UK Student Visa Extension for Canadian Citizens
If you came from Canada to the UK to study, and are wishing to remain within the country to continue your studies or after you have finished studying, you may have a few options. This includes getting a Student Visa Extension.
If you would like more information call us on +1 844 290 6312 for assistance and support with what you should do and how to do it.
Contents Page
- What is a Student Visa Extension?
- Can I Apply for a Student Visa Extension?
- Do I Need to Prove My Academic Progress for a Student Visa Extension?
- When Should an Extension be Applied for?
- What is the Student Visa Extension Application Process?
- Can I Bring Family Members with me?
- Am I Able to Stay in the UK After My Studies Have Finished?
- How can Total Law help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Student Visa Extension?
If you are wishing to remain in the UK after travelling into the country from Canada for your studies, you have a few options available to you. If you want to continue studying, you may apply for a Student Visa extension to carry on with your current course, or to start a completely new one.
To do this you will need to meet certain requirements and eligibility criteria. The most important of these is to have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from the educational institution in which you want to continue your studies with.
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Can I Apply for a Student Visa Extension?
If you have travelled to the UK from Canada for studies, you could be able to extend your Student Visa beyond its original validity expiry date. You can apply for an extension to either continue with your current studies or start a new course within the UK.
There is an eligibility criteria for a Student Visa extension. This includes;
- Being in the UK on a Student Visa
- Having been given a Confirmation of Acceptance for
- Studies by your desired educational provider
- Being able to prove that your studies will be at a higher academic level than your current course
If you have been within the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you will need to prove that you have the financial stability to support yourself whilst in the UK.
Do I Need to Prove My Academic Progress for a Student Visa Extension?
If you are already in the UK from Canada as a student, you might need to demonstrate and prove that your new course or continued study will be one of the following;
- Be at a higher academic level than the course you are currently on
- Be at the same level, or at least related to, your previous course or your career aspirations (it will need to be at degree level or higher at a Higher Education Provided)
- Be intercalated to a dentistry, medical science or medicine course that you started studying under a Student Visa
However, in some circumstances this information and proof is not required.
When Should an Extension be Applied for?
The earliest time you can apply for a Student Visa extension is 3 months before your desired course is due to begin. However, you must also apply within 6 months of receiving your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
It is also necessary that you apply for the extension before your current visa’s validity period expires. If you try to remain in the UK after your valid visa expires, it is possible you will face disciplinary action and could be deported back to Canada.
You must not leave the UK to return to Canada or any other country whilst you are waiting for the decision on your extension.
What is the Student Visa Extension Application Process?
When applying for a Student Visa extension, it will be required that you submit necessary information and documents, many of which will be similar to that you submitted for your Student Visa.
The information usually includes your travel documents, your valid passports and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
Currently, the fee for a Student Visa extension stands at £475 (British Pounds). However, it will be necessary for you to pay the annual immigration health surcharge. As a result of being a student, you will be given a 20% discount on the surcharge- which puts your annual payment for the surcharge at £470.
Applying for a Student Visa extension is all done online. It usually takes around 8 weeks to receive a decision. This could take longer if some of your submitted information needs to be verified, or if you are called in for an interview.
Can I Bring Family Members with me?
Yes, you are allowed to bring family members that are dependents of you from Canada into the UK with you.
It is possible to apply to extend your dependents’ visa at the same time you apply for yours. You can also apply at a later date, but it must be before their current visa expires.
Their visa expiry dates should be the same date as yours if both your applications are successful.
Am I Able to Stay in the UK After My Studies Have Finished?
If you are wishing to remain in the UK after your studies, you should look into applying for a Graduate Visa.
The Graduate Visa enables graduates of degree level to have the opportunity to live, work or look for work in the UK for up to 2 years. If you have a PhD, it will allow you to do this for 3 years.
Call our lawyers here at Total Law for expert knowledge and for help in your application for a Graduate Visa.
How can Total Law help?
The ability to get an extension on your Student visa is a valuable route for many international students in the UK.
If you’re a Canadian student wishing to apply for an extension on your UK Student visa, Total Law can help.
We offer complete and comprehensive immigration advice for Canadian nationals and other nationals around the world. We have the knowledge and expertise you need in order to successfully apply for your visas, visa extensions and anything else you may require.
For more information, reach out to us on +1 844 290 6312 or contact us online.
Advice Package
Get clear, expert advice on your visa options, eligibility and application before you commit to applying.
Application Package
Let our immigration lawyers prepare, check and manage your application so you can apply with confidence.
Fast Track Package
Need to apply quickly? Get priority handling by our immigration lawyers from preparation to submission.
Appeal Package
Been refused or received an unfavourable decision? Get expert legal help to challenge it or determine your next step.
The Advice Package
During this Advice Session, an immigration lawyer will assess your circumstances, explain your options and tell you what you need to do to make a strong application.
We review your circumstances, explain the relevant requirements, identify potential problems or refusal risks, and advise you on the evidence and next steps.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will assess your case, prepare your application, check your supporting documents and submit your forms on your behalf.
We check your application for missing information, inconsistencies and potential issues before submission, helping you avoid common mistakes that could affect your case.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package gives your case priority with our immigration lawyers, helping you get your application prepared, checked and submitted as quickly as possible.
Your case receives priority handling, including accelerated document reviews, application preparation, communication with your caseworker and submission support.
The Appeal Package
Our immigration lawyers will review the decision, explain why it was refused and advise on the strongest option available to you, including an appeal, review or fresh application where appropriate.
We will examine the reasons for refusal, identify weaknesses or errors, assess your available options and provide the legal support and representation your case requires.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are certain circumstances in which you will not need to show the evidence of your academic progress. In particular, you will not need to do this if any of the following are true;
- You are repeating modules or resitting exams
- You are applying for the first time to complete a course of study at a new institution which was actually started at a different institution which has lost its student sponsorship license
- You are applying after working as a student union sabbatical officer to complete a course of study which you started under your last Student Visa
- You are continuing a dentistry, medical or medical science degree after you have finished an intercalated course
- You wish to extend your stay within the UK from Canada to complete studies because you have, or want to, take part in a work placement or study abroad programme
You cannot;
- Claim any benefits
- Be self-employed
- Work in particular jobs, such as being a professional sportsperson or sports coach
- Study at an academy or a local authority funded school
Yes, it is possible to work in the UK as a student, but there are some restrictions.
You are only allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week so that your employment does not interfere with your studies. Furthermore, if you finish your studies, you cannot carry on working in your job.
