Extending Your Visa from within the UK

Where can I apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa?

Come and see one of the International Student Advisers to discuss whether you should apply for your visa in your home country or whether you can extend your visa in the UK. Ring 01792 602000 to make an appointment with an Adviser.

What if I want to re-enter the UK to apply for a visa extension?

You must have a valid student visa which allows you to re-enter the UK. Please click here for further advice on re-entering the UK. Please click here if you require further advice on applying for a student visa outside the UK.

How can I apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa in the UK?

There are two services available to you to extend your visa:

• Batch postal application through the University Batch Scheme
• Premium application through Cardiff Public Enquiry Office (PEO)

How long does it take and how much does it cost?

The Batch Scheme can take anywhere between 2 and 3 months, or possibly longer during busy periods (September - December). A Batch Scheme application costs £406. You will be required to pay this fee by postal orders which typically cost £30 to buy. You will also have to pay for your biometrics to be taken at a participating Post Office (Port Talbot or Cardiff). Cost is £19.20 per person.

The Premium service normally takes between 2 - 3 weeks. A Premium application costs £781; you can pay the application fee by credit or debit card by filling in the relevant section on the application form. Biometrics are taken at the Cardiff UK Border Agency office and no extra payment is needed.

What can ISAS do for me?

ISAS can assist you with your visa application in the following ways:

• Deliver workshops on how to fill in the application form and advise you on what documents you will need to provide with your application.
• Check your completed application form and documents
• Send your application to the Batch Scheme or Cardiff PEO (Premium service)
• Receive your passport, documents and visa (BRP/ID card) after a decision has been made on your application

If you want an Adviser to help you with your application, you MUST attend one of the Tier 4 (General) workshops. You can find details of dates and venues of forthcoming workshops by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.

Where can I get the form and further information?

Please use the links on the right hand side of this page to find our 'Frequently Asked Questions - Extending Your Leave to Remain' leaflet and links to our workshop presentation, the application form and an example of a completed Tier 4 (General) application form. You will also find guidance about the type of photographs you will need and details of your duties and responsiblities under Tier 4.

Time Limit on studies at undergraduate and/or Master level studies in the UK

If you are already on a degree course at Swansea University

In April 2012, the UK Border Agency introduced a maximum time limit for international students who are studying at undergraduate and Masters level in the UK. In most cases, the time limit is 5 years for combined undergraduate and Masters level studies, but there are some exceptions to this rule.

Before the University can issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Study) for your visa application, you must download and complete the questionnaire, then return it to the relevant office. 

Your visa application may be refused if the total time you will spend on your studies exceeds this limit.  To help the university assess your eligibility for further studies in the UK please complete the Admissions Previous Study Questionnaire and send it back to the relevant office below:  

• If you are applying to start a degree course at Swansea University

 By Email:  admissions-enquiries@swansea.ac.uk  or send it by post to the following address:

Admissions office
Swansea University
Singleton Park
Swansea
SA2 8PP
UK

•  If you are already on a degree course at Swansea University

 By Email: f.e.wagstaff@swansea.ac.uk or academic.registry@swansea.ac.uk

•  If you are applying to study or you are already studying English language

By Email: elts@swansea.ac.uk or send it by post to the following address

English Language Training Services
Swansea University
Emily Phipps Building
Hendrefoelan Student Village
Swansea
SA2 7NB
UK

Further Information and Advice