UK Student visa solicitors

Expert legal support for international students

Blake Morgan’s immigration lawyers provide specialist advice on the UK Student visa route, offering expert guidance to individuals seeking to study at schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Our experienced student visa solicitors understand the detailed requirements of the Student Visa system, including sponsorship, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), financial evidence, and ongoing compliance with the Immigration Rules.

We take a careful, structured, and proactive approach to every application. By identifying potential risks at an early stage, we help clients prepare accurate, complete, and compliant supporting documentation, significantly improving the prospects of a successful outcome.

As a leading law firm advising on UK Student visas, we provide clear, practical, and tailored guidance based on each client’s academic plans and immigration circumstances. Whether you have received an unconditional offer from a UK education provider or require support navigating the Student Visa requirements, our lawyers are well placed to assist you throughout the entire application process.

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Main areas of practice


Student visas allows individuals to study in the UK at an approved institution on a recognised course. It requires acceptance from a licensed sponsor, proof of funds, and English language ability. It enables full time study, limited work rights, and potential progression to other visa routes after completing the course.

Register of sponsors

Only education providers that hold a valid Student Sponsor licence are permitted to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). An applicant may only proceed with a Student visa application where the sponsoring institution is authorised and eligible to issue a valid CAS.

Child Student visa

Children aged four to 17 may apply for a Child Student visa to study at an independent school in the UK. This route is subject to additional requirements, including evidence of suitable care arrangements and the consent of parents or legal guardians. The visa is specifically designed for minors and differs from the standard Student visa in both conditions and permitted activities.

CAS and process

A valid CAS is a mandatory requirement for a Student visa application. The CAS confirms key details about the course, education provider, and study level, and must meet Home Office requirements. The course offered must be eligible under the Student visa route and align with the applicant’s academic progression.

Working restrictions

Student visas are subject to strict working conditions, which vary depending on the course level and academic term dates. These restrictions are set out in the visa grant and reflected in the individual’s digital immigration status. Students must comply with these conditions at all times, as breaches may affect future immigration applications.

Graduate visa

Following successful completion of an eligible course in the UK, the Graduate visa allows individuals to remain in the UK for at least 18 months. Eligibility is limited to those who have completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or other approved qualification, and where the education provider has formally notified the Home Office of course completion.

Sponsor compliance for education providers

Sponsor licence compliance is essential for education providers who hold a Student Sponsor Licence, as UKVI requires institutions to meet strict duties around record‑keeping, reporting, attendance monitoring, and safeguarding the integrity of the immigration system. Providers must ensure that CAS issuance is accurate and justified, maintain up‑to‑date student records, report changes in circumstances within required timeframes, and demonstrate robust systems to monitor engagement and prevent misuse of the Student route. Strong compliance not only protects an institution’s sponsor rating but also reduces the risk of audits, downgrades, or suspension by UKVI.

Our clients


Our immigration team supports individuals applying for UK student visas, offering discreet, tailored guidance through complex circumstances and providing clear, practical solutions to help clients navigate the UK’s evolving immigration system and build their future through study.

Highlights


Assisting a multinational company, registered Tier 2 Sponsor, whose licence had become invalidated following the company acquisition – our immigration lawyers advised regarding the compliance issues and the position of the existing sponsored employees. The assistance covered managing risks involving the breach of the sponsor duties due to failure to report as well as advising and managing the application for the new sponsor licence simultaneously.


Assisting an EU national with a permanent residence card application (going forward falling within the scope of the EU Settlement Scheme) – this included advising on the break in residence continuity. The application was successful as the issue was fully addressed in the application submitted to the Home Office.


Advising an EU National who had been resident in the UK with Indefinite Leave to Remain status for over 30 years on a successful application for naturalisation as a British citizen to include advice on evidencing UK residence.


Frequently asked questions


An individual may be eligible for a UK Student visa if they are aged 16 or over, have received an offer of a place on an eligible course from a licensed student sponsor, and can demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs. Applicants must also meet any applicable English language requirements. Where the applicant is aged 16 or 17, written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required and must be evidenced as part of the application.

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number issued by a licensed UK education provider once a course offer has been made. The CAS contains key information including the course details, tuition fees, duration of study, and the sponsor licence number. A Student visa application can only be submitted once a valid CAS has been issued.

The Student visa permits study on a range of eligible courses, including full‑time courses below degree level (RQF levels 3 to 5) with a minimum of 15 hours of organised daytime study per week, full‑time degree‑level and postgraduate courses (RQF levels 6 to 8), certain overseas degree programmes delivered in the UK, part‑time postgraduate courses at RQF level 7 or above, and approved English language courses at level B2 or above.

The amount of money required to support a Student visa application depends on the location of study. Applicants studying in London must demonstrate £1,529 per month for up to nine months, while those studying outside London must show £1,171 per month for the same period. These funds must have been held for a continuous 28‑day period, ending no more than 31 days before the date of application.

Permission to work is subject to strict conditions and depends on the level and type of course undertaken. Students studying full‑time at degree level or above may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full‑time outside term time. Those studying full‑time below degree level are limited to 10 hours per week during term time. Students on part‑time courses, or other non‑qualifying study routes, are not permitted to work in the UK.

The parents of a Child Student visa allows one parent to live in the UK to care for a child under 12 who is studying at an independent school, offering a route designed to ensure younger international students receive appropriate supervision and stability during their education.

To qualify, the parent must demonstrate sufficient financial resources, maintain a primary home outside the UK, and comply with strict immigration conditions that prohibit work, study, or bringing other dependants. Only one parent is permitted to accompany the child, while the other may visit using a separate visa category.

This visa is granted in line with the child’s Child Student visa, and the parent must continue meeting all requirements throughout their stay to remain compliant. Blake Morgan’s immigration team can assist by reviewing eligibility, preparing strong supporting evidence, advising on compliance obligations, and ensuring the application clearly demonstrates the temporary nature of the stay.

Our solicitors provide tailored, strategic guidance to minimise risks and maximise the prospects of securing a successful outcome for both parent and child.

Our experts


Dipesh
Shah
Partner

London

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Yasmeen
Hamza
Legal Director

London

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Nisha
Patel
Legal Director

London

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Lisa
Parsons
Senior Associate

London

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Kawther
Al-Aaraji
Senior Associate

London

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Inderpal
Singh Kallah
Associate

London

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David Maximilian
Barra
Solicitor

London

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Tatiana
Young
Immigration Caseworker

London

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