You may not be able to complete your PhD within the validity of your current visa if:
- you have had extension to your submission deadline approved; or
- you need more time to complete the examination process.
In these circumstances, if you are currently in the UK and wish to remain here to complete your studies, you should contact the International Student Office around 3 months prior to your current visa expiring. The information on this page outlines considerations for a student visa extension and relevant timeframes.
ATAS clearance
If you are undertaking a course that is subject to ATAS clearance, you will require a new ATAS certificate. The decision timeframe for applications is at least 30 working days. Your Faculty/Department or Supervisor must provide a new ATAS research statement using an ATAS form. On receipt of this form, you should complete your online application with the FCDO. Nationals from the EEA and Switzerland and the following countries are exempt from an ATAS requirement: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Singapore, Japan, South Korea.
CAS
You will require a new CAS to support a student visa extension application. The earliest a CAS can be issued by the International Student Office is 3 months prior to your current visa expiring but will be later in the following circumstances:
- you are waiting for ATAS clearance – you will normally need the new ATAS certificate before the CAS can be issued;
- you have not yet submitted your thesis for examination and your submission deadline is prior to your current visa expiring – you will need to submit your thesis before the CAS is issued;
- your viva will take place prior to your current visa expiring - you will need to wait until this has taken place before a CAS can be issued.
In issuing the CAS to support a Student visa extension, we are required to confirm to the Home Office that the student has made satisfactory progress in their studies so far. If this is unclear, or concerns have been raised, the International Student Office will liaise with your Degree Committee and Department for further information.
Applying for a student visa extension inside the UK
If, at the time of applying, you have a valid student visa, you will be able to extend your permission to stay from inside the UK. You will need to take the following into consideration:
- The cost of a visa extension.
- If you make an application, you will not be able to travel overseas outside the Common Travel Area (UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) until you have received the new visa.
- The advertised decision timeframe for a student visa application in the UK using the standard service is 8 weeks. Priority and Super Priority services are available at additional cost.
- You will need to provide the International Student Office with proof of application if your new visa is not granted before your current permission expires.
You are advised to read our detailed guidance on applying for Permission to Stay which outlines the procedure to apply.
Applying for a student visa from overseas
There may be circumstances where you are seeking to apply for a student visa overseas in order to return to complete your PhD studies in Cambridge. You will need to manage your absence from Cambridge appropriately and discuss your travel plans with the International Student Office as your return travel dates and the dates in your CAS will determine when you can return on the new visa.
You are advised to read our detailed guidance on applying for Entry Clearance, which outlines the procedures, requirements and application costs. You will note the specific requirements for evidence of funds.
Alternatives to a student visa
It is not necessary to extend your student visa if you choose to complete the requirements of your PhD from overseas. You would normally need to obtain formal permission from the University to be away from Cambridge via the Leave to Work Away process for ‘writing up’ or to undertake corrections. This is a University requirement and ensures your record accurately reflects the reason why you did not hold a valid study visa for a given time.
If you leave the UK and wish to return only for your viva, using visitor immigration permission may be more appropriate. ATAS clearance would still be required.
If you switch from a Student visa into a different immigration category while you are a registered student, you must inform the International Student Office and provide a share code so your record can be updated with your new eVisa.