If you wish to come to the UK to study and are from a visa national country, you will need to apply for a student visa in your home country. Please contact the British Embassy or Consulate in your country for detailed information. The visa application and approval process can take some time so it is best to apply for a student visa well in advance. More detailed information can be found on the Border and Immigration Agency website.

Extending a student visa in the UK

Please note Europa School of English cannot help or give any advice to students regarding their visa applications. If you would like some help and advice please go to your nearest OISC Registered Adviser If you wish to extend your student visa and are already in the UK you must complete the FLRS application form and with it submit the following:

• 2 x passport photos with your name on the back of each
  
• Current school confirmation letter
  
• Past school confirmation letters, certificates for every school you studied at in the UK
  
• 3 months bank statements
  
• Sponsorship letter from your parents/relatives/friend
  
• Police registration certificate if you had to register with the police on arrival
  
• Passport

The fee for a visa extension application is £295 by post and £500 if you go in person. You can download the most recent FLR(S) application form here and the guidance notes here.

If posting, you must send the form and supporting documents a maximum of 8 weeks and minimum of 4 weeks before your visa expires. Do not send cash if posting.

The application process can take some time if sending documents by post. It can take anything from 4 weeks to 6 months to have your passport returned to you so take this into account before posting. Always post by special delivery. If you apply in person, you can obtain a visa on the same day if the visa officer is happy with your application. For more detailed information regarding visa applications, immigration issues and other international student advice please visit the UKCOSA website.