Last updated 2026-04-27
Student visa to United Kingdom for U.S. citizens
Study visa, Tier 4 visa
Travel purpose:
Study
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Designed for international students pursuing full-time courses in the UK. The validity depends on the length of the course, plus some additional time before and after the course ends. Study visas may allow limited work hours, usually up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. These visas may lead to longer-term residency options.
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
from 3 months to 11 months
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
£228 (~$310) - £558 (~$758)
Select the purpose of your visit
The selected purpose of the visit determines the visa's cost, processing times, and the list of required supporting documents. The purpose of the visit is often specified in the application form alongside the visa type or category and may also be indicated directly on the visa itself.
Student visa
Eligible individuals
Student
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
5 years
Number of entries:
multiple-entry
Consular fee:
£558 (~$758)
Child student visa
Eligible individuals
Student, schoolchild
Visa validity period:
3 months
Duration of stay:
6 years
Number of entries:
multiple-entry
Consular fee:
£558 (~$758)
Short-term language course visa
Eligible individuals
Student
Visa validity period:
from 6 months to 11 months
Duration of stay:
from 6 months to 11 months
Number of entries:
multiple-entry
Consular fee:
£228 (~$310)