Study visas
Important information on visas required for study in the UK
There are two main immigration permission routes to study in the UK. They are the new Student route visa and the Visitor visa route for short-term study (less than six months).
Which immigration route you require depends on a number of factors, including the length of your studies. The different immigration routes have different conditions attached. It is very important that you obtain the right permission for your study in the UK.
The Student route visa came in on 5 October 2020 replacing the Tier 4 visa route. If you are coming to study a course of six months or more you will need to apply for the Student route visa. In this section, you will find the information you will need to apply for this visa.
The new Visitor route, which came into effect on 1 December 2020, is the most appropriate route for those coming to the UK to study for a course of six months or less, for example, our Study Abroad students.
The Visitor route will replace the Short-term study visa route in the majority of cases. Short-term study visas from 1 December 2020 will only be applicable to students coming to study an English language programme for a duration of 6-11 months.
Faq Items
Applying for a Student route visa inside of the UK
This information sheet provides advice on applying for the Student Route visa inside of the UK. You will find all the information you need if you are eligible to apply for your visa in the UK, how and where to make your application and what documents you will need to provide, along with lots of other useful information.
Information for applying for a Student route visa inside the UK
Applying for a Student route visa outside of the UK
This information sheet gives advice on how to make an application to the Student Route visa outside of the UK. You will all the information you will need to apply; such as when, where and how to apply for your visa and information on what documents you will to provide to support your application, as well as lots of other useful information.
Information for applying for a Student route visa outside the UK
Guide to Completing the Student Visa application form from inside the UK
The International Student Advice Team have put together a step by step guide to completing the online visa application inside the UK. The guide explains how to answer every question that could appear on the online form.
Guide to completing the Student Visa application form outside of the UK
The International Student Advice Team have put together a step by step guide to completing the online visa application outside the UK. The guide explains how to answer every question that could appear on the online form.
Police Registration suspended
The Police Registration scheme, which requires some migrants to register with the police, is suspended with immediate effect.
From 1 August 2022, no-one is required to register under the scheme or update their local police force about changes, even if their immigration documentation says they must.
This change applies to students who have already registered with the Police and who have a condition to register with the police listed as part of their leave to enter or remain in the UK. Students will also no longer be required to communicate any updated personal details to the police.
For any questions about this please contact the International Student Advice Team on internationaladvice@ljmu.ac.uk.
Visitor visa guide for courses of six months or less
On 1st December 2020 the Visit Visa route replaced the Short-term student route for students coming to study in the UK for courses of 6 months or less.
The International Student Advice Team has produced an Information Sheet with answers to FAQs about studying at LJMU on a Visit visa.
Visit Visas for Coming to the UK for a visit
The International Student Advice Team have produced an Information sheet for students and their family to come to the UK for a visit, for example to attend your Graduation Ceremony.
Please see our Information sheet on coming to the UK for a visit.
Changes to Your Course of Study and Visa Implications
Student and Tier 4 visas are sponsored visas and issued for you to study on the course as stated on your CAS. The visa conditions and length of validity are based on the information about your course of study as stated on your CAS.
In most circumstances, changes to your study circumstances may have an impact on your visa/ immigration status in the UK.
The International Student Team have produced an information sheet with advice and points to consider if you are thinking of making any changes to your studies at LJMU.
Information for international students travelling with dependents
Information recently shared by BUILA for international students travelling with dependents:
Study Sector Brief v4 Nov 2022 (hubspotusercontent-na1.net)