There are two ways to submit your visa application depending on your nationality or your location.  

Using the UK Immigration ID Check App

IMPORTANT: If you do not already have a Student visa in place, do not plan to travel to the UK as a tourist and submit your visa application from here. Even if you are applying digitally you are bound by the immigration rule stating that you can only apply from a country you are a national or a resident of and not just visiting. 

The following groups of people can apply for their visa using the UK Immigration ID Check App:

• EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals applying for their Student visa overseas
• Any national with a BRP who is applying to extend their Student visa in the UK

The UK Immigration ID Check app takes your biometric data from your passport/BRP and means, in most cases,  that you will not need to attend an appointment to provide your fingerprints.  Effectively, this makes the process quicker, especially at peak times when you may have needed to wait for an appointment.

If you are a dual-national of a country that can use the digital application system, you may wish to consider applying for your visa using that passport but you must ensure that the passport you are using for your application matches the passport on your CAS.  It is quicker and easier to provide the right details to the team producing your CAS first. Applying with a different passport that does not match your CAS may lead to a visa refusal.

If you apply using the digital system outside the UK/you are a non-visa national applying in the UK, you will then be issued with a digital status as evidence of your immigration status in the UK.

If you apply using the digital system in the UK and are a visa national (someone who has to apply for a tourist visa before travelling to the UK) you will be issued with both a BRP and a digital status.  In some cases, you may still need to attend a biometrics appointment.

You can find out more about the digital process and digital statuses in our info sheet and guide to applying using the ID Check app:

Guide to using the ID Check app

ID Check App FAQS

Applying in person and attending a biometrics appointment

If you are a national of a country that cannot apply using the digital process or your document did not work on the app, you will need to make an appointment to provide your biometric information.  Biometric appointments are run by third-party providers on behalf of the UKVI. For overseas applications, this will either be VfS Global or TLS Contact depending on your country of application. Applications in  the UK are run by Sopra Steria in UKVCAS application centres.

The only exception is in the USA, where you can either apply via a VfS application centre or USCIS ASC field centre.  Do your research in advance, because once you have selected your option, you cannot change this at a later date without submitting a brand new application. If you apply using a field centre, you must still send your documents to the UKVI including your passport. You can find more information on the following government web page:

Apply for a UK visa in the USA

FAQS on the application process

How long does it take to receive a decision on my application?

Your date of application is the date you submitted and paid for your visa application.  However, a caseworker does not start making a decision on your application until your biometrics have been received.

Advertised processing times are:

• Applications made outside the UK - three weeks to receive a decision after biometrics have been submitted.  If you had to attend an appointment and physically submit your documents, you will then need to allow at least another 10 working days for the return of your documents. Decisions can take longer during peak periods, so this is why you should plan to apply for your visa as soon as you are eligible as it can be a risk to delay submitting your application.  Students often have to defer their place because they applied late and they could not make it to LSE on time.
• Applications made in the UK - eight weeks from the date of application

I've received an email  from the UKVI asking me for further information. Is this genuine?

Sometimes the UKVI will contact you to provide further information to support your application.  For example, they may contact you to provide better qualilty scans of your bank statements or they may contact you to enquire about gaps in your studies e.g. if there has been a break between your undergraduate studies and Masters studies.

If you are ever unsure about the content of an email you have received saying that it is from the UKVI, please get in touch with the team.  Unfortunately, there are known frauds against international students, so it is always best to check:

Frauds and Scams

Emails from the UKVI may go into your junk mail folder, especially if you use Gmail. You should check your junk mail regularly to ensure you haven't missed any requests for information.

Can LSE expedite my application?

We are unable to expedite applications, particularly when they are still within the standard processing times. You should plan to apply in good time to join your programme, because we have no influence UKVI processing times.

If an application is very delayed then we will be able to contact the UKVI on your behalf to query the delay.

Can LSE contact the visa application centre to find out where my documents are?

Unfortunately, we do not have any direct links to the visa application centres.

