At First Law Solicitors, we deliver precise, forward-thinking legal advice for international students who wish to study in the UK. Whether you are enrolling in a university degree, postgraduate research, or specialist training, we ensure your visa application meets the highest legal and evidential standards set by the Home Office.
Based in Manchester and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA ID No: 665823), our firm acts for clients across the world. We combine deep technical knowledge with strategic insight, ensuring that every detail from your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to your financial documentation is aligned with the latest immigration framework and the realities of digital compliance in 2026.
The UK Student Visa allows individuals aged 16 or over to study full-time at a licensed Student Sponsor institution under Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules.
To qualify, you must have an unconditional offer of admission, sufficient funds to support yourself and pay tuition, and meet the English language standard. The visa usually allows you to stay for the duration of your course, with additional time before and after your studies for preparation and departure.
The Student Visa is now fully digital under the Home Office eVisa system, removing the need for Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) from January 2026.
The financial threshold for new applications increased under the Statement of Changes (11 November 2025) to reflect updated living-cost data. Applicants must now demonstrate:
You must also show sufficient funds to cover the first year of tuition fees as stated on your CAS.
All money must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days prior to the date of your application, and the final transaction date must be no more than 31 days before submission.
If you have already lived lawfully in the UK for 12 months or longer on a valid visa, you are exempt from demonstrating these maintenance funds.
At First Law Solicitors, we meticulously prepare bank statements, sponsor letters, and financial evidence to ensure total compliance with Appendix Finance, minimising the risk of refusal for technical or formatting reasons.
Applicants must meet the required level of English proficiency, depending on their course:
Tests must be from approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) providers. Some applicants may qualify for exemptions if they are from majority English-speaking countries or have completed previous study in English.
We also help prepare the Genuine Student Statement, a key part of the Home Office assessment. This ensures that your academic intent, course choice, and long-term goals demonstrate a clear and credible motivation to study in the UK.
The rules for dependants changed significantly in 2024 and remain in force through 2026. Only the following categories of students may bring dependants:
Students on taught postgraduate or undergraduate courses cannot bring dependants. The Home Office has increased its scrutiny of MRes (Master of Research) courses to confirm they meet the “research-based” threshold.
Our solicitors verify your eligibility before submission and prepare compliant applications for family members under the corresponding dependant routes, ensuring full alignment between principal and dependant visa conditions.
All Student Visa applications are filed digitally via the Home Office MyHMCTS platform. In compliance with the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, applicants complete Digital ID Verification (IDV) and authorise documents using Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES).
From 1 January 2026, all Student Visa holders will receive digital eVisas rather than physical BRP cards. Visa status can be accessed and shared securely through a UKVI digital account.
Our firm uses encrypted systems that fully comply with the DUAA 2025 and the SRA’s confidentiality requirements, ensuring complete protection of personal and financial data.
Student Visa holders can typically work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacations.
We ensure that students and sponsoring institutions understand and comply with these conditions, preventing inadvertent breaches that could affect visa validity or future Graduate Visa applications.
While not part of the Student Visa itself, many students plan ahead for post-study options.
Currently, graduates may remain in the UK for two years after completing an eligible course (three years for PhD graduates). However, under forthcoming 2027 changes, the standard Graduate Visa period will be reduced to 18 months.
We ensure your Student Visa application aligns with long-term immigration goals, helping you transition seamlessly from study to professional employment through routes such as the Graduate, Skilled Worker, or Innovator Founder visas.
Strategic Oversight: Every Student Visa case is managed by a senior solicitor with in-depth knowledge of the Home Office’s compliance framework and current policy shifts.
Digital Precision: Applications are prepared, signed, and submitted entirely online, using DUAA 2025-compliant digital ID systems.
Evidence Integrity: Financial and academic evidence is formatted to meet the strict evidential requirements under Appendix Student and Appendix Finance.
Long-Term Planning: We structure your visa strategy with future settlement, employment, or research goals in mind, not just short-term entry clearance.
We provide more than visa assistance, we design an academic and legal roadmap that supports your life and career in the UK.
If you are planning to study in the United Kingdom and require professional legal guidance, contact First Law Solicitors today for confidential advice and expert representation.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
Complete our secure online enquiry form to book a private consultation with an experienced immigration solicitor.
Copyright © 2025. First Law Solicitors. All Rights Reserved
