Student visa timeline

The dates to track while you are still studying.

Checked against gov.uk on 22 Oct 2026

Who this is for: Current students in the UK, and students about to start.

Your timeline is built from three documents you already have: your visa, your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and your course dates. Put the visa end date and the course end date in one calendar. They are often different, and the gap between them decides how much time you have for the next step.

Work backwards from the course end date. Most people who plan well start their job search and sponsor research about six months before the course finishes.

Key points

  • Know both your visa expiry date and your course end date. Write them side by side.
  • Your university reports course completion to the Home Office. That report matters for the Graduate route.
  • Check the work rules on your own visa and with your university before taking any job.
  • Set up and test your access to your online immigration status (eVisa) early.
  • Start building your CV, LinkedIn and sponsor shortlist while you still have term-time support.

Typical order of events

  1. Start of courseNote your visa end date and course end date in one calendar.
  2. Mid-courseUse the university careers service. Start a list of employers and roles.
  3. Final termAsk your university when and how it reports course completion.
  4. Course endsYour university reports completion to the Home Office.
  5. Before your Student visa expiresApply for your next route if you are eligible. Check gov.uk for the current rules.

General information only. This page does not say whether you qualify for anything, and rules change, so check the linked gov.uk pages. For advice on your own case, use an IAA-registered adviser or a solicitor.