There are some circumstances where it is possible to extend your visa for your studies or switch into the route:

• You already have a valid LSE Student visa and you are starting a new programme - you must submit your application by the expiry date of your visa or within six weeks of campus enrolling, whichever is sooner.
• You are joining LSE for a new programme, you are in the UK and you have a Student visa for another institution/LSE 
• You are switching from a valid Tier 2/Skilled Worker/Dependant visa (please contact us for advice especially if you have been reported to the UKVI);
• You have a extension of your thesis submission date/viva/minor corrections which goes beyond the validity of your current visa
• You have had repeat teaching and need additional time on your visa to complete your programme.
• You are extending your visa to take assessments during the January Resit and Deferred Assessment period

IMPORTANT: IF YOU ARE SWITCHING FROM THE GRADUATE ROUTE VISA TO A STUDENT VISA, YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO CAMPUS ENROL UNTIL YOUR STUDENT VISA HAS BEEN GRANTED. THIS IS BECAUSE THE IMMIGRATION RULES DO NOT ALLOW YOU TO STUDY A DEGREE ON THE GRADUATE ROUTE VISA EVEN IF YOU HAVE A STUDENT VISA APPLICATION IN PROGRESS.  

FAQ One: My current student visa expires more than 28 days before my new programme at LSE starts. Can I extend my visa in the UK?

Unfortunately, you will not be eligible to apply for your new visa in th UK and will need to apply from overseas.

FAQ: I have been reported to the UKVI for not being awarded my 9/10 Masters and am required to attend January RDAP.  Can I extend my visa in the UK?

Unfortunately, you will be unable to extend your visa in the UK because there are more than 60 days lack of academic engagement between being informed that you have not been awarded and your next period of engagemen in January RDAP.

FAQ Two: I have a valid Student visa for another institution. Can I start my programme at LSE using this visa and extend it close to the expiry date?

If you have a Student visa for another institution, you will not be able to campus enrol and start your programme at LSE until you have applied for a new Student visa using your LSE CAS.  You do not need to have your visa in place at enrolment if you are extending in the UK, but you will need to show that you at least have an application in progress.

The only exceptions are students who are sponsored by LSHTM on the MSc HPPF, intercalating students and students who are attending on an intercollegiate basis.

FAQ Three: I already have an LSE visa.  Can I enrol for my new programme on this visa and extend closer to the expiry date of my current visa?

You can enrol on your current, LSE visa, but you will need to submit a new application within six weeks of enrolling or the expiry date of your visa (whichever is sooner). For example, if you had a visa for a 12 month MSc and you will be joining us for a PhD, you can enrol on your current visa.  However, you will not be able to delay applying for an extension until when your visa expires in January. You will need to apply within six weeks of enrolling for your new degree.

FAQ Four: It takes eight weeks for a decision on an application. Can I continue studying if my visa expires during the process?

If you have applied for your new visa before your current visa expired, you will be protected by a law known as Section 3C leave. Section 3C leave means the conditions of your previous visa continue whilst you are waiting for the outcome of your application, even if your visa expires in the process. You only benefit from this provision if you applied before your previous visa expired.

FAQ Five: I have submitted my application and still have my passport and a valid BRP.  Does this mean I can travel out of the UK whilst my application is being decided?

Once you have submitted and paid for your new Student visa application, you should not travel outside the UK, even if your BRP is still valid.  If you travel you are considered to be withdrawing your application.  This means you may not be allowed to re-enter the UK and continue your studies until you have obtained a new visa from overseas. 

Useful web pages:

UKCISA: Making a Student route application in the UK

You should always apply for and obtain your Student visa before travelling to the UK. You should not plan to come to the UK as a tourist without having been granted your Student visa first.  

Plan to apply as soon as you are eligible, as not getting your Student visa in time may lead to you not being able to join LSE. You can apply up to six months in advance of your sponsorship start date outside the UK and up to three months in advance in the UK.

Case One: Student travels as a tourist to the UK and plans to apply for their Student visa in the UK.

