Is my student visa for the London semester program still valid, or do I need to apply for a new one?
08 Oct 2026 · Answered by Deepak Kumar · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
It depends on your visa's expiry date and type. Student visas typically cover the course plus a short period: four months for courses of 12 months or more, two months for 6 to 11 months, and 7 days for under 6 months.
It depends on the expiry date and type of your student visa, so check yours before assuming it covers the whole semester. If it does not reach the end of your programme, you may need to apply for a new visa.
What Decides Validity
| Factor | What applies |
|---|---|
| Typical coverage | Course duration plus a short period after it: 2 months for courses of 6 to 11 months and 7 days for courses under 6 months |
| Courses of 12 months or more | Typically the course length plus four additional months |
| If the visa ends before the semester | You may need to apply for a new visa |
What to Check
- The expiry date printed on your visa.
- Any specific conditions attached to your visa.
- Whether the end date falls after your semester finishes.
My Advice
Compare your visa expiry date with your programme end date as soon as you receive your visa. If there is a gap, raise it with your university's international office before travelling.
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