International Students Visa Information

The Student Route was launched as part of the UK’s Points Based Immigration System which came into effect on 1 January 2021

The Points-Based System includes immigration routes for students, as well as highly skilled workers, skilled workers and a range of other specialist work routes including routes for global leaders in their field and innovators.

You can apply for a Student visa here https://www.gov.uk/student-visa.

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who do not hold status under the EU Settlement Scheme (or another route protected by the Withdrawal Agreement) are now subject to UK immigration control in the same way as other international nationals. This means that EU Citizens wishing to study in the UK for more than six months must apply for a visa under the Student Route before travelling to the UK. The Home Office has published a useful introductory guide on the new PBS Immigration System specifically tailored to EU students.

The Points-Based System Student route visa replaced the previous Tier 4 visa. It will affect Student and Student dependent applications made on or after then, regardless of the date on which a CAS was assigned. 

Applicants under the Student visa Route are now granted digital immigration status rather than a physical vignette or Biometric Residence Permit (BPR).

Study of up to six months, such as on our short courses, will be allowed under the standard visit route. This has replaced the short-term study route.

The Home Office introduced a new Graduate route in 2021, enabling international students to remain in the UK for two years (or three years for PhD graduates) after they have completed their studies.

A graduate visa lasts for:

• 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026
• 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027

If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification it will last 3 years. 

Further information on the Graduate Visa can be found here. Please always refer to immigration information provided by the UK Government and Home Office.

London Film School is a member of UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs), offering guidance for international students: ukcisa.org.uk

For advice, contact: visa.advice@lfs.org.uk