It is not possible to travel to the UK on a tourist visa (officially known as a Standard Visitor visa) and then apply for your Student visa in the UK. This is against the immigration rules.  If you apply for your Student visa from a Standard Visitor visa, you will not be able to campus enrol for your programme and should be refused your visa. You would also need to return to a country where you are permitted to apply and complete the process, then return to the UK when your Student visa is valid.  You risk not being able to join LSE if you have to do this, so you should not risk travelling. There is no flexibility in this rule and attending teaching when you are not campus enrolled is not permitted by LSE.

Case Two: Student has a Student visa application in progress in their home country.  They travel to the UK as a tourist to start their studies and plan to complete their Student application at a later date.

If you need a visa to study your degree programme at LSE and you do not have a Student visa already, you must apply for and obtain this before travelling to join your programme.

If you arrive in the UK on a tourist visa, you will not be able to campus enrol for your degree or attend any teaching until you have a Student visa in place.  You would also need to return to your country of application to complete the process and only return to the UK when your Student visa is valid.  You risk not being able to join LSE if you have to do this, so it would be best to wait in your home country to complete the process than risk travelling. There is no flexibility in this rule and attending teaching when you are not campus enrolled is not permitted by LSE.

The only time you can use a Standard Visitor visa to study are:

• You will be able to use a Standard Visitor visa to attend retake or deferred assessments or attend your viva.
• You can use a Standard Visitor visa for a short-term exchange e.g. CEMS, SSE CIVICA Exchange
• You can use a Standard Visitor visa for the Summer School unless you are attending to meet the conditions of your offer when you should seek advice on applying for a Student visa.

You should note that:

• You cannot work on a Standard Visitor visa - this includes unpaid internships
• You cannot use consecutive Standard Visitor visas to study a full time degree programme of more than six months
• You cannot switch from a Standard Visitor visa into other immigration routes in the UK e.g. Student Route, Skilled Worker Route,Graduate Worker Route

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Numbers

To be able to apply for a Student visa for LSE you will need a CAS number. It is an electronic document that will be sent to you by email.

A CAS can only be used for one Student application. Find out more about how you can get a CAS in our CAS Issuing Policy.

Step One:  Read the guide to applying for Student visa for Undergraduate Students 

Guide to applying for a Student visa for Undergraduates (pdf)

Step Two: if you are applying from overseas read this guide

Completing the application form overseas: FAQS (PDF)

When you reach this stage, you need to read the text as well as refer to the screenshots for the supporting advice. FAQs are in red. 

Step Two: if you are applying in the UK read this guide 

Completing the application form in the UK: FAQS (pdf)

Further LSE Guidance

You should refer to our infosheets which are available on the right hand side of this web page.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Numbers

To be able to apply for a student visa for LSE you will need a CAS number. It is an electronic document that will be sent to you by email.

A CAS can only be used for one application. Find out more about how you can get a CAS in our CAS Issuing Policy. 

Step One:  Read the guide to applying for Student visa for General Course students 

Applying for a Student Visa for General Course students - (pdf)

Step Two: if you are applying from overseas read this guide

Completing the application form overseas:FAQS (pdf)

When you reach this stage, you need to read the text as well as refer to the screenshots for the supporting advice. FAQs are in red. 

Further LSE Guidance

You should refer to our infosheets which are available on the right hand side of this web page.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Numbers

To be able to apply for a Student visa for LSE you will need a CAS number. It is an electronic document that will be sent to you by email.

A CAS can only be used for one Student visa application. Find out more about how you can get a CAS in our CAS Issuing Policy.

Whilst waiting, we recommend you read the relevant guidance on applying for a Student visa to avoid risking a refusal of your application.

Step One: Read the guide to applying for Student Visa for Taught Masters Students 

Applying for a Student visa for Masters students (pdf)

Step Two: if you are applying from overseas read this guide

Completing the application form overseas:FAQS (pdf)

If you haven't read the guide to applying for a Student visa, you need to start there.  This guide only answers the most frequently asked questions about the application form.  It doesn't explain the rules.  

When you reach this stage, you need to read the text as well as refer to the screenshots for the supporting advice. FAQs are in red. 

