentists | Full length of the course up to a maximum of three years, plus one month following the end of the course. | |
| Below degree-level | 12 months or more | The full length of the course up to a maximum of three years, plus four months after the end of the course |
| Six months or more but less than 12 months | The full length of the course, plus two months after the end of the course |
A migrant studying for a course below degree level can only study at that level for a maximum of three years.
If a migrant is receiving official financial sponsorship, and their financial sponsor places a limit on the time that they may stay in the United Kingdom, we will limit their permission to study here in line with the financial sponsor's requirements.
Child students
The maximum length of time that a child student can stay in the United Kingdom depends on their age and the type and length of the course they are taking. If the student asks for less time than the maximum when they apply for their student visa, they will be granted the amount of time they have asked for.
| Child's age at the date of application | Maximum length of time that the child can stay |
|---|---|
| Under 16 years |
The length of the course, up to a maximum of six years, plus four months. If the programme of education lasts more than six years, the migrant will need to apply again before their permission to stay runs out. |
| 16 or 17 years |
The length of the course that the migrant is following, up to a maximum of two years, plus four months. If the migrant turns 18 and their permission to study in the United Kingdom as a child student has not expired, they may continue with their course until that permission does expire. If the applicant has turned 18 and wants to extend their permission to study in the United Kingdom, they must apply as a general student. They will have to fulfil all the criteria for this route. We will use the date of application to determine their age. |
If a migrant is receiving official financial sponsorship, and their financial sponsor places a limit on the time that they may stay in the United Kingdom, we will limit their permission to study here in line with the financial sponsor's requirements.
Extending permission to stay
A migrant can extend their permission to stay in the United Kingdom as a Tier 4 student for as long as they have a valid visa letter, up to the maximum period allowed for their age or type of course (see above).
A confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) can be issued up to six months before the migrant's current permission to stay expires. However, migrants who are already in the United Kingdom can only apply to extend their permission if there is less than one month between their current expiry date and the date when their proposed new course of study will start. If the migrant is already in the United Kingdom and their existing permission expires more than one month before the start date of their proposed course of study, they will be expected to return overseas and make an out-of country application (which until February 2010 will need to be supported by a visa letter, not a CAS).
Please note that all extension applications made on or after 5 October 2009 will restrict the student to studying only with the sponsor named on their visa letter or CAS. This includes studies at any partner institution named on the visa letter or CAS.
There are special requirements covering extension applications where the migrant is switching to a different sponsor.