Do not come to the UK as a Visitor with the intention to "switch" to the Student immigration route from within the UK. If you are worried that delays mean you cannot arrive in time for your course, contact your education provider. Most visa application centres outside the UK are currently open, depending on local restrictions, but you can still expect delays and limited availability of appointments. The only exception is EEA nationals who have a biometric chip in their passport. Most applicants must still attend at a visa application centre for a biometrics appointment.
When you are ready to apply you will need to pay the immigration health surcharge, any biometric enrolment fees, any value-added service fees, and the application fee. If there is a technical issue with the online form you should use the 'is there a problem with this page' link at the bottom of the web page.
If you have difficulties with the online form, contact your sponsor institution. Child student - only for students aged 4 - 17 (inclusive) who will study at an Independent School that specifically has a Child student sponsor licence (check this with your school before applying).Scholarship student for applicants with a Chevening Scholarship or Fellowship, a British Marshall Scholarship or a Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan.Student – relevant for most applications.We understand the options that you are given are: The application form asks you to specify which specific type of Student application you are making. The only exception to this is if you are applying in DPRK (North Korea). Contact your Student visa sponsor if this affects you and if you need more information about whether you should use the CAS in a new application. They have published guidance for sponsors about this which says that applications will not automatically be refused and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If your CAS was issued between 24 January and 31 December 2020 and it has since expired before you could use it in an application, or you used it but you were unable to travel due to the pandemic, or it is valid but your course dates have changed, the Home Office may still grant your application. Your institution may also be organising welcome events or induction events to help you settle in to the UK. If you don't already know, ask your institution when you need to enrol on your course and start attending classes.
normally no later than six months after your CAS was issued.no more than six months before the start date of your course.