Step Two: if you are applying in the UK read this guide

Completing the application form in the UK:FAQS (pdf)

Double/Joint degree students

If you are studying one of our double/dual degree programmes, please refer to our info sheet for advice on Student visas for your programmes.

Double/joint degree info sheet (pdf)

Part-time Student visa 

LSE does not sponsor students on a part-time Student visa. If you have applied for a part-time programme you should speak to Graduate Admissions regarding your options.   The part-time Student visa is a much more restrictive route but you are still required to meet the same as a full time student rules when applying for your visa:

• You cannot start your programme on a full-time basis and then switch to part-time using the same visa.  To be able to study on a Student part-time visa, you would need to leave the UK and re-apply for a visa before you change your mode of attendance;
• You cannot work on a Student part-time visa or undertake a work placement;
• You cannot bring dependants with you
• The UKVI have confirmed you can access the NHS but you will need to pay the full amount of the Immigration Health Surcharge for the length of your programme.  

Further LSE Guidance

You should also refer to our infosheets which are available on the right hand side of this web page.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Numbers

To be able to apply for a Student visa for LSE you will need a CAS number. It is an electronic document that will be sent to you by email. Find out more about how you can get a CAS in our CAS Issuing Policy.

Extending your Student visa due to an extension of your thesis submission date

If you have received an extension on your thesis submission date, which takes you beyond the current expiry date of your visa, it is permitted under the immigration rules that you can extend your visa.  It is simply seen as an extension to continue on a course of study that you need to complete.

You should note that if you are required to extend your visa beyond the original end date, this will affect when you are able to start working full time. You will be unable to work full time until after the new programme end date as stated on your CAS has passed.

Step One: Read the guide to applying for Student visa for Research Degree Students 

Applying for the Student visa for Research Students (pdf)

Step Two: if you are applying from overseas read this guide

Completing the application form overseas:FAQS (pdf)

If you haven't read the guide to applying for a Student visa, you need to start there.  This guide only answers the most frequently asked questions about the application form.  It doesn't explain the rules.  

When you reach this stage, you need to read the text as well as refer to the screenshots for the supporting advice. FAQs are in red.  

Step Two: if you are applying in the UK read this guide

Completing the application form in the UK:FAQS (pdf)

Part-time Student visa 

LSE does not sponsor students on a part-time Student visa. If you have applied for a part-time programme you should speak to Graduate Admissions regarding your options.   The part-time Student visa is a much more restrictive route but you are still required to meet the same as a full time student rules when applying for your visa:

• You cannot start your programme on a full-time basis and then switch to part-time using the same visa.  To be able to study on a Student part-time visa, you would need to leave the UK and re-apply for a visa before you change your mode of attendance;
• You cannot work on a Student part-time visa or undertake a work placement;
• You cannot bring dependants with you - this means that you would not be able to have dependants on the Graduate Route
• The UKVI have confirmed you can access the NHS but you will need to pay the full amount of the Immigration Health Surcharge for the length of your programme.  

Further LSE Guidance

You should also refer to our infosheets which are available on the right hand side of this web page.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Numbers

To be able to apply for a Student visa for LSE you will need a CAS number. It is an electronic document that will be sent to you by email. Your CAS will be sent to you by Graduate Admissions.

A CAS can only be used for one Student visa application. Find out more about how you can get a CAS in our CAS Issuing Policy.

Whilst waiting, we recommend you read the relevant guidance on applying for a Student visa to avoid risking a refusal of your application.

Step One: Read the guide to applying for Student Visa for Language Centre Pre-sessional English Students 

Applying for a Student visa for Language Centre students (pdf)

Step Two: if you are applying from overseas read this guide

Completing the application form overseas (pdf)

If you haven't read the guide to applying for a Student visa, you need to start there.  This guide only answers the most frequently asked questions about the application form.  It doesn't explain the rules.  

When you reach this stage, you need to read the text as well as refer to the screenshots for the supporting advice. FAQs are in red. 

