Length of visa granted and time limits

Once your visa is granted the length of time it will be valid for will depend on the length of your course. The length of time you are granted is as follows:

Main course of study

Length of course	Length of stay allowed
12 months or more	The full length of the course plus four months after the end of the course
6 months or more, but less than 12 months	The full length of the course plus two months after the end of the course
Less than 6 months	The full length of the course plus seven days after the end of the course

Pre-sessional courses

Length of course	Length of stay allowed
12 months or more	The full length of the course plus four months after the end of the course
6 months or more, but less than 12 months	The full length of the course plus two months after the end of the course
Less than 6 months	The full length of the course plus one month after the end of the course

What if there is a mistake on the length of time I have been given?

Please visit the page for guidance on what to do if there is a mistake with its details.

What are time limits?

There is a time limit (or ‘cap’) on how long you can be in the UK on a Student visa. You must provide the University with details of any previous courses you have studied in the UK and under what visa categories to ensure that you can study at Derby without worrying about the time limit. The time limit depends on what courses you have studied and/or will be studying in the UK.

How is the time limit calculated?

UKVI count in months and will include the total length of your visa when calculating the time limit. This includes the extra periods that are granted after the end of your course. Please use the above table for reference.

What is the time limit for study below degree level?

The time limit for any study undertaken below degree level (RQF level 5 or below) is two years. This includes courses such as the International Foundation Programme, HNDs and Foundation degrees. Any course that leads to a qualification at or below RQF level 5 is included in this time limit.

What is the time limit for study at or above degree level?

The time limit for any study undertaken at degree level (RQF level 6) is five years. This primarily applies to undergraduate courses such as Bachelors degrees.

Are there any exceptions?

Any time spent in the UK studying courses in the following subject areas will be exempt:

Architecture
Dentistry
Medicine
Veterinary Medicine and Science
Certain Music and professional Law courses

The only eligible courses at Derby are those within the Architecture subject area.

What if I need a visa extension and I am over the time limit?

If applying for a visa means you will be over the time limit then you may not be able to apply for another Student visa. You will need to speak to an adviser with regards to your options.

What about Research students?

Masters and Research students are exempt and do not have a time limit on their study.

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