STUDY / UK VISA GUIDE
Student visa.
Make room for what you could become.
You have a course in mind. Now understand the permission, funding and documents needed to take your place.
General information · Sources checked 18 September 2026
THE ESSENTIALS
What you’ll need
to show.
An eligible course and sponsor
You need a place with a licensed student sponsor and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, usually called a CAS.
Course fees and living costs
Check how much money you must show, how long it must be held and whether an exemption applies. Requirements vary with your circumstances.
English and consent
Meet the English requirement. If you are 16 or 17, parental consent is also required.
GET ORGANISED
Start with
the right evidence.
This is a starting point, not a complete document list. What you need depends on your circumstances.
- A current passport or valid travel document.
- Your CAS reference and any qualifications your sponsor used to assess you.
- Financial evidence where required.
- Parental consent if under 18; an ATAS certificate or TB test where applicable.
PLAN AHEAD
Costs & timing.
Budget for the application fee, any healthcare surcharge that applies and any optional services. Government charges are separate from adviser fees.
Processing times depend on the route, where you apply and your circumstances. Allow time to gather your documents; a published estimate is not a guaranteed decision date.
Check current fees and times on GOV.UK ↗GOOD QUESTIONS
A little more clarity.
Can I work while studying?
You may be allowed limited work, depending on the course, sponsor and term dates. Check the conditions on your permission; self-employment is not normally allowed.
How early can I apply?
Usually up to six months before the course if applying from abroad, or three months before from inside the UK. In-country eligibility and timing rules also apply.
Can Dream Gate help with my application?
We’ll review your circumstances and immigration history before confirming whether we can help. If you need specialist advice, we’ll explain the appropriate next step before any work begins.
READ THE OFFICIAL GUIDANCE
Immigration rules change. These summaries are introductory information, not a complete assessment or a promise of an outcome.
Student visa overview ↗Required documents ↗Money you need ↗Your course and CAS ↗YOU DON’T NEED ALL THE ANSWERS YET.
Tell us about
your plans.
Start with a brief enquiry. We’ll discuss whether our support is the right fit and explain the next step.
support@dreamgateimmigration.com ↗Keep your first message brief. Please do not include passports, documents or sensitive personal information.