Onshore Student Visa Guide: Everything International Students Need to Know (2026)

What Is an Onshore Student Visa?

An onshore student visa application is submitted from inside the UK instead of from your home country. You can apply while you are already in the UK to either switch from another visa to a student visa or to extend your existing student visa for a new or longer course.
You can apply up to three months before your new course starts, but you must submit the application before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa ending. This is different from offshore applications, where you can apply up to six months before the course starts.

Who Is Eligible to Apply Onshore? (Onshore Visa Eligibility UK)

You can apply for a UK student visa inside UK if you are already in the country and fall into one of these categories:

• You are on a current student visa and want to extend it or change to a new course (student visa extension UK 2026)
• You are on a Graduate visa and want to return to studies
• You are on a different visa, such as a visitor visa or skilled worker visa, and want to switch to student visa UK
• You are a dependent of another visa holder and want to study independently

To be eligible, you must be at least 16 years old, have an unconditional offer from a UK institution with a valid Student Sponsor licence, show English language proficiency, and meet the financial requirements.

Note: Students aged 16 or 17 planning to study at an independent school may apply for a Child Student visa instead.

Benefits of Applying Onshore

Applying for your student visa from within the UK offers several practical advantages:

• You do not need to leave the UK and return to your home country, which saves travel costs and reduces stress.
• Your bank account, address, and other documents are already available in the UK, making it easier to prepare your application.
• The process is smoother for students who want to extend their studies or switch courses.

The visa is usually granted for the full duration of your course, with extra time before and after your studies. Most students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.

UK Student Visa Documents 2026

The documents required for an onshore application are similar to those for offshore applications, with some additions:

• Valid Passport: At least 6 months' validity beyond your stay
• CAS Reference Number: Issued by your UK university
• Financial Evidence: Bank statements showing required funds for 28 consecutive days
• English Language Test Results: IELTS UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, or waiver
• Current Visa Documents: Proof of your existing UK visa
• TB Test Certificate: Required for students from India and other listed countries
• Academic Transcripts: Proof of previous qualifications

You need to score 70 points in total: 50 for CAS, 10 for funds, and 10 for English.

Financial Requirements in 2026

For the 2026/27 academic year, you must show sufficient maintenance funds:

• £13,761 if studying in London
• £10,539 if studying outside London

This is in addition to any unpaid tuition fees. The funds must be available for 28 consecutive days, and the end date of this period must be within 31 days of your visa application. Use recent bank statements only.

Student Visa Processing Time UK

Onshore applications usually take up to 8 weeks for a decision. This is longer than the standard offshore processing time, so it is important to apply well in advance.

Priority and super priority services are available for faster decisions at an extra cost.

Onshore Student Visa Cost

The application fee is £558. You also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year of your course. For a two-year course, this means £1,552 for the health surcharge alone.

Priority service costs an extra £500, while super priority costs an extra £1,000.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Many onshore student visa applications are refused due to these common mistakes:

• Insufficient financial evidence
• Applying after the current visa has expired
• Mismatch between CAS details and application form
• Missing TB test certificate (especially for Indian students)
• Not meeting the Genuine Student requirement

Careful preparation can help you avoid these issues.

A Note on the Graduate Route Visa 2026

After completing your degree, you can stay and work in the UK under the Graduate Route visa 2026. For Bachelor's and Master's graduates, the post-study work period will be 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027. PhD graduates will continue to get 3 years. Apply as soon as your results are out.

Conclusion

An onshore student visa UK offers a convenient way to continue or switch your studies without leaving the country.

However, it requires proper timing, correct documents, and clear financial proof. Plan carefully to avoid problems.
Visit edvia.ai to get the right course suggested with the help of AI, then handle your visa application smoothly.

FAQs

What is the difference between onshore and offshore student visa applications?

Offshore applications are made from your home country before travel. Onshore applications are made from inside the UK for an extension or a switch.

How early can I apply for an onshore student visa?

You can apply up to three months before your new course starts, but before your current visa expires.

What is the student visa processing time UK for onshore applications?

It usually takes up to 8 weeks. Priority options are available for faster results.

What financial evidence do I need?

You must show the required maintenance funds (£13,761 in London or £10,539 outside) for 28 days, plus unpaid tuition fees.

Can I work on an onshore student visa?

Yes, up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.

What happens if my current visa expires before I apply?

It can create serious problems with your immigration record. Always apply before expiry.