When you reach this stage, you need to read the text as well as refer to the screenshots for the supporting advice. FAQs are in red. 

Step Two: if you are applying in the UK read this guide

Completing the application form in the UK for non-EU/EEA students (pdf) 

Further LSE Guidance

You should also refer to our infosheets which are available on the right hand side of this web page.

Student Dependants

You can find detailed advice on dependant applications on the UKCISA web pages:

Dependants

From 4 January 2024, the cohorts of students that will be able to bring dependants with them to start a new degree will be restricted as follows:

YThe following cohorts of students can apply to bring dependants with them  to the UK:

Cohort One:

You are in receipt of an award from a Government and your course is full-time and at least six months. As UKCISA explains:

'Home Office guidance explains that: "Scholarships and sponsorships may on occasion be awarded using different  terminology", and that "[t]his should not prevent the applicant from meeting the requirement, as long as the evidence provided refers to a financial award issued by a national government for the purpose of completing a course of study which meets the requirements of the student route". In addtion, for the purposes of being eligible to bring dependants, the scholarship or sponsorship does not need to cover your full fees and living costs. You and your dependants are, however, still required to meet the financial requirements. 

Home Office guidance currently adds additional requirements relating to the term 'government'. If your dependants are refused immigration permission on the basis that your scholarhsip or sponsorship is from a government that is not your national government or the UK government you have the opportunity to pursue an administrative review. This is on the basis that the Immigration Rules only require that you, the Student, are in receipt of an award from 'a government' (with no specification about it being your national government or the UK government).' 

Cohort Two:

You are doing a full-time research-based higher degree, a PhD or other doctoral qualification of nine months or longer at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance, where the start date of the course was on or after 1 January 2024. If your course start date was before 1 January 2024, the course must be a full-time postgraduate level course of nine months or longer undertaken at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance.

What is the definition of a research degree for dependant visa purposes?

LSE has informed the UKVI of its eligible research degree programmes and these will all be at RQF 8 doctorate level.  RQF 7 Masters by Research will not be eilgible to bring dependants because they do not meet the definition outlined by the UKVI.

Cohort Three:

You are studying or have studied on a full-time course lasting at least six months and all four bullet points below apply:

• Your Student permission is current or expired no more than three months before this immigration application.

• Your new immigration application is for a full-time course that is at least six months.

• Your dependant already has Student dependant immigration permission (or it expired no more than three months before this application), or your dependant is your child who was born since you were last granted your immigration permission.

• You are applying for immigration permission at the same time as your dependant.

There are additional provisions for children born to Students - see Children born while Student in the UK.

We also have an info sheet based on FAQs from LSE students:Depandants and family members

What options do I have if my family are not eligible for the Student Dependant Visa?

If your family cannot come to the UK as your dependants under the rules, they may choose to come to the UK as Standard Visitors.  This would allow them to come to the UK for a maximum  of six months in any 12 month period. However, this route is not intended for successive visits or for them to be residing in the UK, so you should ensure this is not the case.

Visitors cannot do any work (paid or unpaid) and they cannot use the National Health Service (NHS) except in emergencies. 

We advise that your family has private health insurance to cover their visits to the UK.

For details go to:

UK Visas and Immigration- Standard Visitors

Inviting your family/friends to visit you

If your family or friends will visit you in the UK during your studies, they may choose to come as a Standard Visitor.

You will need to provide them with a letter of invitation confirming that you are inviting them to visit you, where they will be staying and the potential length of the visit.  LSE is unable to provide a letter for your visitors' visa applications, but we can provide a Certificate of Registration from the Student Services Centre which will confirm you are a registered student at LSE.

Further advice:

UKCISA

Home Office

As well as the LSE specific advice, you can find general guidance on the following web pages:

UKVI: Student Guidance

UKVI: Appendix ATAS

UKVI: Appendix Student

UKVI: Appendix Finance

UKVI: English Language

UKCISA: Student eligibility and requirements 

UKCISA: Making a Student visa application in the UK 

UKCISA: Making a Student visa application outside the UK