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A1.4 Early Entry

Can I Apply for Another UK Visa After Receiving a Student Visa to Enter Earlier? (September 2025 Update)

 

Question:
A student asked: "I have already obtained my UK Student Visa, with my course starting in January. However, the earliest I can enter the UK is December (as the visa only allows entry one month in advance). Can I apply for another type of UK visa to enter earlier and stay until my Student Visa becomes valid?"

 

Answer:
No, this is not permitted. Here’s why:

  1. Dual Visa Holding Is Not Allowed

Ø  You cannot hold two UK visas simultaneously. If you apply for another visa after already being granted a Student Visa, the new application will be refused outright.

  1. Student Visa Entry Requirements

Ø  A Student Visa is issued specifically for entry from outside the UK. It is designed for overseas international students and generally requires you to be abroad when you first use it.

  1. Switching Visas Within the UK

Ø  If you are already in the UK on a short-term visa (e.g., a Standard Visitor Visa), you cannot switch to a Student Visa from inside the UK in most cases.

Ø  Exceptions may apply in specific circumstances, such as:

u  Language course visas with a CAS: If you hold a visa for a pre-sessional language course (with a CAS) that leads directly to your main degree course, you can apply to switch to a Student Visa within the UK.

u  Pandemic or exceptional situations: Temporary concessions (e.g., during COVID-19) sometimes allowed in-country switching from short-term visas, but this is not standard policy.

  1. Key Distinction: Language Courses with CAS vs. Short-Term Study

Ø  A language course with a CAS is considered part of the Student Visa route and can be extended within the UK to a full Student Visa.

Ø  A Short-Term Study Visa (e.g., for a language course without a CAS) does not allow switching to a Student Visa from inside the UK.

 

Important Reminder:
Always check the latest UKVI rules before making travel or visa plans. If your course starts in January, plan to enter the UK no earlier than one month before your course start date, as stated on your visa. Attempting to bypass this rule through a second visa application will lead to refusal.