What is Visa Switching?

Visa switching means changing one type of leave to remain in another type of leave to remain under another visa category. Or, you are allowed to switch a visa to a different kind of visa.

As such, in the UK, a holder of a non-expired valid visa who is currently present in the United Kingdom can switch to another kind of visa. Thus, it means that a person does not need to leave the country to change to a different one.

Switch your UK Visa to Student Visa from inside the UK

You have an option to switch your UK visa to Student Visa from inside the United Kingdom. But you cannot change if you have one of the following visas.

• Parent of a Child Student Visa
• Short-term Student Visa
• Visit Visa
• Domestic Worker in a Private Household Visa
• Seasonal Worker Visa
• Leave Outside the Immigration Rules Visa (LOTR)

It is quite common for foreign citizens in the UK to change their visa to a Student Visa. Mostly, it is switched from the following visas.

• Dependant Family Member Visa 
• Family Visa 
• Skilled Worker Visa

Requirements

Check the following requirements for switching your visa to a Student Visa in the UK.

• You are required to have an unconditional offer of a seat on a course from a recognised educational institution. This institute must have a valid sponsor license. It must be demonstrated by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• You must be able to speak English at CEFR level B1 if you are studying below degree level. Or CEFR level B2, for degree level or above.
• You are required to provide sufficient funds to support your stay in the country if you were here for less than a year. You must show that you can fund yourself for nine months for courses in London at 1,334 GBP per month. If you're taking it outside London, you can finance it on your own each month at 1,023 GBP.

When to Apply?

Apply before your visa expires and at least six months before receiving your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Your course in university must begin no later than 28 days after the expiration of your existing visa. You may apply three months before your course starts.

Steps to Switch a Visa Within the UK

• Fill out and submit the application form. Note that In-country visa forms are different.
• Pay fees. It includes application fees and other costs such as immigration healthcare surcharge etc. 
• Provide your biometrics, such as pictures and fingerprints. For this purpose, arrange a meeting with the UKVCAS service point.
• Upload required documents. This documentation includes a passport, letter of endorsement etc.
• Lastly, show up for your biometric appointment.

After applying, you are free to remain in the UK until a decision is made.

Fees and Duration to Switch to Student Visa in the UK

The fee for getting a Student Visa while being present in the UK is 490 GBP for the Standard application fee. In this case, you will receive your decision in 8 weeks. 

If you want your visa more urgently, pay a Priority application fee of 990 GBP. In this way, you will receive a decision in 5 working days. 

Pay a Super Priority application fee of 1,290 GBP to get a decision within one working day. 

Applicants are also required to pay a 470 GBP per year health surcharge.