Correct Lengths of Visa
It is important for you to check that your visa has been issued for the correct length of time. When considering your application for entry clearance (a visa) the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in your country should comply with the following guidance for student visas:
| Type / Length of Course | Period granted before course start date on the CAS | Length of stay allowed |
| 12 months or more | 1 Month | The full length of the course +1 month before and 4 months after the end of your course |
| 6 months or more but less than 12 months | 1 Month | The full length of the course +1 month before and 2 months after the end of your course |
| Pre-sessional course of less than 6 months | 1 Month | The full length of the course + 1 month before and 1 month after the end of your course |
| Course of less than 6 months (not a pre-sessional course) | 7 Days | The full length of the course + 7 days before and 7 days after the end of your course |
| Postgraduate doctor or dentist | 1 Month | The full length of the course + 1 month before and 1 month after the end of your course |
Dependants of students should be granted the same period as the student.
Please note that if you have financial sponsorship, and your financial sponsor limits the time you may study in the UK, your visa will be issued for the same length of time (which is stated on the sponsor letter) plus the usual post-course period allowed.
It is important that you make sure that you have the right length of visa. You will get a travel visa for 30 days and a letter confirming the full-length of your visa. Your full length visa will be available for you to collect in the UK, at the address stated on the letter.
If you find out that you have not been issued with the correct length of visa after arrival in the UK then there is a scheme in place, called the Entry Clearance Correction Scheme, whereby we can get mistakes rectified. To find out more, or to benefit from this scheme, then please come to one of our drop in sessions in H102 and bring your passport.
If you have any questions about the length of time for which your visa has been issued please contact us.